Meet the Team
Durham Student Theatre is led by a team of 11 elected students. Serving under the President and their executive committee, they carry out a range of jobs and support all theatre companies.
The Executive Committee
Robyn Bradbury (she/her)
President
I’m Robyn, and within my two years in Durham I’ve taken part in many productions, as a director, actor, producer and guitarist. My role as President is to help support and champion the creativity of each of our companies and their members. I’m always up for a discussion about everything theatrical, and I wholeheartedly believe no idea is too big! My main aim is to make DST as accessible and welcoming as it can be - whether you were born for the stage or just fancy something new, we are the place for you.
Harriet Miller (she/her)
Secretary
Hi! I’m Harriet, a second year English lit student and the DST secretary this year. I am involved mostly in costume and directing (but can occasionally be found on stage). I am a first port of call for questions you may have and can direct you to the correct committee members for more specific info. My role also involves things like: sending the weekly email that updates DST members on theatre role openings and upcoming shows, taking minutes in meetings and helping facilitate DST elections. Get in touch if you have any questions or need advice in getting involved!
Jonathan Wilson-Downs (he/him)
Treasurer
Hi, I'm Jonathan, your DST Treasurer for 2026/2027! I'm a third year Computer Science and Maths student from St Johns and my time in DST has spanned 29 shows, working as a technician, performer, exec member and creative in the musical theatre sphere! You can often find me as a Lighting Designer, Production Manager or doing questionably niche accents on the Assembly Rooms stage. As DST Treasurer, I can provide guidance on anything financial! Theatre is expensive work and managing money is incredibly important to the success of our companies - feel free to come to me with any questions on budgeting, grants, VAT or just to ask how best to spend your company funds! I look forward to another amazing year of theatre at Durham!
Zac Jackson (he/him)
Technical Manager
Hi, I'm Zac, a third year Music student from St Cuthbert's Society. In my ten years as a theatre technician, I have worked in every department, focusing specifically on lighting and management in my time in DST. As Tech Manager, I'll be advocating for student technicians, improving our working conditions and providing advice to production executives on how to fairly treat technicians. I will also be around to offer support on any technical matter, whether it's a complex logistical issue or just someone who is interested in how to get into tech
The Standing Commitee
Ben Glover (he/him)
Publicity and Marketing Officer
Hi everyone! My name is Ben, and I’m your publicity officer this year. I’m a second year Music student at Collingwood College, and can usually be found singing somewhere around Durham. When I’m not rehearsing, I’m probably getting involved in something new each week, whether that’s opera, choir, theatre, or whatever else I’ve somehow said yes to. This year, I’ll be helping to keep on top of all things publicity and marketing, making sure shows get the attention they deserve across socials and around Durham. If you need any help with marketing, posters, or promoting your show, please feel free to drop me a message.
Aaliyah Angir (she/her)
Welfare and Inclusivity Officer
Hey hey, I’m Aaliyah (Aali) a second year student from Grey College studying English Literature. I’ve been involved in 13 DST shows, both on, off and, back stage! I’m very excited to be your welfare and inclusivity officer for the coming year. My role will be to ensure welfare and inclusivity guidelines are adhered to throughout DST, resolving any welfare issues, and ensuring everyone has fun! Please feel free to get in contact with any questions or concerns, I will be able to provide a friendly, listening ear and will be able to redirect you to further support where necessary. Please note I cannot guarantee confidentiality, but everything raised to me will only be shared with trained support staff within the university. I’m very excited to work with you all next year, ensuring DST is a fun and safe space!!
Nia Keogh-Peters (she/her)
Outreach and Charities Officer
Hi! I’m Nia, a second year English Literature student at Collingwood and I’ll be your Outreach and Charities Officer for this year! I’m here to enable and assist all of your charitable endeavours in relation to theatre and performing arts at Durham. I will be running community-based volunteering opportunities - such as our weekly drama workshops in local schools - as well as offering support for all outreach projects no matter how small! Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or ideas, as well as opportunities to promote independent projects. I strongly believe that the our love for theatre and the joy it brings us should be shared with our community, so come get involved!
