MEET THE BRIDGE BUILDERS
MEET THE BRIDGE
BUILDERS
Dawn Maymand
Dawn is the Head of Performing Arts at a mainstream school, the Drama Expert for our Academy Trust, and a Drama Teacher with over 20 years of experience. She is motivated by the belief in the power of drama to develop young people holistically—fostering academic success, transferable skills for employment, and personal growth that enables students to connect with others, navigate situations, and understand emotions, ultimately unlocking their true potential and aspirations. Dawn has always been passionate about making drama exciting, enjoyable, and accessible to all. Having led a solo department for many years, she understands the importance of networking. Whether it’s exchanging ideas, sharing resources, providing support during moderation, or offering a sympathetic ear, the assistance of another expert is invaluable. As a Bridge Builder for Drama Matters, she looks forward to meeting more Drama Teachers in Lichfield, Cannock, and the surrounding area, and she is very grateful for the support of Lichfield Garrick Theatre in uniting our local Drama Teacher community.
DramaMattersLichfieldCannock@yahoo.com
Joe Bullen
Joe is the Sole teacher for drama at a small school in Slough, Now in his fourth year teaching the passion for drama has only grown and his wish to help other teachers in a similar position has also grown.
Motivated by knowing the power of drama from school towards his degree and further into teaching Joe can clearly see the power of our subject! Joe has an inherent belief that our subject and our art is not valued and he wants to help make it so! Now living so close to London he is loving that the West End is so much closer.
He knows that trips and getting groups into schools can be hard work and expensive so he would like to bring together a group of people to help everyone out ( He has risk assessments for about 6 different theater venues and the Tube) . If there is anything that he can help with from trips to exams to just wanting to feel less alone! Get in touch. He is looking forward to getting to know you all soon!
Rebecca Olaleye
Rebecca is a passionate Drama teacher with eight years of experience, dedicated to inspiring her students through the arts. She obtained her PGCE in Drama from Goldsmiths University in London. Before this, she founded a community theatre company focused on Drama and Mask theatre, where she not only delivered Arts Awards in Luton but also collaborated with local artists and PRUs while working full-time as a Teaching Assistant in a primary school. This enriching experience fueled her desire to teach and led her to pursue further education to become a secondary school teacher.
Her love for Drama ignited in childhood and has only deepened over the years. Rebecca has volunteered at Bethlem and Maudsley Mental Health Hospital, discovering her passion for Dramatherapy and the profound healing potential of Drama. She has interned at GLYPT, contributed to Lewisham’s Youth Theatre, and taught after-school Drama and Dance classes. Now in her third school, she is thrilled to be able to facilitate Drama, helping young people unlock their creativity and express themselves.
As a Bridge Builder, Rebecca is committed to connecting with other local Drama facilitators to strengthen Community Arts and Arts education. She believes in uplifting everyone involved, fostering a culture of support and recognition.
Rebecca finds immense joy in teaching Drama, as it empowers students to explore their identities and engage with the world around them. She is a firm believer that through collaboration and creativity, Drama and the arts can inspire meaningful societal change.
Clare Williams
My name is Clare Williams, I teach drama in a small international school called St George's in Luxembourg having moved here in 2014. I qualified to teach drama in 2002 after spending an incredible time studying at Edinburgh University which is where my passion for “all things festival” was born! In 2023 I wrote, directed and performed in a play for the Edinburgh Fringe festival with a cast of alumni drama students and this year I am hosting an international short Shakespeare festival here in Luxembourg I wouldn't have nearly so many opportunities if it weren't for my fellow drama teachers, their passion and encouragement over the years. Teaching a niche subject, and in a small school in a tiny country it can be a little isolating at times so if anyone is teaching locally (I.e. Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands etc) or further afield would like to collaborate then get in touch!
Ryan Coates
Hello all, my name is Ryan Coates, and I am the Head of Performing Arts at King Solomon High School in Ilford. I am currently teaching Eduqas Drama and Music at all levels. Prior to teaching, I worked in costume design and adult education. I hold a bachelor’s degree in both Theatre Studies and Teaching.
I believe that drama Matters because it gives us the opportunity to tell and explore stories other than our own. We get to learn about the human experience in more depth and get to understand how to empathise.
Sarah Wright
Sarah is Drama Bridge Builder for Worcestershire and the surrounding areas – currently also supporting schools in Warwickshire. Sarah is Head of Drama, Specialist Leader for Drama Education and Head of Year in a high performing school in Worcestershire. Sarah recently achieved her MA Drama through working with Trestle Theatre Company. Sarah is passionate about all things to do with the arts and as part of her outreach SLE work has enjoyed working with colleagues, particularly in deprived areas, to help ensure that all students have equal access to quality Drama teaching. Sarah currently teaches AQA GCSE Drama and Eduqas Performing Arts at KS4 and OCR Extended Certificate/ Foundation Diploma at KS5. Sarah is also an examiner for AQA. Happy to assist anyone in anyway – whether to collaborate on a project; to moderate exam work or just to bounce ideas around.
Emma-Dawn Garnett
My name is Emma – Dawn Garnett (Fifi Carnes on Face Book!). My area is Suffolk.
I am originally from the lsle of Wight where my love of the arts started. I moved to Suffolk in 1997 to attend college to study for a BA (Hons) in Performance Arts. This then resulted in training for my PGCE to become a secondary school drama teacher graduating from Goldsmiths College, London.
I am currently working as a Head of Drama for a small MLD SEND school in Suffolk where l have been for the last 9 years.
In my free time l am a committee member and member of a local NODA amateur dramatic society. Including a co- presenter to an evening radio show ‘Friday night Frog Box’ for local radio called Radio Big Sky.
Claire Clark
I am Claire and a Bridge Builder for the West Midlands. I have been a drama teacher since 2005, teaching many exam boards and courses along the way. Many students have passed through the theatre doors and each of them has taught me something. I have also supported the training of many drama teachers over the years which I am very proud of. I enjoy being the person they come back to for advice; the circle continues. Being a Bridge Builder for the West Midlands will help me to support and connect many more of you.
I have 2 young daughters, one in primary and one secondary, both of them very creative. They remind me of the power of play and creativity. I enjoy teaching students to develop their acting skills, but also finding their passion in other areas of the theatre world. Drama has the power to connect students to their strengths and the bring out the best versions of themselves; for me this is the best part and I feel very privileged to be a part of that.
Drama Matters to me because it allows us to be our most authentic selves, by exploring the lives of others. A world with more empathy and support is a world we all strive for. Being part of this community reminds you of your abilities, strengths and the good practice you have to share.
Zak Lewis
I am an SEN teacher working with young people with autism and communication or interaction needs, helping them reach their full potential. I studied Theatre at Lancaster University and completed a PGCE in Secondary Drama at the University of Warwick. Early in my career, I set up a drama department at a school in Birmingham and later became Head of Drama at a mainstream school. I also serve as Vice-Chair Governor at an infant school in Warwickshire, volunteer as a Talent Rep for the National School Theatre Awards as well as a bridge builder for Drama Matters.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about attending the theatre, travelling to new countries, and supporting Coventry City Football Club. Originally from Coventry, I now live in Broughton Astley, Leicestershire, with my partner James and our French bulldog, Grumio, who never fails to bring laughter!