People and Partners

Ray Downing

Artistic Director & Co-CEO

Ray Downing has worked for Face Front since 2005 as a freelancer and, for 6 years Artistic Director and Co-CEO. Ray is a dyslexic award-winning theatre-maker specialising in youth, inclusive and community-led arts. He was an Associate Artist at Stratford Circus Arts Centre and an Associate Director at Theatre Venture and the Ramira Arts Collective.

He is a double-graduate from the Royal Central School of Speech & Drama and in whatever project he’s involved with, he always starts the process by saying ‘A play is called play because you play - so let's play!’

"Face Front is brilliant because of its methodology by with and for our beneficiaries - for example our work is by young people with young people, for young people. So we are not dictating, or patronising we are all encompassing. We provide an escape, an opportunity to reflect and inspire, to challenge, to provide wonder - a sense of community - community arts through and through and a connection with people."

Annie Smol MBE

Associate Director

Annie has worked within the arts in education, health and social care for 30 years specialising in inclusion, forum theatre and community arts.

She has worked for numerous arts companies such as Watford Palace, GLYPT, Graeae Theatre, London Bubble, Half Moon, Art Start, Finchley Youth Theatre, Freshwater Theatre, and was a founder member of the Theatre in schools Partnership.

As former Artistic Director for Face Front Inclusive Theatre she created many inclusive theatre programmes for disabled and non-disabled people of all ages working as a project manager, director, trainer and performer.

In 2017 She received an MBE for services to theatre and inclusion.

"Face Front works inclusively using the transformational power of theatre in order to challenge inequality and improve emotional well-being. True stories from our diverse communities are at the heart of all Face Front's work, their voices bring authenticity, joy and raise awareness leading to a fairer and more inclusive world."

Jon French

Executive Director & Co-CEO

Jon French is a founding member of Face Front and Executive Director.

He is an accomplished actor, dancer and director.

Before Face Front, he was a founding member of CandoCo where he performed and taught both in the UK and worldwide.

At Face Front he is the director of Broken Silence (Sandwich Man – The Musical, Our Island, Zap).

He has performed in numerous productions including (Princess of The Graveyard Palace, Counting the Ways, Opening The Can).

Jon leads on the finances of the company.

"Face Front give opportunities to people who would not get that opportunity else where and we maintain the high standard of work, starting with the research and then throughout our participation and professional programmes."

Jacqui Livingston

Associate Producer

Jacqui started life off as a community arts facilitator, performer and adult education tutor with Chats Palace before moving into education.

She is a former Head of School and was in primary education for the last 20 years.  Throughout the time she managed a range of subjects and areas including, teaching and learning, philosophy for children, phonics and drama. She has managed all key stages including early years and provided INSET training for a range of stakeholders throughout school.

The arts have always been her passion and she decided to take leap back to community arts to become a facilitator, visual artist and story teller. Since then she has had the pleasure to work with Bigfoot Arts, Kilburn Grange School, InterACTion, Blue Sky Actors, Stratford Circus and Blue Elephant Theatre. She now spends time writing/devising, designing and making set and costumes as well as delivering workshops and performing.

"The inclusive and cross generational work that Face Front does makes it a warm, rich and diverse place to be. It brings individuals and groups together giving them a sense of belonging and purpose. It then helps to unlock their creative voices and gives participants a safe place to take risks, blossom and grow."

Lauren Phillips

Associate Producer

Lauren Phillips has worked for Face Front since 2019, initially joining as a placement student from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where she graduated with a first in BA: Drama, Applied Theatre and Education.

Since then at Face Front she is a facilitator within four of their participatory theatre groups, lead producer of the digital TiE resources - It’s My Choice & Whisper Me Digital, producer of the annual CLICfest and manager of Face Front's social media channels.

Lauren is a neurodiverse theatre maker, facilitator and climate justice activist and has worked with various art companies such as Freshwater Theatre, The Hive Kids, The Forest School Way, Fresh Arts Theatre, FLUX Rotherham.

Lauren is a founding member of GeoTone CIC and is an artist in residence at ArtsDepot and Newhampton Arts Centre.

"Face Front not only creates barrier-breaking theatre but also brings joy to its community.. It is a fantastic and diverse workforce, it is a space where you feel valued, supported and difference is celebrated! I am so proud to be part of such an impactful and life-changing charity."

 Sarah-Jane Wingrove

Associate Director

Sarah-Jane is twice a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama with a Degree in Drama and Education and an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice. She spent four years working as an FE lecturer in Performing Arts and setting up the award-winning TAB Youth Theatre. 

She then turned to working freelance as a performer, puppeteer, youth theatre director and facilitator. She is also the co-founder of arts collective 'Handheld Arts' who have create installations and design-led performances with massive heart. 

She has performed in several Face Front productions including 'It's My Move', 'Whisper Me Happy Ever After', and is looking forward to being part of the upcoming national tour of 'The Hero Next Door'. She is often to be found assisting in many of Face Front's participatory arts groups - and loves to use emojis wherever she can 😎 😀 🙄

“For Nearly 25 years, Face Front have been providing and engaging their local community and beyond in high quality artistic experiences and opportunities. Through workshops, Theatre-in-Education tours, participatory groups, seminars, mentoring, working with partners, apprenticeships… the list of the ways they have shown dedication to developing and championing creative communities that are inclusive and accessible to all is exemplary. As they continue to evolve in response to the changing needs and nature of society, I am proud to be a part of an organisation with such an rich and impactful past and future.”

Rachel Bradbear

Development Manager

I have worked at Face Front for 2 years in this new part time role, and my first experience as Development Manager was in lockdown.

The company was rapidly making amazing changes during the pandemic and supporting the FFIT family and their needs as the world changed.

My background is initially in dance, performing, choreography and teaching before developing an interest in producing projects and events across the performing arts, which led me to all things about funding and making an idea happen.

Over the past 25 years I have designed and delivered a variety of projects and events in Theatre, dance, music, visual arts and film in a wide variety of settings be it, education, professional and community environments.

"Face Front is one of the most vibrant and enthusiastic places I have worked and where the whole team are so supportive and dedicated. The inclusive projects, touring and programmes are transformative for so many people of all ages and there have been many highlights during my time here. It’s been a big year for fundraising in these difficult times and we as a team endeavour to keep all the work and company active and resilient."

Eliza Wilson

Associate Producer

Eliza Wilson is a freelance project manager, producer and education consultant with over 20 years experience in the creative learning sector. Eliza started her career at Bromley Council delivering arts projects in the community and then went onto lead the Education team as Head of Education at Stratford Circus Arts Centre for 10 years.

While there she set up their award winning children’s theatre programme and community education programme, as well as developing a pioneering partnership scheme for schools. Since becoming self-employed Eliza has focussed on working with arts organisations on development, project management and producing.

She has a particular interest in audience development and evaluation.

"Face Front's work raises awareness, promotes equality, gives a voice to people from diverse communities, and has inclusivity at its heart. I am delighted to be part of such life-defining work."