GAYNOR SMITH

"Gaynor is professional, dedicated, knowledgeable and a joy to work with. She has a natural talent to engage with others, especially young people.

We would work with her again in a flash"

Helen Walsh CEO Space Youth Club

"Many of the issues we faced were cultural or linguistic and Gaynor's background in Education and Forum Theatre was an invaluable format to communicate and discuss challenging issues. It also enabled us to think creatively and outside the 'classroom' when suggesting new ideas to improve internal and external communication."

Mariam Boakye-Dankwa

Senior Policy Officer at Information Commissioners Office

Gaynor is a theatre practitioner and facilitator, who is passionate about diversity and youth engagement. She has extensive experience of resource development, and a specialism in disability inclusion.

With over a decade of working in the international development sector, leading educational programmes exploring humanitarian issues, diversity and leadership, she uses drama, art and storytelling in her work. Deployed to deliver ‘train-the-trainer’ projects internationally, as well as offering CPD to practitioners in the U.K. she is skilled at working cross culturally and is fluent in French with advanced Spanish

Education and training:

BA Hons in Theatre Arts & French
Youth Work Practice Award Level 3
Preparing to Teach in Lifelong Learning Sector Level 4
MA module ‘Training for Development Education’
MA module ‘Children’s Rights in Practice’
Level 6 in Leadership and Management
CELTA Grade A

Theatre Courses:

Playback Theatre - Rangbhumi Theatre, India
Kuringa - Qualification in Theatre of the Oppressed
Certified Laughter Yoga Leader - Laughter Yoga International University
Forum Theatre Training Week with Adrian Jackson, Cardboard Citizens
The role of the Joker in Forum Theatre, The Change Collective
The Actor and the Joker in Forum Theatre, Active Inquiry
Theatre of the Oppressed exploration of Class & Queer identity, Reboot the Roots
Introduction to drama therapy, Scenario Arts
Playback Theatre, Plays of our lives
Rainbow of Desires training in Augusto Boal’s theatre techniques, Tony Cealy, Noh Budget Films
Beyond Resistance: training in dealing with resistance for facilitating with ‘hard to reach’ groups, Tony Cealy, Noh Budget Films

Youth Work CPD courses:

Making activities deaf friendly, National Deaf Children’s Society
Working with LGBT young people, Space Youth Club
Mental Health First Aid (Youth) Healthcare on Demand Clinic
Trauma Informed Practice (Katie Taunt)
Making Sense of Autism, Autism Education Trust