Engagement producer
My name is Shanti, and I grew up in Oxford with my mother, who’s English, and my father, who’s Indian (Bengali specifically). I fell in love with theatre and the arts at a fairly young age, and I was fortunate to be able to attend various extra-curricular classes when I was a child, such as ballet/tap/modern dance, Stagecoach school, and learning piano. During my GCSE years I studied drama at Cherwell school and became more focused on theatre as my main interest. I was lucky because my state school provided a really rich and varied education and I remember school trips to see incredible shows by Punchdrunk, Frantic Assembly, Complicite, and more. This ignited my love for pursuing theatre and I continued to develop my interest during my A Level years. It may have been a ‘Science specialist’ school, but they valued Humanities and the Arts too, which I certainly benefitted from.
After going to University in Exeter to study a BA & MA in Drama & Theatre Studies I moved to London in 2012. My experience over the past 11 years has involved working across the theatre, charity and education sectors. I have supported children and adults with additional educational needs in school and charity settings. I have volunteered and worked for multiple Refugee Youth organizations that focus on building community, communication and leadership skills through the arts, such as RefugeeYouth and Pan Intercultural Arts. I have worked in theatre engagement departments running participation programmes for children and young people. Interestingly, whilst my educational background & interests focused on Theatre Studies, I did not immediately go into the Arts/Theatre sector when I graduated.
I worked in the Charity & Education sectors for approximatelyt 10 years first, as I was driven by my interest in supporting children & young people from underrepresented and under resourced backgrounds. I believe that my experience working outside of the arts sector has enabled me to work better within the sector, giving me a wider set of perspectives & skills that I may not have otherwise developed. Currently I am working at the Unicorn Theatre as Creative Hub Producer (formerly named Engagement Department) which I really enjoy. My main interest across my personal and professional life is in using the arts & theatre as a tool for positive social change.
What to find out more about Shanti?
Take the quiz
#1. Where did Shanti grow up?
#2. What did she study at University?
Select all that apply:
#3. What was Shanti’s first experience of theatre that made a lasting impact
#4. What did Shanti do in her spare time as a child?
#5. What organisations has Shanti volunteered at?
#6. Where is Shanti currently working?
#7. Which sectors has Shanti worked in over the past 11 years?
#8. Who was a role model for Shanti apart from her parents?
#9. What is Shanti’s main interest in her personal and professional life?
#10. What is her favourite place in Southwark?
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