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Animate CIC is a Plymouth-based theatre company focused on making high-quality theatre by putting inclusivity and accessibility at the centre. We create new theatre to those who may not ordinarily be able to gain access to them. Alongside our professional projects, through workshops and our Evolve programme, we teach a variety of skills to enable those to be more confident as well as develop transferrable qualities. Working with professional artists, directors, writers and volunteers, we have built a thriving community of individuals with the shared goal of making accessibility a creative element so our art can truly be inclusive.

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To make accessible theatre. Accessible for artists.

Accessible for audiences.

Accessible for everyone.

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We invest our core values of accessibility, inclusivity, quality, respect and integrity to provide a safe space for theatre makers of varying ability to collaborate and learn through creative endeavours.

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To help achieve complete inclusivity by putting inclusivity centre stage and to make theatre truly accessible by using accessibility as a creative element rather than just a tick box.

Our Ethos & Vision

Animate Theatre was set up in 2013 to provide theatre opportunities for those with disabilities. While working as an Activities Coordinator, I could see a severe lack in local organisations that provided accessible professional theatre opportunities. I set out to change this and create a company that provided a safe creative space, pushing the boundaries on preconceptions of disability. 
The company initially began running weekly workshops, lead by professional practitioners, in all areas of theatre. Animate grew to a company of over 30 members and volunteers within a year. In 2014, our first production was a adapted version of 'The Wizard of Oz’, at the Red House Theatre, running over 2 evenings. Animate was later commissioned to write and produce a short film about Plymouth during World War 1. Endeavour, We Shall Win, tells the story of many people living through the war in the south west and their emotional journey. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ was performed in 2016 and the company later went on to create a South West touring production of ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’. Alongside productions, Animate runs regular workshops and links with Plymouth University, teaching students skills and development for future practitioners. 
Over the past 8 years, Animate has grown and developed and aims to encourage accessible theatre across Devon and Cornwall, whilst making a clear stand and change within the South West. As I take a step back from the company, the new team are busy developing and evolving the company to encompass more engaging, ground breaking theatre opportunities.

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Our History
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Meet The Team

- Anna Fox, Founder/Director

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Ryan Wilce

Executive Producer

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Ruby Woods

Artistic Director

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Fynn Roberts

Lead Practitioner

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Becky Hilton

Lead Practitioner

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Luke Mosley

Associate Producer

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Hugh Malyon

Associate Artist

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Rhys Crownshaw

Associate Artist

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Laura Cantliff

Associate Dramaturg

Board of Directors

Animate are forever grateful for the tireless efforts of its board, continually striving to ensure Animate reaches its full potential.

Robyn Eyres (Chair)

Emma Rowse (Secretary)

Luke Mosley (Treasurer)

Anna Fox (Founder)

Patricia Eyres

Jackie Hilton

Adam Stewart

Qualifications & Training

Animate is a growing community with a growing portfolio of ground-breaking work. To maintain our creative safe-spaces, all our practitioners hold current DBS checks and First Aid Training certificate holders are present at all Animate activities. Also, we ensure our practitioners and creative associates undertake regular up-to-date training such as:

  • Mental Health First Aid 

  • Safeguarding 

  • COVID-19 Awareness & Prevention 

  • Wellbeing Champion Training 

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