Polly is an energised and compassionate facilitator with 10+ years experience working with a diversity of groups - from delivering participatory drama projects in mental health centres to training social care workers as storytellers. She is passionate about creating inclusive, empowering spaces where people can safely take risks, expand their comfort zone, and learn new skills to express themselves and their work.

 

Her flagship Public Speaking As Performance: Storytelling For Researchers courses have been delivered in universities across the UK, introducing researchers to effective theatre and storytelling-based approaches which can transform their public speaking and increase their public engagement impact. Recent clients have included The University of Oxford, The University of Bristol, The University of Birmingham, Durham University, Bath Spa University and The University of Cambridge. Courses are also available for entrepreneurs and businesses.  

 

Find out more about Public Speaking As Performance.

 

From 2019-21 Polly worked as a Community Development Worker for The Network, Bristol & St Werburghs City Farm: meeting people on the doorstep in inner-city Bristol communities, connecting them to their neighbours and empowering them to take positive action on things they felt passionately about.  

 

This work has made Polly even more passionate about access, equitable practice and inclusivity. In 2021 she worked as a consultant with Desperate Men theatre company to explore community engagement approaches and, in 2020, she facilitated Research & Development workshops with Up The Ante Theatre to explore their company identity. She is always interested in talking about community-engaged processes with arts organisations and projects; and in bringing creative story-based approaches to community development.

 

Contact Polly here.  

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