Alice Penny - Sessional Leader - Infants Drama Group
Alice is a professionally trained Actress, training at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London. She has a host of experience of working creatively with children, both as a Performer & Storyteller, Drama teacher, Theatre Practitioner, and award winning entertainer ('Netmum's' favourite entertainer in the north west award). With a huge passion to inspire children's imaginations Alice started working with kids in 2007, & later went on to set up 'Mother hen' in 2011, a small & independent, award winning children's theatre company that aims to create wonderful, multi-sensory, interactive theatre experiences for children, that are accessible to all. Alice's work with Mother hen has been varied and diverse, delivering projects in schools & nurseries & children's centres right across the north-west, regularly working on the Royal exchange theatres family friendly events, for Manchester libraries, in hospitals, community centres, theatres & art galleries, gardens, festivals, at parties, or even in people's homes. Alice strives to offer the highest quality performing arts in a nurturing environment, and her holistic approach treats every child as an individual. Alice thinks that there are a million different ways to learn about the world and have fun, and whole-heartedly believes in the power of imagination, laughter and nonsense!
Debbie Olsen - Sessional Leader - Junior Drama Group
Debbie is the head of drama at St Patricks RC High School in Salford and has lived in Stretford for over 10 years. Debbie was raised in Blackpool where she studied dance and drama for many years, appearing in shows at the Winter Gardens, Opera House and Grand Theatre. After completing a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts she moved to London and started working front of house and backstage at the Adelphi Theatre. Debbie then gained a place at Rose Bruford College and completed 2 years of a BA Hons degree in acting before leaving to bring up her son Lewis. She completed the degree at St Martins College in Lancaster and then deciding to go in a new direction and complete her teacher training. Debbie has since worked in secondary schools directing shows from 'Little Shop of Horrors' to 'the crucible' and working on projects such as 'Shakespeare for schools' and with organisations such as The People's Museum. She is really excited to be working with the Junior section as it is a challenge different to her day to day job.
Niall Brennan - Sessional Leader - Junior Drama Group
Niall Brennan is an Applied Theatre practitioner and graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Based in Stretford, Niall has been facilitating drama and film projects with young people for over 6 years. Working for organisations such as The British Film Institute, Pauline Quirke Academy and NCS.
Niall is also a qualified PGCE Secondary Drama teacher from the Manchester Metropolitan University.
Niall is really interested in exploring community engagement through multiple and diverse art platforms.
Gemma Richmond - Sessional Leader - Infants & Senior Drama Group
Gemma Richmond has an extensive and diverse theatre background. Ranging from performance, directing and facilitation. Graduating from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London(specialising in Applied Theatre) Gemma has been based in Stretford since 2016 and facilitates with both the youngest and oldest groups at SCT.
Performance, Film Making, Physical Theatre, Puppetry, and Teacher in Role are all core to Gemmas practice. Allowing young people and children to explore their creativity in a safe and nurturing platform.
When Gemma is not facilitating at SCT, she works for one of the country’s leading Learning Disability Charities. Supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues to live the life that they choose. Her experience has equipped her with knowledge on how best to support people with social and educational challenges.