Team
Meet the team
RACHEL WINTERS
Founder & Practitioner
Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m an actor and theatre practitioner and I live in Stratford-upon-Avon.
I trained at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where I gained a First Class Honours Degree in Acting in 2008. Since then, I’ve worked as an actor in TV and theatre, working for companies like The Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe and the BBC.
I’ve also spent the last fifteen years working as an education practitioner at different organisations across the UK. At Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, I’ve delivered hundreds of workshops for young people. As well as working at the theatre itself, I’ve worked for them internationally (in China and the US). I’m also a short course tutor at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where I’m a regular BA Acting audition panellist too.
CHRIS NAYAK
Practitioner
Hi, I’m Chris! I’m an actor with 20 years professional experience. My work includes numerous performances for the Royal Shakespeare Company, Shakespeare’s Globe and the National Theatre. I’ve performed in the West End, in the UK, and off-Broadway in the US. My screen work includes various TV shows for the BBC and ITV, and I’m currently working on Season 2 of a series for Netflix.
For the last 16 years, I’ve also been an education practitioner, working with students all over the world, including directing at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, LAMDA, and Birmingham Conservatoire.
ELOISE SECKER
Practitioner
Hello! I’m Eloise and I’m an actor and theatre practitioner based in Stratford Upon Avon.
I’ve spent the last 8 years playing with Shakespeare’s words in rehearsal rooms for companies such as the RSC and Shakespeare’s Globe. It’s the sense of play and fun in these rehearsal rooms, and then taking those discoveries and sharing them with an audience of over 1000 people each night, that has opened up Shakespeare’s language for me. That’s why I’m so passionate about sharing that knowledge with others.
I work regularly as a practitioner for the RSC, running workshops for those aged 5-95! This work has taken me all over the world. It’s a joy to see how this work unites us all and how it comes alive when we find our own voice within it.
LORI HOPKINS
Practitioner
Hello, I’m Lori. I’ve been an education practitioner and professional puppeteer for over a decade, working in theatre, on screen and in community outreach. I trained at the Academy of Dramatic Arts in Prague, Rose Bruford College and London School of Puppetry.I have facilitated projects for Shakespeare’s Globe Education, Birmingham Hippodrome, Potential Difference Theatre Company and Orange Tree Theatre. I deliver a wide range of education and community projects that use drama as a tool for accessibility, learning and developing social and performance skills. My specialisms are theatre for young audiences, Shakespeare and performing with puppets.I perform regularly as a puppeteer for companies including Little Angel Theatre, Creature Encounters and Bamboozle Theatre. I also tour my own productions and I’ve just premiered my brand new show Laika The Space Dog, which appeared at theatres and outdoor venues this year.
TOM MCCALL
Practitioner
Hi, my name is Tom. I’ve been working as an actor and educator since 2008. I have a BA (Hons) in Theatre Arts from Middlesex University and I trained as an actor at LAMDA.
As an actor, I have worked extensively in theatre, TV and film, for companies including the BBC, Netflix, ITV, Royal Shakespeare Company, Birmingham Rep and in The West End.
As an educator, I teach at Bristol School of Acting and Oxford School of Drama, where I am also a member of the audition panel.
EMMA SMITH
Practitioner
Hello my name is Emma and I am a qualified teacher.
My previous roles have included Head of Year 8 as well as lead teacher in charge of French.
I have 9 years experience working in secondary school from KS3 to A level and 3 years experience working in primary schools, from early years to KS2.
I am passionate about helping young people develop the skills to fulfill their creative potential.