Nikki, and award-winning freelance Director, Devisor and Writer, Sarah Argent, think about what they wish for in the making of work for young people.  More about Vivian Gussin Paley  Imaginate Homepage  Theatre Artemis – The Invisible Man   If you have any suggestions for future guests, let us know here.  Sign up to our mailing list for performance makers for young audiences here.

For this episode Nikki speaks to Artist, Educator and Researcher, Dr. Penny Hay. This conversation touches on Penny's exciting collaborative project, Forest of Imagination, which will be taking place this June and July, as well as delving into ideas around children as artists and the important role of creativity in our society.  See links from this conversation below: Andrew Grant Super Trees Forest of Imagination Home Page Living Tree, at The Egg Living Tree, Mirror Maze Film about Living Tree Joseph Beuys House of Imagination Ken Robinson Ken Robinson: Do schools kill creativity? ‘Children Are Artists’ by Penny Hay ‘Steps to an Ecology of Mind’ School Without Walls Researching Children, Researching the world   If you have any suggestions for future guests, let us know here.

Nikki sits down with Amber Ruby, one of the Associate Artists at Company Three, to talk about what a usual week looks like at this inspiring company. Amber is a Writer, Director and Associate Artist at Company Three, and has recently become an Associate artist for Outbox theatre. Company Three is a leading force for change for teenagers in their local community and around the world. They are a theatre company led by the ideas of their 75 members aged 11-19. They recruit members through deep-rooted relationships locally and share their practice globally to impact teenagers everywhere. Working in Islington, North London, Company Three make transformative theatre through long-term collaboration between young people and professional theatre-makers. Their plays have been performed at the National Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, the Royal Exchange Theatre, the Yard Theatre and on the BBC. Their awards include the Peter Brook Empty Space Award for Innovation, the Stage Award for Community Project of the Year and Outstanding Drama Initiative at the Music and Drama Education Awards.     Why We Make Things: Main Page Company Three Website

Nikki and Ellie chat about Oily Cart’s work and the value of sensory theatre for all.   Ellie Griffiths is the Artistic Director of Oily Cart. Ellie comes with a national and growing international reputation as one of the most exciting makers of performance for children and young people with PMLD and for those on the Autism Spectrum. Oily Cart reimagines theatre to include all young people. They create interactive, sensory shows that tour across the UK and internationally. Performances use sounds, smells, touch, lights, music and movement, and can take place on a stage, a trampoline, or even up in the air. All their work is made for and with children and young people, regardless of their age or perceived ability.   Why We Make Things: Main Page Oily Cart Website

Nikki, Sue and Ingrid talk about their first experiences of theatre and performance, and deep dive into The Global Playground by Theatre Rites.  Dr Sue Buckmaster is the Artistic Director of Theatre-Rites, a puppetry expert and the fourth generation of theatre practitioners in her family. Ingrid Hu is a scenographer, designer and artist working in theatre and multidisciplinary design in the UK and internationally. She worked on Theatre Rites' 'The Global Playground' as the Designer.  Why We Make Things: Main Page Theatre Rites Website About 'The Global Playground' 'The Global Playground' trailer  More about Sue Buckmaster More about Ingrid Hu

Nikki, Sarah and Lyn talk about the perception of performance for young audiences in the industry and ways to effectively galvanise.   Sarah Brigham is the Artistic Director and CEO of Derby Theatre. Lyn Gardner is a theatre critic, associate editor of The Stage and a children’s author. Why We Make Things: Main Page Lyn Gardner: Theatre professionals who devalue kids’ theatre need to grow up (thestage.co.uk) Lyn Gardner: Michael Billington says education projects are subordinate – here's a lesson for him (thestage.co.uk) Sarah’s tweet that inspired this converastion