Board
The Board of Trustees is made up of six members who meet every two months to administer the charity. The Board takes its role seriously and endeavours to maintain good governance by overseeing the company and ensuring it operates safely and legally. It has several sub-committees which are a mix of board and staff members. These groups are concerned with specific areas such as finance, premises, fundraising & marketing, board development and personnel and meet as required.
Jane Armstrong
As a parent, I’ve found the shared experience of live theatre, and the exhilaration and empowerment of participation, one of the highlights of family life. Through Travelling Light I can take a small part in extending such opportunites to as many young people and families as possible, regardless of their income or background.
Jenny Etches
My mum used to be a actress in rep many years before I was born. She chose to share her love of theatre by taking me, as a child, to all sorts of plays and shows some of which were too old for me. Sadly in those days the only plays specifically made with young people in mind were pantos. Despite this my experience with her left me with such an enjoyment of theatre than I want to pass it on to the next generation. I do this by being involved with Travelling Light – a company that DOES cater specifically for young people.
Merlin Goldman
I enjoyed drama classes at school and was relieved to be a pirate rather than a girl in an all boy production of the Gilbert and Sullivan play. After school, I choose to study the sciences although I did produce, as well as make an appearance (in a pink, furry bikini) during a Star Trek-themed pantomime. Choosing to shun the limelight from then on, I've had various roles in industry and now Government. I'm still keen on the arts and even had a short musical, Firewall, performed at the Montreal International Festival, a few years ago. My wish is to help Travelling Light continue to excel and embrace the opportunities for innovation and technology in their work with young people.
Pippa Hogg
I joined my local youth theatre when I was a teenager and it was a time full of fun, laughter and challenges which have shaped me into the person I am today. It also fostered a love for performing and seeing plays and I decided that when I grew up I wanted to work in the theatre. I was lucky to work in Stage Management for professional theatre companies for a few years and remember those days with a lot of affection. Theatre is a wonderful medium in which to bring some magic to people especially to young people, that’s why I am proud to be part of Travelling Light who strive to bring that magic into everything they do.
Rob Porteous
When my grandfather gave up his business to become a teacher, my grandmother took lodgers in her house in Kiskunhalas in southern Hungary, many of whom were actors. Perhaps that’s where my mother’s love of theatre started. Most weeks in my childhood, as I remember it, she took me to the theatre. I remember Orson Welles’s 1955 production of Moby Dick as something quite marvellous, because of the way, with minimal props and effects, it engaged my imagination. I had the same feeling about Travelling Light’s production of Tir Na Nog at the Old Vic. That was my introduction to the company’s work. It prompted my desire to be on the board, and participate in work that seeks to engage the imaginations of young people today.
Carla Shepherd
My love of theatre began early as I grew up in Canada, with many shaky performances in school plays. It eventually brought me to the UK to do an MA in theatre studies at Royal Holloway and then on to Bristol. I discovered Travelling Light as an audience member with my son; I was amazed by the quality of its work for young audiences. I’m happy to be able to play a part in the future of Travelling Light as it continues to inspire and delight children.
Laetitia Watts
I am a born and bred Bristolian and am passionate that everyone of any age and background should have the opportunity to be inspired and enchanted. Travelling Light provokes the imagination of young people, encouraging them to reach their full potential. I am proud to support those aims.