We have one goal in common: to support young people with additional needs to develop their creative skills and independence through performing arts.
With more than 261 years’ experience within the team, from theatrical backgrounds to residential support settings, we’re eager to continue to provide fun and fulfilling workshops and sessions for individuals in the South West.
Founders
As an original Founder of TwoCan, Louise now works solely at TwoCan and is responsible for the day to day running of the company. Louise has more than 30 years’ experience in the educational and arts sector, working as a teacher, director and writer in schools, colleges and theatres in and around Gloucestershire.
Louise is excited by TwoCan’s move into their new venue in Eastington and is working very hard to try and secure funding to make the improvements that it needs. Louise is passionate about skills development and equality and hopes that one day theatre and the arts will have equal opportunities for all.
Nickie is a theatre and radio director who loves telling stories of hope, connection and community. She studies Theatre and Media Drama at the University of Glamorgan and has since worked as a stage manager, an actor and director. As an actor, Nickie is known best for her role as Miranda in the Paralympics Opening Ceremony in 2012.
Nickie has also worked as an Associate and Assistant Director at National Theatre at Royal Exchange in Manchester. In 2023 Nickie was dramaturg and Associate Director of the West End hit ‘Little Big Things’.
Nickie loves creating content for radio and has produced many dramas for Audible and Radio 4.
Becky trained at Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and has worked as an actress at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, and internationally as a dancer for the National Star College. Previously in her career she was responsible for disability access audits and disability awareness workshops for organisations. On a fundraising front, Becky has raised money for Riding for the Disabled, as well as abseiled down Eagle Tower in Cheltenham and taken part in a sky dive.
As a Founding member of TwoCan, Becky works alongside Louise and Nickie to continue championing equality in the performance and arts industry.
Team
With a wealth of experience as an actress on both stage and screen, Maureen has worked alongside Louise for many years, running theatrical workshops with TwoCan and at the Everyman Theatre while also performing in productions across the country.
Maureen joined the TwoCan team as a theatre practitioner in 2016 and has loved every minute of it, drawing inspiration from all of the incredible people she has met during this time; a personal highlight was watching TwoCan groups take to the stage at the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts.
Maureen truly gets stuck into everything at TwoCan, from tea rounds to talking groups through tasks, laughing along with all involved, supporting the youth groups, and the breakfast adult drama groups.
Sophie is a Creative Practitioner at TwoCan and has a background working in special educational needs. She finds TwoCan an extremely inspiring and happy place to be.
Working as part of the team on the ‘Journey to Independence’ programme and running the inclusive choir brings her joy, and she loves to see the many smiling faces of the young people she works with. Sophie is currently training to become a Makaton tutor, to develop her skills in the unique language programme and further her communication skills, alongside bringing inclusive communication to every TwoCan session
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Kingsley joined TwoCan in 2022, armed with superb musical knowledge and technical experience. With a background in song writing and performance, Kingsley is an accomplished music producer and studio engineer. He is passionate about building confidence in everyone and believes music can be an excellent medium to communicate.
As a Creative Practitioner and registered Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Drama-therapist, Chyla believes it is vital to help young people develop and understand themselves fully to allow their authentic voices to be heard.
Chyla has worked with TwoCan for many years now and has thoroughly enjoyed watching the organisation grow. She believes in TwoCan’s unique approach; a creative space in which members can visit and let their creativity flow freely. TwoCan is Chyla’s happy place, and she loves to see young people develop their sense of self and make lasting friendships.
Alice supports the TwoCan Youth Theatre and Skills Development sessions. With a background in theatre, Alice has developed her theatre skills over the previous five years. At TwoCan, Alice helps young people to get the most from the sessions provided, encouraging their involvement in activities.
Alice’s skills as a practitioner have evolved since joining the TwoCan team, she thoroughly enjoys the energy, happiness and laughter that each session brings.
Mandy has vast experience working within the creative sector, having worked as a highly successful Head of Drama for more than 33 years, as well as a subject lead for drama, mentoring other teachers in Gloucestershire, and has supported newly qualified teachers. Mandy furthers her experience with a DipBSoM in Mindful Meditation from the British School of Meditation, she’s also a Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner and a mindful life coach. Mandy also worked at the Everyman Theatre, running the youth theatre groups, and is currently a Speech and Drama teacher, helping young people achieve their LAMDA awards.
At TwoCan, Mandy supports the skills development programme, and leads the Thursday evening youth theatre group. She finds joy in supporting young people, helping improve their confidence and drama skills.
Karen feels immense pride to work at TwoCan, and she loves spending her time with the talented group. Karen has many years’ experience in musical shows, bringing her skills in movement and dance to the organisation. She loves the warmth and ‘family’ environment of TwoCan and continues to learn from participants. Karen feels that TwoCan enhances so many lives through work, play and fun.
Don't let the name confuse you, Birdy is our wonderful Collie/Labrador therapy dog! Originally born in Wales, she now lives in Cheltenham with her owner, Rachel, one of our wonderful Creative Practitioners.
As the TwoCan therapy dog, Birdy works alongside the wonderful team, bringing affection, comfort and support to anyone who needs it. She is also responsible for hoovering up after anyone has eaten and giving a helping pull up any inclines that the group may find themselves facing when out and about.
Rachel joined the TwoCan team in 2022, she supports with holiday programmes and the weekly drama group and has recently taken on the role of Creative Practitioner, contributing to the development of the ‘Journey to Independence’ programme. Rachel has more than 30 years’ experience working with neurodivergent adults in residential support settings, as a teacher and a therapist.
The TwoCan team prides themselves on its ethos of engaging with and supporting young people without judgement, and Rachel finds it an absolute pleasure to be part of the amazing team.
As Louise’s daughter, Zoe has grown up watching TwoCan evolve. Zoe and Louise have worked together for more than six years now, supporting the youth theatre sessions and holiday programmes.
As a full-time H.A.R.T paramedic, Zoe delivers one-off sessions at TwoCan, but as someone with first-hand experience of what the organisation can do, Zoe believes TwoCan should be accessible to everyone.
Jenny had worked in Gloucestershire theatres for more than 20 years; running her theatre company, Jenny Wren Productions, and working with the Everyman Theatre. She’s worked with TwoCan since the very beginning, finding joy in supporting young people. She spends Monday evenings with the TwoCan family, which are a highlight of her week.
