Experience

Argyll and Bute Council

• United Kingdom
• Civic and Social Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• Primary School Teacher

  • Aug 2022 - Jun 2023



Fife Council

• United Kingdom
• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• Primary School Teacher

  • Aug 2021 - Aug 2022

  Probationary Year 2021-22



Various

• Freelance theatre maker, facilitator and arts engagement specialist

  • Sep 2003 - Aug 2021

  Scotland I have worked for a wide range of organisations across Scotland in a freelance capacity. For further information about my work please visit my website www.heatherfcassidy.com. Companies include: Catherine Wheels Theatre Company Youth Theatre Arts Scotland Lyceum Youth Theatre Scottish Youth Theatre Firefly Arts Pitlochry Festival Theatre Giant Reeling & Writhing RSAMD Glasgow Caledonian… Show more I have worked for a wide range of organisations across Scotland in a freelance capacity. For further information about my work please visit my website www.heatherfcassidy.com. Companies include: Catherine Wheels Theatre Company Youth Theatre Arts Scotland Lyceum Youth Theatre Scottish Youth Theatre Firefly Arts Pitlochry Festival Theatre Giant Reeling & Writhing RSAMD Glasgow Caledonian University Edinburgh International Science Festival Theatre Babel Glasgow Rep Borderline Theatre Local Councils - Argyll & Bute, Falkirk, North Lanarkshire; West Lothian Under my own company name, Paper Tiger Theatre (2007-13), I also delivered a number of creative arts projects in rural Argyll for ARC Glendaruel, Cairndow Arts and the former Inver Cottage. Show less



Creative Dundee

• Board Director

  • Mar 2016 - Aug 2020

  Dundee, United Kingdom Creative Dundee believes that culture and creativity are essential catalysts for positive change, existing to support creative talent to base, grow and sustain their practice in and around Dundee, by amplifying and connecting the city’s creativity. Creative Dundee creates spaces to enable opportunities, galvanise action and profile the city so that citizens and visitors alike can access, experience and enjoy Dundee’s active creative scene, and also leads collaborative projects which… Show more Creative Dundee believes that culture and creativity are essential catalysts for positive change, existing to support creative talent to base, grow and sustain their practice in and around Dundee, by amplifying and connecting the city’s creativity. Creative Dundee creates spaces to enable opportunities, galvanise action and profile the city so that citizens and visitors alike can access, experience and enjoy Dundee’s active creative scene, and also leads collaborative projects which generate local, national and international opportunities for people and the city - to support Dundee’s strong creative ecology. The Board was first established in March 2016 and so, as a new Board, we began by exploring how to support taking the organisation forward, the highlight to date being a successful application to become a Regularly Funded Organisation in Creative Scotland’s 2018-21 portfolio. If you would like to join Creative Dundee and make our city even better for everyone, have your voice heard and make the world as passionate about Dundee’s creative scene as we all are, then do check out our Amps supporters network by clicking the link below. Show less



Dundee City Council

• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• ASPIRE (Drama) Programme Producer and Drama Artist

  • Jul 2019 - Jun 2020

  Dundee, United Kingdom I originally developed the ASPIRE Drama programme in 2018 in my previous role within Dundee Rep’s Engage department. In returning to my freelance practice, Dundee City Council commissioned me to work with them directly to continue producing the programme and to also become the Drama Artist resident within the P3-7 classes at St. Francis Primary (3 days per week). As Producer, I have designed a year-round programme of cross-curricular drama projects for a recently constructed shared… Show more I originally developed the ASPIRE Drama programme in 2018 in my previous role within Dundee Rep’s Engage department. In returning to my freelance practice, Dundee City Council commissioned me to work with them directly to continue producing the programme and to also become the Drama Artist resident within the P3-7 classes at St. Francis Primary (3 days per week). As Producer, I have designed a year-round programme of cross-curricular drama projects for a recently constructed shared campus, comprising Longhaugh Primary, St. Francis Primary, Quarry View Nursery and neighbouring Longhaugh Nursery. I am responsible for recruiting, training and supporting the Drama Artist team, timetabling the programme of approximately 40 groups per week, managing the budget, ensuring we meet project outcomes, and identifying ways to enrich the project further with in-school performances by companies such as Theatre in Schools Scotland, Tortoise in a Nutshell and Shaper/Caper. Through each of their projects, the pupils use drama to explore and respond to stories, objects, places, landmarks, people, themes or pieces of live performance, with robust links to the Curriculum for Excellence. Within each setting there are also opportunities for sharing learning with other classes and creating end of project performances for audiences of pupils, families and friends. As such, projects are bespoke and tailored to each individual class, with each workshop developing as a response to the previous one. Through participating in our work, pupils become more confident and inquisitive, they learn to work better both individually and in teams, and they find they are more able to give and receive feedback in a safe, supported and positive environment. Show less



