Board Information Pack 2016

Contents

1. Welcome 2. Our Vision and Values 3. History - Background and Achievements 4. Artistic Programme 2016 - 18 5. Board Responsibilities 6. Board Recruitment Process 7. Board and Staff 8. Board Biographies

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1. Welcome After 6 years as a project funded company, 20 Stories High joined Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of funded organisations in April 2012 and have been successful in securing a second round of NPO funding, 2015-18. We are extremely well regarded, both locally and nationally, as a theatre company creating work with and for young people. Through strong and growing partnerships, our work is not only reaching more audiences and participants, but it is positively influencing the way venues, organisations and artists engage with young people. We continue to have young people at the heart of our activity and through the development of the participation programme, and, by bringing professional artists together with our young people, we reflect their voices and integrity in our work locally, regionally and nationally. At the centre of our company and its activity remains our commitment to excellence and diversity, enabling us to create work that is risky, innovative and surprising, providing for our partners, audiences and participants challenging and stimulating opportunities, reflecting the ever-changing world in which we live. Julia Samuels and Keith Saha Co-Artistic Directors

The Broke ‘N’ Beat Collective (2016)

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2. Our Vision and Values

Our Vision 20 Stories High make theatre with… young people from excluded communities, emerging & world-class artists to tell stories that are… gritty, lyrical, melodic, rebellious, contemporary, mashed-up, authentic, original, visual, challenging, youthful, tender anarchic, diverse, surprising, booming, political, funny, collaborative and heart-felt. We bring young people into theatre venues and go out into their communities. We hail from Liverpool, but our reach is national We believe everybody’s got a story to tell...and their own way of telling it...

Our Values 20 Stories High value… Playfulness, Equality, Excellence, Honesty, Hope, and being Political.

RAIN (2010)

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3. History - Background and Achievements Everybody’s got a story to tell …. and their own way of telling it.......

2006-11 20 Stories High was established in 2006 and is led by co-Artistic Directors, Julia Samuels and Keith Saha. It is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity. 20 Stories High has gone from strength to strength, producing and touring award-winning professional productions and creating high quality participatory projects. In 2010, the production of Ghost Boy won the 2011 Brian Way Award for the UK’s Best New Play for young people, and also Best Touring Production from the Liverpool Daily Post Awards. Blackberry Trout Face received the 2010 Brian Way Award for Best New Play for Young People, and was shortlisted as Best New Play by the Manchester Evening News, 2009. Dark Star Rising was selected as one of ten models of good practice nationally as part of the DCMS funded Arts Council England’s Young People’s Participatory Theatre Project (YPPT). “I will never forget the impact [Ghost Boy] had on its young audience, who entered the theatre disengaged and mildly defensive and left empowered and utterly enchanted.” Gemma Bodinetz on Ghost Boy (Artistic Director, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse) “Rarely is a play so fresh seen on the Liverpool stage. The performances are first rate, the script economical, witty and in command of its subject matter. An absolute triumph. 10/10” Liverpool Echo on Ghost Boy “So loved Babul, and for different reasons loved this - common thread honest, heartfelt and responsible shows for youth audience.” Jonny Siddall on Babul and the Blue Bear (Drama Officer, Redbridge Drama Centre)

Whole (2013)

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Alongside our Organisational Review, we ran a creative development programme, collaborating with artists and young people to develop ideas for our ongoing programme of work. We piloted a Young Digital Programme with 12 young people creating two short films with Digital Artist, Gavin Wood, and co-Artistic Director, Keith Saha. Although hugely successful, after evaluation, we agreed to put on hold producing specific digital projects, as our young people are more interested in developing their theatre skills and live theatre. Our ongoing digital work will be seen through our professional productions and an online participatory offer.

