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Applied Theatre Podcast

Tom Craig 34 episodes Latest Mar 11, 2026

Applied Theatre Podcast is hosted by applied performance maker Tom Craig, featuring interviews with applied artists, educators, and practitioners. The show aims to build a community for applied practitioners to share their practice and raise the profile of their work. Episodes are available on Apple, Spotify, and Google.

Episodes

S01 E34 -Sulu LeoNimm/ Theatre of the Oppressed NYC Mar 11, 2026 00:50:58 Subscribe on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (with subtitles) – Applied Theatre PodcastIn this episode I speak with Sulu LeoNimm, Executive Director and Joker at Theatre of the Oppressed NYC.Sulu shares their journey from performer and theatre maker into applied practice rooted in the work of Augusto Boal, and reflects on what it means to use theatre as a tool to explore power, dialo

S01 E33 -Altered Skin / When We See Ourselves Feb 8, 2026 00:44:07 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (with subtitles) – Applied Theatre PodcastIn this episode, Shane Shambhu, (Creative Director of Altered Skin), Shireenah Ingram (Actor and founder of Red Lens) and I spoke about the creation of When We See Ourselves, a multidisciplinary theatre performance exploring intercultural relationships, diaspora, hierarchy and identity.We reflected on how th

S01 E32 -Chris Sonnex / Cardboard Citizens Oct 23, 2025 00:59:56 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (with subtitles) – Applied Theatre PodcastChris Sonnex, Artistic Director of Cardboard Citizens, joins me to discuss how theatre can challenge inequality and create genuine pathways for people with lived experience of homelessness and poverty. From hostel tours to award winning films and now a new anthology, More Than One Story, Chris shares how the

S01 E31 - Marc Brew - An Accident / a life. Sep 17, 2025 00:50:07 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastMarc Brew, Internationally renowned and award winning disabled artist and Artistic Director of the Marc Brew Company, joins me to discuss his powerful new performance An Accident / A Life. Inspired by the car accident that changed his life 27 years ago, the work weaves dance, theatre and live projections t

S01 E30 - Dr. Sarah Saddler / Performing Corporate Bodies, Multinational Theatre in Global India. Apr 18, 2025 00:56:43 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastProfessor Sarah Saddler explores her groundbreaking research on the role of Applied Theatre within corporate settings, particularly across India, South Africa, and the UAE. Drawing from her book Performing Corporate Bodies, she discusses how theatre techniques, such as role play and improvisation a

S01 E29 - Balancing Act / Devising Joy Nurturing Well-being. Feb 24, 2025 00:33:37 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastMattea and Lydia form Balancing Act, a theatre company focused on playfulness and storytelling for all. They share their approach to devising theatre that creates inclusive, supportive spaces where participants—regardless of background, age, or experience—can express themselves freely.They discuss

S01 E28 - Dr. Luke Allder / ATTUNE Project Feb 4, 2025 00:44:44 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastEpisode SummaryDr. Luke Allder, an applied performance and visual artist practitioner, joins me to discuss the Attune Project, a large-scale research initiative exploring creativity and mental health in adolescents with adverse childhood experiences. Luke, based at the University of Kent, collabora

S01 E27 - Dr. Thalia Goldstein / Why Theatre Education Matters. Sep 29, 2024 00:49:09 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastDr. Thalia Goldstein, an associate professor and director of the Applied Developmental Psychology program in the Department of Psychology at George Mason University, released a new book titled 'Why Theatre Education Matters' in the summer of 2024. The book delves into the examination of psychologic

S01 E26 -Marie Vickers / Artistic Director, London Bubble Theatre. Aug 31, 2024 00:47:29 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastLondon Bubble Theatre is situated in South London and primarily operates in Southwark. Marie Vickers, the Artistic Director, enthusiastically detailed the theatre’s exceptional community-facing programmes, showcasing their dedication to providing the community with genuine, adventurous, and thought

S01 E25 -Sam Marsden / Author- A Pocketful Of Drama (Drama Resource Book Series). Aug 5, 2024 00:33:26 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastDiscover the insightful world of "A Pocket Full of Drama" by the talented author Sam Marsden, part of their Drama Resource Book Series. Sam's firsthand experience of teaching in both regular and non-traditional education settings gives you a real feel for how these books are put together. They're w

S01 E24 -Paul Sutton / Artistic Director, C&T - Computers & Theatre. Feb 28, 2024 00:46:54 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastComputers & Theatre, led by Artistic Director Paul Sutton, revolutionises how participatory theatre is made, accessed and experienced. Our conversation explores their mission to make responsive Applied Theatre accessible to classrooms and participants globally. Their technology ‘Prospero’ is d