Imaginate

• United Kingdom
• Performing Arts
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Lead Artist

  • Feb 2020 - Mar 2020

  Edinburgh, United Kingdom I am delighted to be working with Imaginate between February - March 2020, delivering CLPL as part of their Explore programme. Through the CLPL, teachers will be equipped with the tools to help their pupils reflect critically on theatre and dance performances, developing the young people's confidence and skills. It will also connect teachers with a network of peers who are interested in developing the performing arts in their schools.



Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theatre Limited

• United Kingdom
• Performing Arts
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Education and Pathways Associate

  • Sep 2017 - Jul 2019

  Dundee, United Kingdom In 2017, we rebranded the Creative Learning department as Rep Engage, and I was promoted to the new post of Education and Pathways Associate. As the strategic lead for all elements of this strand, I was responsible for managing budgets, fundraising, recruitment and line management of freelance staff. Key projects included: • GIFT - A festival of devised performance by P4-7 classes, incorporating a comprehensive CLPL programme for teachers, regular visits to in-school rehearsals, and a fully… Show more In 2017, we rebranded the Creative Learning department as Rep Engage, and I was promoted to the new post of Education and Pathways Associate. As the strategic lead for all elements of this strand, I was responsible for managing budgets, fundraising, recruitment and line management of freelance staff. Key projects included: • GIFT - A festival of devised performance by P4-7 classes, incorporating a comprehensive CLPL programme for teachers, regular visits to in-school rehearsals, and a fully supported production week. • CREATIVE PATHWAYS - A varied programme of work experience, shadowing, paid traineeships and volunteering opportunities for pupils, students and graduates, including flexible placements for pupils with additional support needs. In 2018/19, we worked with 180 participants through this programme. • ENTERPRISE @ THE REP - 2019 marked 10 years of this intensive programme which offered 80 S4-S6 pupils the opportunity to spend two days working with staff across the building following an application, interview and selection process. In the 7 years that I produced this project, I doubled the number of opportunities and extended the range of departments to include photography, film, dance and composition. • OPEN HOUSE - In 2018, I launched a bespoke public engagement programme, including backstage tours, design for theatre workshops, and post-show Talkbacks with members of the Creative Team and the Ensemble.

• Education, Skills and Training Facilitator

  • Apr 2012 - Aug 2017

  Dundee, United Kingdom My role as Education, Skills and Training Facilitator comprised a diverse remit across the Education, Participation and Community strands, involving extensive work in schools, managing the building-wide Creative Pathways programme, delivering participatory work with youth theatres, the adult community company and family groups, running CLPL for teachers, delivering technical theatre and design for theatre workshops in collaboration with the Production team, coordinating workshops, producing… Show more My role as Education, Skills and Training Facilitator comprised a diverse remit across the Education, Participation and Community strands, involving extensive work in schools, managing the building-wide Creative Pathways programme, delivering participatory work with youth theatres, the adult community company and family groups, running CLPL for teachers, delivering technical theatre and design for theatre workshops in collaboration with the Production team, coordinating workshops, producing Educational resources, and various other projects as required.