2012-14 In April 2012, we were very proud to become part of Arts Council England’s National Portfolio of funded organisations, securing three years’ of funding until 2015. In the Summer 2012, our Youth Theatre presented The Universe and Me in Liverpool, which also toured to Manchester Royal Exchange, as part of the Truth About Youth Festival. Tales from the MP3, a gritty, honest and transformative piece of verbatim theatre, was presented by our Young Actors Company in December, 2012 at the Bluecoat, Liverpool, capturing real stories in a strikingly honest and touching way using live music, song drama and new media. In Spring 2013, the production toured to our partner venue in Peterborough as part of The Key Theatre’s Youth Festival and in Summer 2014, it previewed at the Everyman Playhouse before going on national tour to Summerhall at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Garage, Unicorn Theatre, mac Birmingham and Bolton Octagon. In Spring 2013 we successfully toured the world premiere, Whole by Philip Osment, with excellent responses from national venues, audiences and participants. Whole won the Writers’ Guild of Great Britain Young People’s Play Award 2013. And in Autumn 2013 Melody Loses Her Mojo - written and directed by Keith Saha – opened at the Liverpool Playhouse. This was a co-production with Liverpool Everyman Playhouse and Leicester Curve and toured to mid-scale national venues from September to November. In Summer 2014, the Young Actors Company presented HEADZ – a series of contemporary monologues written by Keith Saha and directed by Julia Samuels and Keith Saha – at the Playhouse Studio, and toured to Contacting the World, Manchester. The Youth Theatre also previewed Standard – directed by Rachel Brogan, presented at the Bluecoat. “Great theatre ought to be about taking risks … this play has it in the bag.” The Guardian on Melody Loses Her Mojo “This immaculately integrated four-hander... is one of the most hard-hitting and moving pieces of theatre for young audiences I’ve ever seen... a remarkable piece of startlingly good theatre. See it if you possibly can.” The Stage on Whole “It is such a raw truthful production played magnificently by the cast and directed so delicately. I personally found it a real journey of emotion and reflection, the time just disappeared and

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during the production I was certainly taken to many different places with my emotions and my thoughts.” Darren Batley on Whole (Volunteer and Events Coordinator, Albert Kennedy Trust - Social Partner) In February 2013, we led and facilitated the Creative Conversations in the North West, on behalf of Arts Council England. This programme enabled senior representatives from the North West’s producing theatres to see a range of diverse work with associated discussions, fostering new collaborations to develop the Creative Case for Diversity across the North West. In Liverpool, our relationship with the City Council has grown and strengthened from our involvement with Liverpool’s Capital of Culture in 2008. We have been funded as a “cultural contributor” by LCC since 2009. We continue to be involved with Liverpool’s COoL (Cultural Organisations of Liverpool) network - representing the small/medium arts organisations in the city, where our co-Artistic Director, Julia Samuels, is on the executive committee. Our Executive Director, Leanne Jones, is co-chair of the Merseyside Youth Theatre Forum.

Tales from the Mp3 (2012)

2015-18 In 2014 we were successful in securing another 3 years funding as an Arts Council England NPO for 2015-2018. In January 2015 we began a national tour of Black, working with emerging artists; actor Abby Melia in her first professional debut and CHUNKY (HOYA HOYA/RIOT JAZZ), written by Keith Saha and directed by Julia Samuels. The tour, consisting of national schools and venues enabled us to secure our existing relationships with organisations, as well as extend our reach to Northern Ireland as we toured to MAC Belfast for the first time.

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In July 2015 Promises and Animals, a double bill of new plays, were presented by 20 Stories High Youth Theatre and Young Actors Company at the Unity Theatre. 20 Stories High Co-Artistic Directors Keith Saha and Julia Samuels created the pieces with the groups. Through workshops, discussions and a ‘Dinner’n’Debate’ the young people responded with passion to austerity Britain and the context of the General Election. The Youth Theatre’s Promises focused on the pressures of the education system, following a group of year 11s over their GCSE weeks, and the Young Actors Company’s Animals explored the challenges of people trying to make a success of themselves beyond their school years. Through drama, monologue, spoken word, masks, dance and song, Animals and Promises played to packed houses and enjoyed standing ovations each night. In Spring 2016 20 Stories High and Theatre-Rites joined forces to create a unique mash up of hip-hop, theatre and puppetry, The Broke ‘N’ Beat Collective bringing together 4 amazing artists: beat-boxer Hobbit, b-boy Ryan LoGisTic Harston, singer/rapper Elektric and puppeteer Mohsen Nouri to form The Broke ‘N’ Beat Collective. The show was a raw, gritty, funny and moving gig that explored the hardships faced by young people in the UK today. The production toured to 15 national venues for a total of 35 shows. I told my Mum I was going on an RE Trip…(working title) is currently being developed by Julia Samuels for a tour in 2017 and is a co-production with Contact, Manchester. It is a verbatim piece and is being developed from interviews and research with organisations and individuals based on attitudes surrounding abortion, pregnancy and parenthood. A successful R&D and sharing took place in April 2015 at Contact and there will be a further R&D week in September 2016, followed by a tour to schools and venues in February and March 2017.

Black (2015)

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4. Artistic Programme 2016 – 18

Touring Productions

Autumn 2016, 2017 and 2018 Headz

Each autumn for the next 3 years, our Young Actors Company will tour with this series of contemporary urban monologues, offering a gritty, challenging and humourous insight into the lives of young people in Liverpool today.

