How we work

We aim to Change the World, One Play at a Time. The theatre we co-create calls for revolution. It ignites activism and places theatre at the heart of transforming the lives of women and girls.

We co-create with women excluded by theatre and society to create bold and urgent theatre for personal, social and political change.

We listen, build power and advocate

We create spaces for women, inclusive of trans women and non -binary people, to be creative, to talk, discuss. Women gather as experts in their lived experience to highlight the issues and what needs to change.

We work with trans men while they transition to the point they feel a women only group is no longer the right space for them

Like many, we at Open Clasp Theatre Company are concerned about the divisive, hateful speech and actions we are hearing and witnessing across our country. While these feelings are not new for many, we recognise that this is a crucial moment to take a stand for what we believe is right. It is important that we do not become complacent in our mission to build the power of women and girls and drive positive change that reflects and celebrates the diversity of our communities.

Where we work

Our work is regularly performed in theatres, prisons, schools, conferences, and community centres. We have recently developed our digital engagement strategy, ensuring we highlight social justice issues, giving a voice to the women who collaborated with and enabling new audiences to contribute to debate.

The work resonates deeply into the communities where it is created and ensures that outside these communities, the under-represented are seen in a new light.

Social Change

The change we want can feel out of reach and hopeless, but theatre can and does change lives. It creates empathy.

Our high-quality theatre influences public opinion, trains service providers, and influences policy debates. Our work is supported by our collaborators and the partnerships we nurture in the women’s service sector, community organisations and academia.

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People recached since 1998
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Community groups, universities and schools partnered with

Our Core Team

Catrina McHugh MBE
Joint CEO, Artistic Director and Writer
Ellie Turner
Joint CEO, Executive Director
Carly McConnell
Senior Creative Producer
Erin Connor
Producer
Rachel Errington
Finance and Office Manager
Colette Conlin
Project Co-Ordinator
Jessica Johnson
Associate Artist
Rachel Glover
Associate Stage Manager
Zoe Lambert
Associate Artist
Christina Berriman Dawson
Associate Artist

Our Trustees

Helen Ferguson (Chair)
Creative Producer at Mortal Fools
Fiona O’Connor (Vice Chair)
Founding Director of Birkheads Wild CIC
Lara Jonah
Forensic Psychologist, National Clinical Lead in Domestic Abuse
for Her Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service
Francesca Cross
Project Manager at Punchdrunk Enrichment
Jacqui Kell
Executive Director/Joint Chief Executive of Live Theatre
Hayley Calvert
Social Worker
Leanne Sutherland
Solicitor, Family Team, Ben Hoare Bell
Charlotte Bennett
Joint Artistic Director and CEO of Paines Plough

Our Patrons

I feel so fortunate to have found Open Clasp’s ‘Key Change’ in Edinburgh and then transfer it to New York. The company combines social conscience and incredible artistry to create unforgettable theatre. I’m proud to support their work.

Carol Tambor, Chair, The Carol Tambor Theatrical Foundation & Portrait Painter

This is a company that does something which is not only unique, entertaining and engaging but also incredibly important. They tell stories that need to be heard and they allow their audiences to see the world through unexpected eyes.

Erica Whyman OBE, Deputy Artistic Director, Royal Shakespeare Company

Open Clasp work tirelessly and passionately with women who do not usually have a voice and who certainly aren’t used to being heard.

Charlie Hardwick, Actor and philanthropist