Royal Scottish National Orchestra

• Engagement Coordinator

  • Aug 2013 - Aug 2014

  Dundee, United Kingdom Alongside my work at Dundee Rep, I worked freelance for the RSNO's Learning and Engagement department with a specific responsibility for fostering their relationships with schools and communities in Dundee. The two highlights of this role were co-producing a brand new classical music festival for the city called SpringFest, resulting in a programme of over 20 events for all ages and throwing a tea dance in a local community centre, involving contributions from secondary pupils, community… Show more Alongside my work at Dundee Rep, I worked freelance for the RSNO's Learning and Engagement department with a specific responsibility for fostering their relationships with schools and communities in Dundee. The two highlights of this role were co-producing a brand new classical music festival for the city called SpringFest, resulting in a programme of over 20 events for all ages and throwing a tea dance in a local community centre, involving contributions from secondary pupils, community members and orchestra players. Show less



Perth Theatre and Concert Hall

• United Kingdom
• Entertainment
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Creative Learning Practitioner

  • Aug 2011 - Oct 2013

  Perth My core role was as the Tutor for the Saturday morning P1-3 and P4-7 classes, culminating with devised performances each June. I was the first tutor to ever deliver youth theatre provision for primary-aged children at Horsecross and demand for places was so high throughout that first year that we increased provision from two weekly groups to five, and I led on three of these. In summer 2012 I also piloted workshops for children on the autistic spectrum and the success of this led to me… Show more My core role was as the Tutor for the Saturday morning P1-3 and P4-7 classes, culminating with devised performances each June. I was the first tutor to ever deliver youth theatre provision for primary-aged children at Horsecross and demand for places was so high throughout that first year that we increased provision from two weekly groups to five, and I led on three of these. In summer 2012 I also piloted workshops for children on the autistic spectrum and the success of this led to me establishing three further youth theatres in partnership with Perth Autism Support. In addition to this, I delivered training for teachers, ran various workshops in schools and led on a Community Theatre project for adults. Show less



East Dunbartonshire Council

• Government Administration
• 700 & Above Employee

• Drama Facilitator

  • Aug 2009 - Oct 2012

  I delivered a variety of projects for East Dunbartonshire Council’s Arts Development, Education and Creative Links Departments, both in schools and in the community. Examples of projects for children and young people include Scottish themed workshops for Secondary pupils, interactive storytelling workshops based on the tale of Finn McCool and the Giant’s Causeway for P1-4, various drama projects for 3-16 year olds, and collaborating with a visual artist on the 'Wee Beasties' holiday… Show more I delivered a variety of projects for East Dunbartonshire Council’s Arts Development, Education and Creative Links Departments, both in schools and in the community. Examples of projects for children and young people include Scottish themed workshops for Secondary pupils, interactive storytelling workshops based on the tale of Finn McCool and the Giant’s Causeway for P1-4, various drama projects for 3-16 year olds, and collaborating with a visual artist on the 'Wee Beasties' holiday programmes for 3-6 year olds. I also delivered some taster Drama sessions for Adults with Learning Disabilities and their support staff through which I focused on developing their confidence, enhancing their social skills, and improving their emotional well-being. Show less



Toonspeak Young People's Theatre

• Drama Workshop Leader

  • Sep 2010 - Mar 2012

  Glasgow, United Kingdom Based in the Royston area of North Glasgow, Toonspeak provide free drama and theatre workshops, trips and training opportunities for young people from the area. My work there included leading regular youth theatre projects, directing a number of devised performances and co-delivering their first Arts Award programme.



Inter-Act / NHS Forth Valley

• Drama Facilitator / Team Coordinator

  • Jan 2009 - Mar 2012

  ‘Max in the Middle’ was a week-long experiential Health and Wellbeing project for pupils in P6-7 in the Forth Valley area. The project encompassed drama, dance, and cookery, and encouraged the pupils to think about being active in making choices for health and happiness. Our residency in each school concluded with a performance for an invited audience of parents, carers and members of the local community. This project regularly involved partnership work with various groups, for example… Show more ‘Max in the Middle’ was a week-long experiential Health and Wellbeing project for pupils in P6-7 in the Forth Valley area. The project encompassed drama, dance, and cookery, and encouraged the pupils to think about being active in making choices for health and happiness. Our residency in each school concluded with a performance for an invited audience of parents, carers and members of the local community. This project regularly involved partnership work with various groups, for example, parental volunteers, community initiatives, Active Schools, Family Support workers and other NHS departments. Show less



