Script Lab

Ellen created and managed Script Lab,  a regional platform focusing on playwrights. Designed around the writer's needs, the project provided support through dramaturgy and mentoring over one month, culminating in a final rehearsed reading with critical feedback from industry professionals and public audiences.

Script Lab attracted entries from hundreds of writers, both new and experienced.

Agitate!

This was a direct reaction to a downturn in new work being made due to risk, and the lack of equity in relationships between freelancers and established organisations, which was being discussed through lockdown and into the industry’s recovery.

The callout for Agitate! gave freelancers the challenge to agitate the status quo of the venue Ellen was working for. There was no complete output needed, and no agreement with the venue for credit on future work. The applications had to meet a brief that put no limitations on the style, shape, or location of the work, but responded to three specific audience needs, putting the audience at the centre of the mission for both venue and artist.

Three commissions were offered, with work taking place over 2024/25.

Nāca

In 2016, Ellen began working as a mentor for a group of young artists producing their first short film, Nāca. This involved seeing them through applying for funding, seeking investment, creative decisions, casting calls, and employing a production company.

The film premiered in May 2017, and has since been selected for multiple film festivals across the UK.

Rachel Cherry

Rachel Cherry is a successful performance photographer. 

Ellen worked with her through exploratory sessions to ensure clarity of brand and a proactive approach to developing new opportunities for her different strands of work, including academic research into photography as an act, and the effect it has on both photographer and subject.

NGYT

Next Generation Youth Theatre is a youth theatre company achieving an exceptionally high quality of work with young people in Luton and Dunstable. 

In 2018, Ellen assisted in bid-writing for projects that encouraged young performers to explore contemporary theatre, and strands that aimed to provide opportunities to those unable to participate due to socio-economic barriers.

Arts Award Project

Ellen has taught drama and musical theatre. She is a trained Arts Award Adviser, able to run Bronze, Silver, and Gold workshops and courses.

She successfully gained funding from the Royal Opera House Bridge to run a cross-county Arts Award project working with six schools, eight teachers, and the successful completion of over 80 Arts Awards (Bronze and Silver).