MED THEATRE - Key Persons
Abby has worked for MED Theatre's since October 2008 and stepped up as Artistic Director in 2022 after the death of Mark Beeson. Abby gained a First Class honours degree in drama from Exeter University in 2003 and went on to study an MA in acting at East 15 drama school in London. Throughout her training Abby gained experience in stage combat techniques, physical theatre, music and dance. Following her MA she worked as an actress for three years in London and toured schools across the UK and Ireland as an education worker.
Job Titles:
- EDUCATION and OUTreach Officer
Evie started working for MED Theatre in 2022. Before this, Evie had been involved with MED Theatre for over 20 years, joining the community play at 8 years old, continuing through MED Theatre's youth programmes, and then onto our adult groups. Evie has a great passion for drama, and since she was 14 she has been part of a Live Action Role Play group which for the last 5 years she has also helped to run. She is a registered Occupational Therapist and believes strongly in accessibility and inclusivity, and feels that drama can be instrumental in personal growth as well as supporting mental wellbeing.
Gillian Webster has been involved with MED Theatre since 1987 on a freelance basis as a musician, composer, and creative music workshop leader. She joined MED Theatre's staff base as Company Development Officer in September 2009, working 3 days a week. At the time of Mark Beeson's death Gillian, alongside Abby, stepped up and has taken on greater responsibility for the organisational running of MED Theatre. Gillian studied physics with geophysics at Exeter University, completing research for a PhD in crystallography before changing direction to pursue a career in the arts and music, her original love.
Job Titles:
- EDUCATION and ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Helen joined MED Theatre in 2016, her interest in community theatre having grown from her time at university where she studied Drama and English Literature, including an in-depth exploration into global community theatre practice and the work of Augusto Boal. She has worked as a facilitator, director, writer and as front of house for many Devon-based companies and has a passion for using theatre not only as an art form but also as a basis for improving self-confidence and the ability to achieve and gain more from life. Helen is studying at Exeter University on the MA Applied Theatre course.
Job Titles:
- Artistic and Marketing Officer
Suvi joined MED theatre in May 2016. She is a graduate of the Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London and has an MA in Theatre and Global Development from the University of Leeds. Suvi has worked as a community artist in Finland developing ways to incorporate arts into social security services and leading activities for their clientele. She has coordinated and led projects and theatre groups for young people and adults with varying needs and backgrounds. Suvi has grown up in the countryside in Finland and feels very much at home in Dartmoor and Moretonhampstead.