National Theatre of Scotland

• United Kingdom
• Performing Arts
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Creative Learning Practitioner

  • Oct 2005 - Nov 2011

  Touring * Oct 2005 - Apr 2006 / The Crucible (NTS Lothians Team) * Aug 2011 - Nov 2011 / Men Should Weep I was one of the first theatre artists employed by NTS when they launched in 2005. This saw me working within a team covering theatre, dance, digital arts and music, on several projects in both West and East Lothian. My main focus was on education and community-based work around our co-production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible with TAG Theatre Company. As part of my drama education role… Show more * Oct 2005 - Apr 2006 / The Crucible (NTS Lothians Team) * Aug 2011 - Nov 2011 / Men Should Weep I was one of the first theatre artists employed by NTS when they launched in 2005. This saw me working within a team covering theatre, dance, digital arts and music, on several projects in both West and East Lothian. My main focus was on education and community-based work around our co-production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible with TAG Theatre Company. As part of my drama education role within the NTS Lothians Team, I also worked as the Community Director on the Livingston version of The Crucible, planning and leading all rehearsals as well as regularly attending TAG's professional rehearsals at the Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow. This co-production saw a professional cast team up with five different community casts in five separate locations across Scotland, with professional actors performing The Crucible to local audiences alongside local people. I also had the opportunity to work for NTS in 2011, co-writing and delivering workshops for S4-6 pupils, youth theatre groups and colleges, to accompany their touring production of Ena Lamont Stewart's Men Should Weep, directed by Graham McLaren. Show less



Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

• United Kingdom
• Higher Education
• 200 - 300 Employee

• Drama Tutor

  • Jan 2009 - Jun 2011

  For Dramaworks, I designed and delivered weekend youth theatre workshops for both Primary and Secondary aged pupils. I also directed two performances by the young people – ‘The 28’ was a political piece exploring the concepts of government, revolution, and loss (Upper Secondary) and ‘The Sadness of King Joe’ was a play about epic adventures involving utopias, knights, dragons, lurgies and mighty battles (P1-2). Latterly I worked with a Primary 3/4 composite group exploring ideas around being… Show more For Dramaworks, I designed and delivered weekend youth theatre workshops for both Primary and Secondary aged pupils. I also directed two performances by the young people – ‘The 28’ was a political piece exploring the concepts of government, revolution, and loss (Upper Secondary) and ‘The Sadness of King Joe’ was a play about epic adventures involving utopias, knights, dragons, lurgies and mighty battles (P1-2). Latterly I worked with a Primary 3/4 composite group exploring ideas around being new, friendship, and cooperative working. Show less



Scottish Refugee Council

• United Kingdom
• Non-profit Organizations
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Education Facilitator ('Life After Iraq' Schools Exhibition Project)

  • Sep 2009 - Dec 2010

  Photographer Angela Catlin and Writer Billy Briggs were originally commissioned in 2008 by Scottish Refugee Council to create the ‘Life After Iraq’ Exhibition. For this, Catlin and Briggs met with Iraqi refugees in both Syria and Glasgow to bring their harrowing stories to light. Then, in Autumn 2009, Scottish Refugee Council commissioned me to tour a version of the Exhibition around Glasgow secondary schools, to design and deliver education workshops for the pupils, and to write an… Show more Photographer Angela Catlin and Writer Billy Briggs were originally commissioned in 2008 by Scottish Refugee Council to create the ‘Life After Iraq’ Exhibition. For this, Catlin and Briggs met with Iraqi refugees in both Syria and Glasgow to bring their harrowing stories to light. Then, in Autumn 2009, Scottish Refugee Council commissioned me to tour a version of the Exhibition around Glasgow secondary schools, to design and deliver education workshops for the pupils, and to write an Activities Pack for use in the classroom. Building on the success of this, in late 2010 the outreach programme toured again, this time reaching a number of secondary schools in Glasgow, Inverclyde and East Ayrshire. This second tour also gave me the opportunity to engage with groups of pupils from the Visible Fictions ‘State of Emergency’ project, working with them to further their knowledge of what it is like to be displaced by war. Show less