Olivia Wallis Jackson

I’m a Coach, Trainer and Consultant working alongside, and supporting, people in theatre, arts and culture. I’m based in the New Forest. Chat to me about Leadership and Career Coaching; Risk and Safety training and organisational support. I’ve worked in the arts for 30 years, starting as Deputy Stage Manager (DSM) then Company & Stage Manager in theatre and opera – touring the UK and Europe and in the West End for over 14 years. I’ve held senior leadership roles at some of London’s leading venues including the Roundhouse and Almeida. I’ve worked across technical and production, health and safety, operations, general management and HR.

My debut novel, The Normal State of Mind (Parthian, 2015) was long listed for the Mumbai Association of Moving Images (MAMI) Word to Screen Prize. Table Manners (Dahlia Books, 2018) won the Saboteur Award for Best Short Story Collection in 2019. My short stories have been featured on BBC Radio 4. I develop and deliver writing workshops for various art galleries and organisations around Hampshire and beyond. I teach creative writing at University of Winchester and am a trustee of The Winchester Poetry Festival. I’ve also developed ands teach a short story course for Professional Writing Academy. I’m co-founder of Write Beyond Borders, a transnational mentoring project writers from South Asia and its diaspora.    

Sasha Biloshisky is a UK-based choreographer, artistic producer, movement artist, and entrepreneur. Inspired by Hip-Hop culture and Breaking, he expanded into Street Dance, Parkour, and theatre. Sasha has worked with artists like Sean Paul, Kylie Minogue, and Boy George, and produced shows for leading car brands. His credits include the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony and the West End’s Daddy Cool. Founder of ArtGility, and Funk Format, he creates platforms for youth empowerment through dance and arts. He created Rawkus City – Portsmouth’s first Hip-Hop Arts Festival. Sasha lectures on dance education (New Bucks University, PGCE, University of Chichester) and consults for ISTD, championing authentic expression and creative potential.