S01 E23 -Paul Bayes-Kitcher /Artistic Director, Fallen Angels Dance Theatre. Nov 20, 2023 00:59:46 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastFallen Angels Dance Theatre is led by ‘Artist in recovery’, Paul Bayes-Kitcher. A former professional Ballet Dancer, Paul shared with me his highest highs and lowest lows, detailing how his own struggles with addiction led him to form Fallen Angels. The company which is Liverpool-based, provides ou

S01 E22 -Robert van Leer / Executive Director & CEO, Wallis Annenberg Centre Oct 22, 2023 00:23:32 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastThe Wallis Annenberg Centre for Performing Arts, in Beverly Hills, California has a new Executive Director and CEO. Robert shared with me the already outstanding work the Wallis has produced to earn its reputable identity within the Beverly Hills community. Roberts vision, driven by the voices of n

S01 E21 - Tony Cealy / Facilitation & Community Theatre Sep 27, 2023 01:05:26 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastTony Cealy is a British Applied Theatre Practitioner. His work spans all community practice areas including workshop facilitation, performance making and facilitator training. Spending the hour with Tony chatting through his story, his training and the work he now produces highlights how much he lo

S01 E20 -Bullet Point Theatre Company ‘Our Last First’ May 31, 2023 00:45:43 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastBullet Point Theatre Company consists of Writer, Lucinda Coyle and Director, Samuel Xavier. From 6th June - 14th June their show, ‘Our Last First’ will be performed at The Space Theatre, London. Both Lucy and Samuel share a passion for change-making. Throughout our conversation, they shared with me

S01 E19 - Unanima Theatre / Learning Disabled & Autistic Theatre Company Feb 13, 2023 S1E19 - Unanima Theatre / Learning Disabled & Autistic Theatre Company Applied Theatre Podcast Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastTracy and Brad are Artistic Act

S01 E18 - Adrian Gardner / Producer - Outreach & Inclusion (Lyric Hammersmith, London). Jan 16, 2023 00:35:59 Adrian shared with me his passion for people and producing theatre. After our conversation he made me realise great producing involves consideration for the people who both make and experience art. His passion for truthful authentic spaces outlines his approach to ensuring Outreach & Inclusion is genuine, exciting and provoking. Thank you Adrian for your time. Adrian’s links:Twitter - @adriand

S01 E17 - Aaron Landsman and Mallory Catlett / The City We Make Together: City Council Meeting's Primer for Participation Oct 6, 2022 00.55.55 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastHonoured to have been approached to interview Aaron and Mallory about their new book, ‘The City We Make Together: City Council Meeting’s Primer For Participation’. The book explores their performance City Council Meeting which is just that! Using verbatim accounts from real city council meetings, A

S01 E16 - Casey Bailey / Grime Boy & From This Soil. Aug 4, 2022 00:42:19 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and YouTube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastCasey & I discussed his journey. From where he started, the Birmingham raised Grime Emcee had aspirations of being Birmingham’s biggest and brightest act. Casey didn’t stop there. This conversation is littered with inspiration and a dive into the mindset of a writer, performer and educator. Ea

S01 E15 - Georgia Bowers / Applied Theatre and Older Adults Jun 1, 2022 00:35:45 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastInspiring conversation with Applied Theatre Researcher, Georgia Bowers. Her passion for Applied practice with older adults has contributed to her research ‘Applied Theatre and Older Adults: The Impact of Theatrical Engagement with Adults aged 65+’. Georgia’s research further evidences how transfor

S01 E14 - Theatre Peckham / Phillippe Cato May 12, 2022 00:32:47 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastPeckham Fringe Festival @ Peckham Theatre from 2nd May - 5th Junehttps://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/theatre-peckham-presents-peckham-fringe/Theatre Peckham is an award-winning cultural venue for artistic excellence and social change. Through the power of theatre, we illuminate young voices, provide s

S01 E13 - Dr Nicky Abraham & Victoria Ruddock Mar 25, 2022 00:48:35 Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre PodcastIncredible conversation with Dr Nicola Abraham, (Senior Lecturer, Applied Theatre Practices, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama) and Victoria Ruddock, (Dementia Specialist Healthcare Support Worker, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust) detailing their work on a range of Applied Theatre, fil

S01 E12 - Trybe House Theatre Jan 11, 2022 1:07:00 I was joined by Philip, Chenube and Stefan to talk everything Trybe. ‘Trybe House Theatre is a newly formed company which seeks to actively build resilience and self-wellbeing, primarily with young black men aged 16- 25, using theatre as a supportive outlet’. Throughout the episode, I learned how Trybe formed, how they work and their approaches to delivering creative projects which are supported t

S01 E11 - Rebecca Gadsby - Inside Theatre Nov 29, 2021 00:35:32 ‘The worlds first interactive Theatre App!’ - Inside Theatre are the company behind the superb app ‘inside Theatre’. Speaking with Creative Director, Rebecca Gadsby, who explained to me how the app works, who the app is for and why this technology is so great! You can download the App now @ Apple and Google Stores.

