Sarah Blackwell

I am an actor and theatre-maker with over twenty years experience in the industry. After training at Shakespeare and Company and more than a decade acting on film, television, theatre (and many many Shakespeare roles) I obtained my MFA at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, graduating with Distinction. I am also the founder and Co-Artistic Director of Crowbait Club UK and US (an organisation dedicated to the development of new theatrical writing) and Co-Artistic Director of award-winning theatre company, Mary Rose Productions. MRP works with new and emerging to produce rep-style theatre and talent to foster pathways in arts careers with an emphasis on sustainability and education. www.maryroseproductions.co.uk www.crowbait.co.uk

I am a photographer passionate about social documentary, environmental portraiture, and visual sociology. I try to place ethics at the core of my practice, often working in socially engaged ways and via partner negotiation and collaboration. Previously I was a firefighter for 24 years, and then transitioned to event production, working globally with renowned clients like Duke Dumont, Wu-Tang Clan, Pusha T and many others. After leaving the touring life, I earned a BA and MFA in photography (with distinction) at the University for the Creative Arts and now here I am doing what I love.

I’m an artist and creative producer with a wealth of experience of founding arts ventures and running arts venues, programmes, events, exhibitions and festivals – with a focus on fun and innovative approaches to animating underused spaces. Most recently I’ve had the privilege of setting up Saint John’s Arts’ Programme, collaborating with a large Education Trust to provide new exciting opportunities for young people to get involved in the arts in Gosport. I’ve also worked as Producer for Journeys Festival International, and held previous roles at ArtSpace Portsmouth, Liverpool Biennial and founded The Royal Standard (gallery, studios and social workspace), and Mighty Oak Creative Agency.