Award winning theatre company 20 Stories High is marking its 19th year by embarking on an exciting new chapter.
Historically known for creating bold and innovative theatre with and for young people aged 13-30, after a year of consultation with participants, board and funders the company are now developing plans to “Open Up” their age groups with a brand-new
participation programme led by new Youth and Community Director Paislie Reid.
Paislie who is also a former 20SH participant and artist has worked extensively as an actor, writer, director and youth worker and is also a co-founder of the Black Actors Collective in Liverpool.
As well as leading on 20 Stories High’s integral Youth Theatre strand, Paislie will also be developing brand new projects with neighbours Windsor Street Primary school in Toxteth and piloting a brand-new Community Company for actors, singers, poets/rappers, musicians, dancers, designers, who are aged 18 plus with no upper age limit.
Keith Saha Artistic Director of 20 Stories High, said:
“We are so excited to have Paislie on board, she is an amazing artist and innovator who cares passionately about the young people and communities we work with. Opening Up our age group is a bold move for us, but also feels like a natural progression. As a company that is almost 20 years old, we are not only responding to the needs of ex participants who have grown with us over that time, but also the greater need for children and those over 30 to have creative spaces in which they can express themselves, especially during challenging times.
Young people will always be at the heart of what we do, but opening gives us exciting new opportunities to make new work and connect intergenerationally.”
Paislie Reid, Youth & Community Director of 20 Stories High, said:
“I am so excited to join 20 stories high in this new role and be working closely with the community to come together to play, create and celebrate the vibrant culture of Liverpool through acting, spoken word, movement and more.”