New Strides Productions Staff
Ruth Urquhart – Artistic Director
Ruth was brought up in the Borders of Scotland and was involved with community drama from the age of 12. She later won the Robert Noble trophy in recognition of her contribution to local theatre. After a course in foundation drama in Edinburgh she also went to East 15 Acting School and trained for three years in performing arts. Since graduating Ruth’s career as an actor has largely been focused in the community, extensively touring small-scale arts venues, theatres and schools in the UK and abroad. She has also been involved in leading workshops, stage management, writing and directing.
James Duncan - Artistic Director
James Duncan is from Scotland and worked for many years in the NHS. He has been active for over twenty years in the trade union movement and he has extensive experience in trade union education. He has been involved in playwriting and directing and is the writer and director of our new production "Asturias".
Nicki Vincent - Artistic Director
Profile coming soon...
Wendy Richardson – Associate Director
Wendy is originally from Tyne and Wear and partook in performing plays and facilitating drama workshops in local youth groups from an early age. In 1990 she went to E15 drama school in London and trained for three years in performing arts. Since graduating Wendy has been involved in a variety of professional plays and extensive community touring both here and abroad. She is an experienced actor, workshop leader, writer and director and it is these skills which lead her to create New Strides with Ruth Urquhart in 2000.
Jem Rycraft – Associate Director
Jem, originally from Southhampton, began his career in ballet. However injury led him to become involved in acting and he went to train at Academy of Live and Recorded Arts (ALRA). After three years he graduated and since leaving has acted extensively with companies both here and abroad. He met Ruth in 1997 whilst touring Germany with Whitehorse Theatre. Jem has done much work over the years for social services, and at present - as well as working for New Strides, he teaches drama and dance at a comprehensive in his home town. He is a skilled actor, workshop leader and director.
Tiran Aakel - Associate Director
Tiran originally comes from Essex and was involved in acting from an early age. He attended Sylvia Young Stage school as a child and had many TV roles in programmes such as The Bill. He attended East 15 drama school also in 1990 and graduated along with Ruth and Wendy. Since leaving Tiran has been involved in all sorts of projects. He worked for Ark theatre for a few years, touring theatre to community venues nationwide and has been involved in many other professional plays. As well as being an accomplished actor he also is very adept at leading workshops and directing.
Michael Hugo – Associate Director
Profile coming soon...
Benjamin Denton – Company Stage Manager
Profile coming soon...
