Introduction to Toolbox Drama
Toolbox Drama is an inclusive provision for adults with additional needs. We deliver drama, music, dance and singing programmes on a weekly basis, as well as regular outreach workshops and large scale events. Please browse through our website for further information about our services.
We ensure that our activities are accessible to a multitude of needs, whilst also delivering high-quality creative arts activity delivered by experienced performers and practitioners. We have been fortunate enough to receive financial support from national funders such as Arts Council England, People’s Postcode Lottery and Awards For All. We also work closely with regional funders such as the Ward Committees in York, Two Ridings Community Foundation, Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, Adult Commissioning Services and the Ways to Wellbeing Fund. Our incredible funders have allowed us to develop low cost (and in some cases free!) activity and events, reaching some of the most vulnerable adults within our community. We are incredibly grateful for their continued support and belief in our services.
Ellie Tillotson -
Founder And Artistic director
I am a freelance practitioner and producer based in the wonderful city of York. My background is in storytelling and delivering accessible arts events for adults with learning disabilities. I also produce live art festivals for communities and theatres in and around Yorkshire.
Toolbox Drama became a Community Interest Company in 2021 and quickly flourished into a creative hub for adults with additional needs. It is a real honour to be supporting so many adults in accessing the arts through our sessions and events, I look forward to seeing how our provision will continue to grow and thrive in the future.
Siân Whitley -
Drama and Movement Practitioner
Hello, my name is Siân and I am a Drama and Movement practitioner based in York. I graduated from York St John University with a degree in Drama: Education and Community.
My dance background has allowed me to explore the benefits of dance for dementia and dance for wellbeing. I love that movement has no language barriers and allows so many people to connect with their loved ones but most importantly themselves.
I love to make people smile and aim for all of my practices to do this.
Alysha Smith -
Music Practitioner
Hi, I’m Alysha and I like to consider myself an artsy, nerdy historian as I am educated in both music and history! I’m originally from Canada but fell in love with the UK after studying here and now live and work in York as a music practitioner and a manager of youth activities and provisions.
My background as a singer and a historian has made me absolutely love how music and culture can bring joy into the lives of so many people.
As I build a practice that offers inclusive, artistic and most importantly fun experiences, I look forward to the meaningful ways I can be part of people’s creative journeys!
Meg Padgett -
Drama and Movement Practitioner
Originally from the North East coast, I moved to York to study four years ago, now working in York as a freelance drama and movement practitioner – I fell in love with York!
I love to create vibrant classes exploring social connection and creativity. I enjoy exploring new ways we can be creative together. My sessions involve a lot of being silly and lots of laughs!
Outside of my classes and my theatre practice, I am currently studying a Masters Degree in TESOL and Japanese. I have always loved studying Japanese, and I am hoping to weave my language skills and my theatre practice together!
Via Macnab -
Drama Practitioner
Hi, I’m Olivia, though I prefer to be called Via. I’m a drama practitioner, writer and storyteller.
As an autistic theatre kid growing up in York, the arts scene around here has always been my safe space, and it’s really important to me to be able to offer that space to other people. I have a particular specialism in working with autism and neurodivergency, and I’ve published a book titled “Creativity in Autism, First Edition”.
I completed a ‘Develop Your Creative Practice’ fund with Arts Council England to train and develop my skills, shadowing Toolbox and learning from the team. Now you’ll find me expanding our practice into Selby as well as in our York events. I love to explore communication in all its forms, and aim to create a contended vibe in my sessions, relaxed but vibrant.
Abbie Jennings -
Resident Photographer
Abbie is a freelance photographer based in Yorkshire. She loves documenting people and places and bringing projects to life with colourful imagery.
She works with lots of regular clients and organisations around the country to capture a wide variety of arts and culture.
Martin Crosby -
Director
I have worked in charities and higher education for my career.
These roles have included working with students to start up locally focused projects, working with various services to assist when someone goes missing or experienced trafficking, leading grassroots community organisations and most recently being responsible for a large student life, residential and wellbeing provision at the University of York.
In these roles I have always enjoyed working with and learning lots from those with additional support needs.
As a director at Toolbox Drama I am excited to be a small part of a team finding opportunities and platforms for our wonderful service users.
Megan Atkinson -
Director
My name is Meg and following the completion of my Bachelor’s degree in Communications, I have worked in Digital Marketing and Communications for the past 11 years for various companies across the North of England.
I’m passionate about supporting my local community and love to do this through work and in my spare time. I have been involved in various charities and organisations over the years and love to do my bit to support great provisions like Toolbox Drama.
Outside of work, my happy place is cooking and spending time with my family and friends.
Jane Cross -
Director
Born in North Yorkshire, I studied at Queen Mary College, London before embarking on a career in primary education in Surrey, moving to York in 1997.
I am married to husband Mike, and have two children, including my adult daughter, who is on the autistic spectrum and has additional needs, and is a very enthusiastic participant of Toolbox Drama.
Now retired, I enjoy travel, gardening, and baking in my spare time, and walking our black lab across muddy fields.
Elle Stockdale -
Director
I have previously worked with children, young people and families within my career, including in a charity setting.
I currently work for the University of York in Student Life and Well-being. Prior to this, I worked for two Youth Offending Teams in both Lincolnshire and Wakefield, including in Youth and Crown Courts. I also worked as a Special Constable for North Yorkshire Police and been a manager for Victim Support.
My passion is working with people and their families and I am excited to continue that work alongside Toolbox Drama.
Separate from these I enjoy spending time with my little boy and running.