We have a new addition to our Get Involved team — Imogen Downes has joined us as our Young People’s Programme Co-ordinator, bringing with her a wealth of experience working with young people in the arts.
Imogen is a Bristol-based director, writer, and facilitator — and her career has come full circle. She first discovered her passion for theatre as a teenager through TFT’s Young Theatre Makers programme, and went on to land her first professional role as a workshop assistant here at the theatre. She later trained with Bristol Old Vic’s ‘Made in Bristol’ scheme and The Old Vic’s OV Theatre Makers programme.
Since then, Imogen has worked extensively in creating theatre for and with young people, collaborating with a range of organisations including Bristol Old Vic, Travelling Light, acta, Unique Voice, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and Bristol School of Acting. Her roles have included Young Company Leader at Bristol Old Vic, Young Mentor for Cheltenham Literature Festivals, and Mentor Director for Bristol Old Vic’s Young Ferment. She also wrote Where The Acorns Grow for Travelling Light and has worked as a Visiting Director with Bristol School of Acting.
Her family theatre credits include Director for early years show Beach Baby (Theatre on the Downs), Assistant Director for The Wardrobe Ensemble’s The Star Seekers (South West and London tour), and Writer/Director for Destination Old Market: A Medieval Promenade (Trinity Centre).
Beyond theatre, Imogen is also an accomplished poet. In 2018, she was named on Rife Magazine’s 24 Under 24 list for her work in poetry. Her debut pamphlet, We Are Animals, Don’t Forget It, is published by Against The Grain Poetry Press.
Imogen has joined the team at the end of a busy spring/summer term, with all eyes now on our upcoming summer schools and September Young Theatre Makers (YTM) programme. This summer, our Get Involved sessions will explore the world of Neverland and all things Peter Pan.
Looking ahead to September, YTM will link to our upcoming production of Macbeth in the New Year. Imogen hopes to inspire the next generation of performers by using The Bard’s timeless work as a springboard. Through the first two terms, Shakespeare@TFT will form a foundation for the programme, as Imogen works to grow YTM’s performance repertoire and explore how the classics can be nurtured in the modern age.
To find out more about the upcoming Get Involved young people’s programme — including opportunities for individuals and schools — please visit the Get Involved pages on our website, or email Imogen at getinvolved@tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
Posted on 23 July 2025
