Who We Are

Elise founded Taking Flight Theatre with co-founder Beth House in 2008. It was an idea cooked up on a walk around the beautiful- & very accessible- Stackpole Estate, a National Trust property in West Wales. Elise will always be passionate about challenging notions of who gets to enjoy theatre & who gets to make it.

Elise Davison

Artistic Director & CEO

Elise is responsible for the overall artistic vision of the company. She is studying level 6 British Sign Language and has lots of experience embedding creative access.

Louise Ralph

General Manager

Louise joined the team in 2016 thanks to Arts Council of Wales Creative Steps funding, & set to work immediately to ensure the quality of administration at Taking Flight matched the high standards set on stage.

Steph Back

Participation, Access & Inclusion Officer

Steph is a profoundly Deaf actress, theatre maker and workshop leader. She is the lead facilitator our youth theatre for Deaf and Hard of hearing young people something that she is extremely passionate about! She also leads our Deaf Awareness training.

Garrin Clarke

Technical & Production Manager

Garrin is an experienced stage manager, lighting designer and production manager. He handles all things technical for the company. Garrin has recently passed Level 1 BSL.

Anna Rathbone

Youth Theatre Leader

Anna works with Steph on delivering the Youth Theatre. She is an artist who is passionate about breaking down disabling barriers. Anna is studying Level 6 BSL.

Board of Trustees

Dr Emily Garside(Chair): Academic and Writer
Sara Beer: Regional Manager South Wales, Disability Arts Cymru
Tony Mckay: Access Consultant
Dr. Sara-Rhys-Jones: Clinical Psychologist
Matthew Bassett: Independent Living Advisor
Nigel Rees: Accountant
Damien Dickens: Account Manager
Andrew Tinley: Operations and Access Manager, Derby Theatre
Tafsila Khan: Blind consultant and blogger
Jenna Preece: Actor
Ben Owen Jones: Actor
Dr Marta Minier: Associate Professor of theatre, media & drama
Hadley Taylor: Stage Manager
Jeff Brattan-Wilson: Engagement & Lead Officer, Social Care Wales

Awards

A few awards we've received for our work:

2017 Action on Hearing Loss Excellence Wales Award Runner up
2016 Bridgend Coalition of Disabled People’s 10 Year Anniversary Award for Changing Lives
2016 Wales Theatre Award Best Ensemble The Winter’s Tale
2014 Third Sector Cymru Runner Up Most Admired Organisation
2013 National Diversity Award, Community (Real Human Being)

Taking Flight Theatre
Chapter Arts Centre
Market Rd
Canton, Cardiff, CF5 1QE
029 2023 0020

Youth Theatre meets at:

Stwdio
Chapter Arts Centre
Market Rd
Canton, Cardiff, CF5 1QE
029 2023 0020

Donate

Support Taking Flight with your generous donation. You can donate securely through our website (below) or send a cheque, payable to Taking Flight Theatre. (If you are a UK taxpayer, please click the Gift Aid option when donating online).