David Allen - Dorothy Heathcote Now: International Conference Sep 20, 2021 00:26:03 I got the opportunity to speak with the brilliant David Allen, Artistic Director of Midland Actors Theatre, ahead of their Dorothy Heathcote Now: International Conference. David, a true student of Dorothy’s practice shared with me all the information on the up and coming conference. Explaining ‘For some people think Dorothy Heathcote is part of the past. Part of the history of Drama in Education.

S01 E09 - Martha Godber, (The Godber Theatre Foundation). Aug 9, 2021 00:21:33 A conversation with Martha Godber, Founder of the Godber Theatre Foundation. The foundation aims to support Actors & Theatre creatives with their HE training. Whether supporting undergraduates with tuition, networking, or Actor essentials (headshots, spotlight), the foundation focuses intensely on championing future creatives from Hull and East Yorkshire.Over the course of the conversation, we

S01 E08 - Jen Sumner (Artistic Director, Hubbub Theatre Co.) Jul 2, 2021 01:01:46 Inspiring conversation with Jen Summer, Artistic Director of Hubbub Theatre Company. Jen’s practice alongside learning disabled actors/participants has cultivated a methodology known as ‘The Hubbub Way’. Jen explains that ‘the Hubbub way has become a language and a philosophy’. We discussed how the company devise and create performance exploring ‘the space in-between’. Approaches to co-creating wi

S01 E07 - Shereen Jasmin Phillips (Director of Taking Part, Young Vic Theatre) May 24, 2021 01:05:12 Loved speaking with Shereen, Director of Taking Part @ Young Vic Theatre, London. A conversation with Shereen had been recommended to me by a colleague, who described her as a powerhouse in the world of Applied Theatre’. She certainly lived up to her reputation, inspiring and amazing me with her passion for the incredible work she produces and the theatre she represents. Over the course of the e

S01 E06 - Dr Chris Bolton (Senior Lecturer in Drama Education @ BCU) Mar 29, 2021 01:28:09 Absolute pleasure to have interviewed Dr Chris Bolton, Senior Lecturer in Drama Education at Birmingham City University. Chris discussed:- his doctorate research ‘Economies of Performance, Ecologies of Practice and Communities of Discovery: A collaborative approach to support Newly Qualified Teachers and their teacher identity (link to research below).

S01 E05 - Holly Barradell (Open Drama UK) Mar 8, 2021 00:48:25 Episode 05 - Holly Barradell (Open Drama UK)Subscribe on Spotify, Apple & Google Podcasts and Youtube (w/subtitles) - Applied Theatre Podcast Really enjoyed speaking with Holly Barradell, Co-Founder of Open Drama UK. ( opendramauk.org ) ’We are Drama teachers, theatre practitioners and industry experts seeking an innovative way to engage with other like-minded individuals and organisations acr

S01 E04 - Deborah Pakkar-Hull (Blah Blah Blah Theatre Company) Feb 8, 2021 01:09:53 Episode 04 - Deborah Pakkar Hull (The Blahs) I was joined by Deborah Pakkar-Hull, Artistic Director of Blah Blah Blah Theatre Company, Leeds. ( https://www.blahs.co.uk/ ) ' Theatre Company Blah Blah Blah has 34 years’ experience creating high-quality participatory theatre with and for children and young people, their parents/carers and teachers. We work with multi-skilled artists and award-winning

S01 E03 - Philip ‘J’ Morris & Keiren Hamilton-Amos - The Lightpost Company Nov 5, 2020 01:19:12 Keiren & I interviewed Philip Morris about their experiences producing and facilitating ‘The Lightpost Comany’ during their time working for Birmingham Rep. We then spoke to Philip about his career to date and his journey from a graduate to now working for Young Vic. Thank you to both Keiren and Philip. The Lightpost Project. - "The aim was simply to create a safe space where young Black men c

S01 E02 - Ava Hunt / Verbatim Theatre Oct 30, 2020 01:08:26 Ava & I caught up to discuss her Verbatim practice and MA in Applied Theatre at Derby University.'Ava Hunt is a practitioner in theatre for young people and scholars at the University of Derby.With a long career in acting in TV, film, and the corporate world, she also works as a directorand producer. She trained with Augusto Boal in Forum and Rainbow of Desire, worked withChris Johnston theatr

S01 E01 - Malcolm Jennings / The Playhouse Oct 8, 2020 01:01:05 Applied Theatre Podcast - Episode 01 - Malcolm Jennings - The Playhouse.I got the opportunity to speak with Malcolm regarding the skills required to create, manage and deliver Theatre in Education. We also discussed the trajectory of The Playhouse and the importance of drama/storytelling/creative learning in schools.For more info:https://www.theplayhouse.org.uk/To support:https://www.theplayhouse.

Applied Theatre Podcast

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