Teaching & Community Work
Teaching and community work is an important part of my practice. Giving people the skills to be creative, whether for their future career, or simply to live a more rewarding life is something I really believe in.
A big part of this is the skills to create a workshop environment that feels welcoming, respectful, safe to take risks in. Establishing this together is the first step of any workshop or project I lead.
Drama Schools & University
I have taught at Arts Educational, Manchester School of Theatre, LIPA and Leeds Conservatoire.
In addition to directing shows, this has included leading acting skills projects, R&Ds, as well as bespoke courses on topics such as ‘Succeeding in Self-Employment’ for LIPA.
In 2025, I was appointed as Subject Leader for Theatre at ICES University, France, leading modules on Playwriting and Shakespeare.
Schools
I have worked as an Education Practitioner with leading theatres such as Unicorn Theatre, Manchester’s Royal Exchange, Leeds Playhouse as well as companies such as Shakespeare Schools Festival, and Told by an Idiot.
This has included bespoke wrap around workshops for Leeds Playhouse’s productions of Romeo & Juliet and The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe.
I have also led teacher training programmes and CPDs with Leeds Beckett University, Directors Charitable Foundation and Shakespeare Schools Festival.
Youth Theatre
From 2018-2021, I was Youth Theatre Director at the Bolton Octagon, working closely with Artistic Directors Elizabeth Newman and Lotte Wakeham to deliver meaningful participatory projects.
From 2021-22, I was Interim Head of Young Company at the Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield.
I have also delivered young people’s projects with the Royal Exchange, The Lowry, Liverpool Everyman and Burnley Youth Theatre.
Elders
Since 2017, I have been working closely with Andy Barry and the Elders Programme (for over 60s) at the Royal Exchange. I regularly deliver sessions on acting, devising and improv for their Elders programme, as well as leading their play reading club.
I have also delivered Elders work for the Octagon Theatre in Bolton
Artist Development
From 2020, I have regularly led The Lowry’s Artist Development programme, aimed at emerging facilitators.
This has included a ‘Practitioners Club’, a bespoke programme delivered for the Lowry, including workshops on session planning, behaviour management and inclusive practice.
I have also led facilitator training for the Royal Exchange.
“Joe is a natural learning practitioner: he is patient, inspiring and kind. Every young person he works with is encouraged to be their most confident and authentic self. He has unlocked potential in so many students and empowered them to be curious and ambitious.”