Spring 2017 I told my Mum I was going on an RE Trip… (Working Title)

Building on the success of Tales from the Mp3, Julia Samuels is creating a new verbatim theatre show exploring stories of pregnancy, abortion and parenthood.

Spring 2018 Animals With magical masks and puppets, awesome harmonies, dark humour and gritty dialogue, Animals is a fierce passionate lyrical show about young people’s roles in contemporary society. Originally created as a scratch version by 20 Stories High’s Young Actors Company at the Unity Theatre in 2015, the show will be developed into an ambitious full production for touring.

Participation Activities Involving young people in our creative processes is central to what we do. As part of our all our touring and development work, there will be participation opportunities for young people,

inviting their creative responses and ideas to inform the work.

Summer 2016 The Elasticated Sound System We’re celebrating our 10th Birthday with a brand new contemporary Musical Mash-Up where urgent political stories are re-mixed with personal heart rending tales presented at the Everyman Theatre, Liverpool.

Ongoing Liverpool-Based Activities (in association with the Bluecoat)

Young Actors Company: for 17-25 year-olds, who create and perform one new show

each year.

Youth Theatre: a weekly group for 13-21 year-olds, who create and perform one new show each year

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Young Writers Project: in autumn 2016, we will pilot a new project for young people interested in writing for theatre

Open and Outreach Workshops: reaching new young people

Youth Advisory Group: young people informing decision-making within the company and working closely with the Board

Dinner and Debate, theatre trips, and other events National Activities (in association with key national partners) Working with our national theatre partners, we create bespoke participation projects and events, which interact with our touring work, and with our Liverpool-based youth projects. In 2017 and 2018, this will include Exchange Projects, where young people in different location collaborate to make shows on a common theme and an audience segmentation project.

HEADZ (2014)

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5. Board Responsibilities

The Board of 20 Stories High have ultimate responsibility for the affairs of 20 Stories High and are keepers of the Company Business Plan. The Board ensures that the company is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it was set up for. The Board must ensure that 20 Stories High complies with charity law and with the requirements of the Charity Commission. In particular, it is responsible for the preparation of reports on what has been achieved and Annual Returns and Accounts as required by law. The Board of 20 Stories High must comply with the requirements of other legislation and other regulators (if any) which govern the activities of the Company. The Board must act with integrity and avoid any personal conflict of interest or misuse of the Company’s funds or assets. The Board must:

Ensure that 20 Stories High is and will remain solvent

Use charitable funds and assets reasonably and in the furtherance of 20 Stories High objects

Avoid undertaking activities that may place 20 Stories High endowment, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk

Take special care when investing the funds of 20 Stories High or borrowing funds for the use of the company

Use reasonable care and skill in their work as a trustee, using their personal skills and experience as needed to ensure that 20 Stories High is well-run and efficient

Consider getting external professional advice where there may be material risk to the Company or where the Board members may be in breach of their duties

Attend all board meetings. If a board member misses three consecutive meetings, other than through illness or prior apologies, they will be asked to meet with the chair to discuss their ability to commit to their position on the board.

20 Stories High also:

Require board members to attend 4 Board meetings and 2 Away Days per year

Will invite all board members to 20 Stories High events

Value the insights and expertise board members are able to share with us

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6. Board Recruitment Process Process for recruitment of new Board members 1. Potential Board members must complete the Trustee Application Form and return it to Tina

Taylor – tina@20storieshigh.org.uk by 8th August 2016 2. We will then respond to applications and arrange an initial discussion. 3. The possible future member will be invited to observe a Board Meeting 4. 20 Stories High Chair will have a second discussion with prospective members and, if

appropriate, an invitation will be extended to join the Board 5. The member will be appointed at the next Board Meeting On agreeing to join the board, the new member will be given the opportunity to spend half a day with the company, to meet the artistic directors, staff team and young people. This then leads to attendance at all 20 Stories High Board Meetings and Away Days. Board Dates 2016/17 The following dates have been arranged for 2016/17: 21st September 2016 Board Meeting (evening) 15th October 2016 Board Awayday (all day) 23rd November 2016 Board Meeting and AGM (evening) 18th February 2017 Board Awayday (all day) 22nd February 2017 Board Meeting (evening) We have two Board Away Days per year, giving the Board a chance to spend a sociable day, away from board meetings, to discuss company matters. If a board member misses three consecutive meetings, other than through illness or prior apologies, they will be asked to meet with the chair to discuss their ability to commit to their position on the board. Information Forms Every new board member is expected to fill out the following forms:

