Travelling Light’s new Artistic Director

Published on 21 February 2023.

We are delighted to announce Lizzy Stephens as Travelling Light’s new Artistic Director.

Lizzy is a Bristol based Theatre Maker with over 15 years’ experience as a Producer, Practitioner, Performer and Creative Learning specialist.

Since 2014 Lizzy has been working with Travelling Light as Creative Learning Officer, managing our programme of offers for schools and education settings.

Lizzy has a wide portfolio of experience in creating touring theatre and working with children and young people - through collaborating with a range of organisations and artists.

After graduating and co-founding Hammerpuzzle Theatre Company, Lizzy has helped lead the company as Company Director since 2012 and produced many of their productions. Alongside this she has worked as Creative Learning Producer at the egg, Theatre Royal Bath; and as a performer, practitioner, lecturer and mentor for organisations such as: Natural Theatre Company, Bath Spa University and The Edge (University of Bath).

Lizzy said of the appointment:

“I am absolutely delighted and feel extremely privileged to be Travelling Light’s new Artistic Director. Travelling Light is such a well-loved and respected organisation, both here in my home town of Bristol and more broadly within the Theatre for Young Audiences sector. The commitment Travelling Light has to providing opportunities for children and young people to create and imagine is vital; and I look forward to helping create more memories for young people and their families. I still remember my first Travelling Light show – which came to my school 20 years ago!

I have dedicated my career to supporting and advocating for the importance of access to the arts - specifically theatre for children and young people. I feel passionate about the values of Travelling Light and am excited by the challenge of working with a dedicated team during a transitional period for the company. I want to continue to support children’s voices as artists, strengthen and broaden our relationships and provide access to artistic opportunity – all through collaboration and care. I can’t wait to get started and explore honest, brave and realistic conversations about what comes next.”

Lizzy will start in her new role as Artistic Director on 1st March 2023.