Our Team

Archie studied Applied theatre and Community drama at University where he developed his passion for working with communities and creating theatre for the oppressed. He has also worked in Education for two years where he learned the importance of working with young people. He enjoys connecting with others and helping them develop their confidence by introducing them to our variety of work experience and volunteering opportunities.

Charley is a lead facilitator and creative practitioner at Odd Arts. In 2016 Charley graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with a MA In Applied Theatre in the criminal justice system. Charley is passionate about enabling people to express themselves through a creative outlet allowing them to explore ideas in ways they may not have felt comfortable before. Charley strongly believes in the positive impact theatre can have on people’s well-being, whilst increasing morale and enabling people to learn and grow whilst building cohesive and safer communities.

Jai has worked with young people for over 19 years. He trained as an actor at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts after 3 years at Lambeth College. Most of his experience has been with excluded groups and children from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds. Jai is a big supporter of the idea of using arts and the offspring of their tools, in all it’s forms, as a gift for all to enjoy. Originally from Brixton south London, Jai has a vested interest using music and poetry in the spoken form to inspire a positive resolution.

Meg studied Contemporary Performance and Theatre at MMU and it was here that she discovered the transformative power of Boal’s Forum theatre. Meg has spent years performing, directing and facilitating with groups all over the world, but nowhere is quite like Manchester. She loves to find the comedy in every situation, even the more difficult, studying clown with Gaulier and comedy improv with the Maydays. Fascinated by people and how they choose to relate, Meg is also a relationship coach, using Marshall Rosenberg’s methods, a touch of theatre and a whole heap of playfulness.

Yasmin has over 17 years experience in organising and managing a wide variety of bookings and events within the arts and culture setting. Yasmin joined Odd Arts in December 2020 and the Odd Values are something that Yasmin really believes in and has taken to heart. Aside from this, Yasmin loves all things cat, and at one point had 7 furry feline friends!

Barney is an actor, director and creative mind. He studied Acting at Manchester School of Theatre (MMU) and since graduating has worked predominantly in theatre, He is a strong believer in the power of expression and its ability to empower people and improve lives. He enjoys watching the sunset, pineapple on pizza and his beloved Manchester United!

Curtis is an actor, writer and director based in Manchester. With over 12 years industry experience Curtis now uses his skills to tell the stories of and represent the disenfranchised in our society, working with various theatre companies, film-makers and, of course, Odd Arts.

Jess studied acting at UCLAN and always enjoyed facilitating drama in community settings and schools alongside her studies. Since graduating she has performed and facilitated performing arts throughout the UK. Jess loves adapting to different settings with people from age 4 all the way up to adulthood!

Pay is a Creative/Drama Practitioner, Actor, Director and Artist who’s love and passion for Blacktivism, people and community drive her to utilise the arts as a tool for change. As a proud Drama graduate from the University of Manchester she utilises the higher education she was privileged to receive to help those less privileged. Her passion is empowering other minority groups, using the arts as a tool to unite, provoke and rouse change. Pay is also obsessed with Friends.

Zainab graduated with a BA (Hons) and MA from the University of Manchester. She has previous experience in leading projects in community organisations and has a keen interest in heritage and identity in young people and working against gender inequality. Outside of work, she enjoys reading (her personal best is 113 books in one year) and rewatching Friends.

Emily is a creative facilitator and performer. After studying Drama at The University of Manchester she went on to lead theatre projects with various community groups across the UK. Emily is a passionate about delivering workshops to those who may have had little exposure to drama and the arts.

Jo is a an Artist/Photographer and Writer/Director of short films, who loves all forms of storytelling, creative activism … and acrobatics. Jo has over 20 years experience of youth work and arts facilitation and has a passion for using the arts to make change.

Rebecca co founded Odd Arts whilst still at The University of Manchester studying Drama after being inspired by her work and training with the ‘legend’ Augusto Boal in Brazil. Rebecca has a keen interest in using interactive and participant lead theatre performances to tackle radicalisation, youth violence and aggressive behaviour.

Char has a wide variety of office admin and marketing experience and joined Odd in Jan 2018. With a passion for social media Char enjoys keeping our audiences updated on current projects when she is not dealing with very important budgeting spreadsheets! Char also runs her own crochet blanket business on the side.

Jade works on the Creative Community Resettlement programme, she is also an actor and facilitator within Odd Arts. Having studied Drama at The University of Manchester Jade has since toured Italy as an actor in Theatre In Education and spent years working with the community through a grass roots equestrian social enterprise (yes, that means horses)! Jade loves to work with anyone and everyone, she has a passion for making people feel part of a wider drama family and has a particular interest in facilitating script writing.

Leila is also Odd Arts’ Volunteer Coordinator. Leila is a performer, facilitator, writer and theatre-maker, originally from Brighton. After studying European Theatre Arts at Rose Bruford, she went on to create the blog Fleiling Through Life and set up her own theatre company, Soup-Stained Arts. Leila is passionate about squashing gender inequality, tackling climate change and jam doughnuts.

Stephanie is the Office Administrator at Odd Arts. Stephanie has a background in theatre and is a freelance playwright. Stephanie is passionate about social change and often volunteers for Care 4 Calais and FoodCycle, and is a member of the Socialist Workers Party. Stephanie loves all forms of storytelling and community work and often combines the two.

Courtney is a film enthusiast who has been making short films since 2005. After completing a degree in theatre studies and performing arts, Courtney turned his attention from the stage to the screen. He is passionate about sharing his skills with young people and creating pieces that challenge and inspire the local community.

Rosalyne is a creative practitioner that specialises in taking theatre and creative arts to marginalised communities. Ros studied Acting and Community Theatre at East 15 Acting School and is passionate about ensuring that people have the opportunity to engage in high quality art regardless of their backgrounds and abilities.