the nest
For ages 18-25, the nest is a free online arts programme that highlights different pathways into the arts, and helps you find you voice, own your story and embark on your own creative path.
Signups for this term are closed and The Nest is underway. Sign up to our newsletter below to be the first to hear about next term.
meet the facilitators for the nest
tash marks
FINDING YOUR WHY — Tash is a creative practitioner who works as Creative Associate at Mousetrap Theatre Projects and as Community & Young Persons Facilitator at Synergy Theatre. She has supported young people with creative writing and finding purpose to amplify their authentic voice as well as directed new writing. Tash is currently working on her own play.
shaniqua benjamin
FINDING YOUR VOICE — Shaniqua is a spoken word poet, writer, facilitator, and Croydon’s first Poet Laureate. She draws inspiration from her life experiences to create meaningful writing. Her recent work includes the lyrics for the London Mozart Players' Anthem for Peace, and a specially commissioned poem for the reopening of South London’s biggest arts centre, Fairfield Halls.
alessandro babalola
OWNING YOUR STORY — Alessandro is an Olivier Award-winning actor, writer, musician and director, starring in Topboy. He recently completed filming on ITV’s The Unforgotten, Guy Ritchie’s upcoming Wrath of Man and the new Netflix film Blackmail. He was recently announced as Co-Chair of the Soho Theatre’s Walthamstow Committee to oversee their revitalised venue.
Kieran Vyas
CREATING YOUR OWN PATH — Kieran is an award-winning director, filmmaker and acting coach. He is the Artistic Director of Urban Young Actors and Co-Founder of The Actors Planet. In addition to creating his own films, he has extensive experience working with prestigious theatre companies, theatres, and top drama schools in the UK, including the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Daniel Kok
BREAKING GROUND — Daniel is the International Producer at the Royal Court Theatre in London. He previously worked as a programmer and producer at different venues such as Cambridge Junction, the Barbican, artsdepot and Battersea Arts Centre. Daniel is a member of Bootworks Theatre Company, a group of artists who work in a range of disciplines.