Kate Massey-Chase

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College: College of Humanities
Discipline: Drama
Department: Drama/Humanities
Research Centre/Unit: Performance, Science, Community

I am currently studying for a PhD in Drama, funded by the SWW DTP. My first supervisor is Prof. Jane Milling, and my second supervisor is Dr. Teresa Murjas at the University of Reading. My research is positioned within the field of Applied Theatre & Arts & Health, and is examining what skills and capacities young people need to successfully manage the transition between Child & Adolescent and Adult Mental Health Services, and if/how my Applied Theatre practice could be of value in this context.

I graduated from the University of Winchester with a First Class combined BA (Hons) in English and Drama in 2010, after gaining the highest dissertation mark in Drama in the year. I was awarded the Evelyn Mace Hampshire Drama and Poetry Scholarship throughout my undergraduate degree. Whilst studying at the University of Winchester, I worked with Playing for Time Theatre Company in HMP Winchester to stage performances every year with the men inside, taking acting and mentoring roles for my first two years, and co-directing The Government Inspector in my final year. In my third year, I also worked with Prof. Tim Prentki to deliver autobiographical story-telling workshops in the prison. I am currently co-editing a book on prison theatre with Playing for Time's Artistic Director, Annie McKean, to be published by Intellect in November 2018.

I studied for my MA in Applied Theatre (Drama in the Community and Drama Education) at the Central School of Speech and Drama, and was awarded a Distinction in 2011. After graduating, I spent five years self-employed as a freelance facilitator, delivering Drama and Creative Writing projects with a diverse range of groups, including addicts in recovery, young asylum seekers, mental health service users, people with Parkinson's, and those who are HIV+. I have also taught Sex and Relationship Education in schools, tools for intercultural dialogue, and volunteered with Diversity Role Models to combat homophobic bullying. 

I work as a Visiting Lecturer at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, on the MA Applied Theatre course. In 2016, I worked as a Visiting Lecturer at St Mary's University, Twickenham, running their module on Theatre for Change, for second year undergraduates. I have also done some research for the University of Wales, Trinity St David, on self-improving school systems, which is awaiting publication, and delivered a presentation on Creative Learning at the Yr Athrofa, Institute of Education conference 'Securing the Future' at Cardiff City Hall. 

In 2016, I stood as a candidate for the Women's Equality Party in the Greater London Assembly, and am passionate about the fight for gender equality.