Eva Clarke (she/her)
Events Co-ordinator
Hi everyone! I’m a second year law student at Stephenson College, and I will be your events coordinator this year. So far DST has been a massive part of my Durham experience, having directed the freshers play in my first month as a fresher! I also loved getting involved in Durham Drama Festival in term 2, which we celebrated at the D’Oliviers awards. As part of my role, I will organize the first Spotlight meetup for everyone who wants to get involved, alongside exciting events including the D’Oliviers and the D’Oscars in the summer term to celebrate the year! Feel free to get in touch with me with any questions- DST related or not I’m so excited to get started! xx
Lauren Williams (she/her)
First Night Editor
Hiya, I’m Lauren, a third year student from Stephenson College, and I am ecstatic to be your first night editor this year! I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in lots of productions over my time in DST so far as an actor and director and I love getting involved in as much as I can, from plays to musicals! First Night is a publication which aims to review each DST show’s opening night, from the smallest production to the largest. Anyone can become a First Night reviewer, and it’s a brilliant low-commitment opportunity to get your writing published online. A significant bonus is that you get a free ticket to whichever show you choose to review! As editor, I am responsible for sourcing reviewers, marketing the publications and, most obviously, editing and publishing your reviews! Any questions, please feel free to find me and chat to me about all things First Night!
Harry Graves (he/him)
Festivals Director
Hey!! I’m Harry a Physics and Astronomy student from Aidans. Being this year’s festival secretary it means that the ‘Durham Drama Festival’ (aka. DDF) is my responsibility. DDF is a celebration of all things Durham student theatre as it promises a week consisting of 9 student written plays spread across the 3 main DST venues. DDF is the perfect opportunity to try something new surrounded by like minded people as the drama festival is truly the epitome of that feeling of community that theatre provides. Keep an eye on the instagram for how to get involved, whether it’s to write, act, direct, produce, or get exec experience. DDF ensures to be a highlight of your year!
Ellie Kinch (she/her)
Alumni and Patrons Officer
Hi, my name is Ellie! I'm a 3rd year studying Anthropology and Archaeology and am your Alumni and Patrons officer 2026/2027. DST has become my life at Durham being involved in 17 shows on and off the stage as well as being one of the 2025/26 Co-president of Fourth Wall Theatre and I am passionate in building on the community of DST lovers. This role is still relatively new so I will be continuing to foster this community through a termly newsletter, asssisting the performing arts staff to sustain the Alumni and Patrons network but also to introduce a scheme between finalist students and alumni to help boost chances for those who want to progress into the industry. I'm excited to see many of you in Durham student theatre next year!
Assembly Rooms Staff Members
DST would not be able to function without the full-time staff members, based in the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre, who facilitate all the excellent student theatre.
Lewis Wilkinson (he/him)
Manager of Performing Arts
Lewis is from Durham, and graduated with a music degree from Durham University in 2016. He was then a brass instrumental music teacher with Durham Music Service before completing his Master’s degree in Conducting from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Outside of his work with Durham University Performing Arts, Lewis has a busy and varied portfolio career as a conductor, sousaphonist, trombonist and actor. He is particularly passionate about the cultural and creative links that can be cultivated between the university and its wider community.
Ellen Olley (she/her)
Audience Development and Engagement Co-ordinator
Ellen has worked in the Performing Arts team for over three years now, as the theatre Internal Hires Coordinator, Student Theatre Coordinator, and now in her new brand new role facilitating marketing and outreach, after graduating from Durham Law School in 2023. Alongside her work at the University, Ellen also offers marketing and logistic support to arts organisations around the North East.
Felicity Rickard (she/her)
Theatre Coordinator
Felicity recently graduated from Durham with a BA in Social Sciences, and alongside her degree she was the president of Wrong Tree and Rocket. Throughout her time as a student she took on various theatrical roles including directing, producing, choreography and acting, and she has been involved in a wide variety of shows ranging from Shakespeare to musical theatre, with a particular interest in physical theatre, puppetry and student-written plays.
Harry Clipston (he/him)
Performing Arts Technician
Harry is our Theatre Technician. He graduated 2 years ago with a BSc in Maths and Computer Science having been DST Technical Manager and Josephine Butler Technical Director for 2 years. He works with student technicians to help everyone be creatively and safely involved in the tech process. He also supports other performing arts groups including college and Durham Student Music technicians.