We have a recent edition to our Get Involved Team. Imogen Downes has joined us as our Young Persons Co-ordinator and brings with her a wealth of experience working with young people in the Arts.
Imogen is a Bristolian director, writer, and facilitator. Imogen’s career has actually come full circle! She first discovered her passion for theatre as a teenager as a member of TFT’s Young Theatre Makers, where her journey continued with her first professional role as a workshop assistant. She went on to train with Bristol Old Vic’s ‘Made In Bristol’ scheme and The Old Vic’s OV Theatre Makers programme.
Since then, Imogen has worked extensively creating theatre for and with young people, collaborating with 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 was also the writer for Travelling Light’s Where The Acorns Grow and has directed for Bristol School of Acting as a Visiting Director.
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 a poet, named on Rife Magazine’s 24 Under 24 list in 2018 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 ahead to summer schools and the September programme for YTM. The Get Involved Summer schools will be looking at the idea of Neverland and all things Peter Pan.
YTM In the September term will be linked to the upcoming production of Macbeth in the New Year. Inspiring aspiring actors for centuries, The Bard’s work and Shakespeare@TFT will infiltrate the YTM programme in the first 2 terms, with Imogen’s ambition for the young theatre makers to grow YTM’s performance repertoire by looking at how the classics can be nurtured in the modern age.
To find out more about the upcoming Get Involved young people’s programme, opportunities for individuals and schools – please visit the Get Involved pages on the website or email Imogen on getinvolved@tobaccofactorytheatres.com
Posted on 23 July 2025
