“I deeply believe in the power of drama and the performing arts to improve the lives of individuals and community groups, to raise awareness and prompt honest discussion of social issues, as a creative training tool and of course as a source of enjoyment and entertainment. I love performing, but my passion lies in making the world a better and safer place for our children” Mel Ash
Mel regularly facilitates drama workshops and drama based training within community and corporate settings. She has a wealth of experience in working with vulnerable adults and children, minority groups and in educational settings.
Previous clients include:
- Caritas Care – weekly drama classes culminating in a show and film (above)
- Lancashire Drug and Alcohol Team – Reading The Word
- MacIntrye Assisted Living – weekly drama classes culminating in a show
- Preston Community Network – produced their AGM
- Mind – directed mental health clients in a piece to highlight good practice in the work place
- NSG – produced in house safety training
- Integrate Adult Learning Centre – weekly drama classes culminating in performance
- Community Gateway – weekly drama classes, summer schools and activities
- Oldham REEL CIC – creative writing and drama workshop leader
- Lancashire Constabulary – CSE/CSA Theatre In Education Project (2018/2019)
- Interventions Alliance (Warrington) – Working with ex offenders using drama to improve communication, anger management and life skills
We are passionate about using to drama to enhance learning across the curriculum in mainstream and special schools, often engaging children that are presenting behavioral difficulties and enabling them to access opportunities and support to improve their learning and engagement in school life and their local communities.
2012-2016 – Artist in Residence at Blackburn and Central High School with Crosshill
Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School (TIBHS) – Currently writing and developing their year 7 and 8 drama curriculum.
Lostock Hall Academy – facilitated the devising module for GCSE drama
As well as acting and teaching Mel also works as a writer, and over the last 2 years we have recieved Arts Council Funding to write, produce and deliver the following projects:
Around The World in 80 Notes.
A children’s musical, written with Jude Jagger the show explored themes of gender and children’s mental health.
Toured Primary Schools and festivals in 2016/17.
Northern, Disabled and Broke.
A play set in Manchester and written with for and about actors with disability about the cuts to social care.
- The Secret – a one woman show, penned and performed by Mel, it won the Ground Breaking Catagory at Manchester Fringe in 2017, and after a showing at The Royal Exchange in 2018, is now in it’s third stage of development and ready to tour from 2019. If you are interested in booking The Secret – check out the tour pack here: The Secret Tour Pack 2018
Click here for our 2023 Brochure for more information and booking details.
Please see the Gallery for more examples of our work.