Board Registration Form

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

Board Skills Audit

Personal contact information and website biography

Declaration of Fit & Proper person

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7. Board and Staff Julia Samuels Co-Artistic Director Keith Saha Co-Artistic Director Leanne Jones Executive Director Tina Taylor Finance & Admin Manager Lucy Graham Administrator Liz Carlisle Participation Coordinator Donna Coleman Participation Support Worker Louise Muddle Communications Associate Laura Orchard Strategic Touring Project Manager Yvonne Hepburn-Foster Board Member (Chair) Alice Demba Board Member Curtis Watt Board Member Jo Hemmant Board Member Anita Welsh Board Member Gordon Millar Board Member

8. Board Biographies

Yvonne Hepburn-Foster - Chair Yvonne lives and works in Manchester, and is an experienced cultural manager with particular expertise in fundraising and income generation. She is currently Fundraising Manager at George House Trust, a HIV charity in Manchester. She was Grants, Trusts & Foundations Fundraising Manager at OnSide Youth Zones in 2013, and prior to that worked at Contact Theatre for 10 years in a management capacity. Yvonne has experience of working in the cultural sector, securing grant, trust and foundation and public sector funding, building new relationships, developing fundraising plans and strategies, strengthening back-office procedures and managing Board development. Anita Welsh Anita is a local resident, entrepreneur, former Youth Theatre and Young Actors Company member, poet and musical performer and currently 20 Stories Highs’ Participation Intern. Anita was one of the seven Youth Theatre members who performed as part of Contacting The World International Theatre Festival (2010) and has previously ran her own music brand and radio show. She has experience in music PR and branding and represents a young voice on the board. Alice Demba Alice was born in Worcestershire, grew up in Cheshire and has lived in Liverpool for thirteen years. She’s loved visiting Liverpool throughout her life, whether shopping with her family as a child at Matta's on Bold Street, visiting the Walker Art Gallery with school or later, clubbing. And of course she’s seen some cracking performances in Liverpool, one of the best being 20 Stories High 'Headz' which blew her away in 2014. Alice’s 15-year-old son was lucky enough

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to go with her and it gave him an insight into the possibilities of theatre for young people of his age and background. Alice has an English degree and Journalism Studies MA but her career has spanned teaching, community development and media. At university Alice acted in and directed several plays and has always loved theatre. She also loves writing, reading, drawing and painting, when she has time. Alice spent two and a half years living in The Gambia, West Africa when she was in her twenties and still has strong links to family there - her children are half-Gambian. Alice currently works for Curious Minds (curiousminds.org.uk) and her job is to support arts organisations to develop an offer that is relevant and inspiring to children and young people. Jo Hemmant Jo has many years of experience in theatre as an actress and arts manager working with many of the key national touring companies. Her knowledge of the deaf and disability arts sector has spanned many years, from when she spearheaded key access developments for theatre companies with whom she worked and with venues to which they toured. Currently Jo works at Hackney Empire as Director of Operations. Immediately before this, she was one of the six Producers for the London 2012 Festival and Cultural Olympiad, working mainly in Northern Ireland, Wales, London and the West Midlands. During this time Jo developed a huge variety of projects across all art forms, including large outdoor spectaculars. For 10 years Jo was Theatre Officer at Arts Council England in the London office, where she led on the development of the deaf and disability theatre and practice for artists. Following her work at the Arts Council Jo joined Improbable as part-time General Manager as well as working as an independent arts manager and producer, with companies and artists like Vital Xposure, Mat Fraser, The Fingersmiths, Sophie Partridge and Theatre Centre. Curtis Watt Curtis Watt, (also known as C. S. Watt) is a Performance Poet who has been writing and performing since 1993. He is also a storyteller, actor and an experienced freelance workshop leader. He works with schools and libraries, charities, theatres and arts centres. Some of Curtis’ recent work includes; ‘Children’s History of Liverpool’ (published by Hometown World, 2011), poems included in Michael Rosen’s ‘A-Z of the best Children’s Poems’ (2009) and commissions by MDI and National Museums Liverpool to write and perform the poem ‘How Strong I Am’ for Slavery Remembrance Day (2008) and a National Tour with Manchester poetry ensemble ‘Brother Talk’ (2007). Gordon Millar Gordon is currently Director of the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe. Prior to this, he has been Producer for the Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, Administrative Producer for London's Barbican Centre, General Manager of Frantic Assembly, a Programmer for the Ambassador Theatre Group and Administration for Theatre de Complicite. Gordon is very keen to support the excellent work that 20 Stories High do across all their platforms.