CURRENT PROJECTS

Theatre on the Steps

 
 Nikki is Artistic Director and General Manager at Theatre on the Steps, in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. 

Theatre on the Steps is a historic small-scale theatre located in the centre of Bridgnorth, Shropshire. For more than sixty years the theatre has been a cultural hub for the town and surrounding rural communities, presenting theatre productions, live performance and creative opportunities for artists, community members and audiences. With two performance spaces, the main house holds 182 seats and the Old Green Room seating up to 40, the theatre welcomes over 12,000 visitors a year. 

Historically the theatre operated primarily as a community venue and receiving house, hosting visiting productions and supporting local amateur performance. In recent years, however, under the stewardship of current Artistic Director Nikki Genner, the organisation has undergone a significant period of development. During this time the theatre has strengthened its financial stability, expanded its artistic programme and established itself increasingly as a producing theatre, building a growing reputation for ambitious, artist-led work.

Alongside this evolution, Theatre on the Steps has developed a clear and structured talent pipeline, supporting artists at multiple stages of their creative journeys. This includes a youth theatre programme, a community company providing (free) opportunities for local participants to engage in performance, and Beyond the Steps, an initiative supporting artists who are either returning to professional practice or taking their first steps into professional theatre-making. Lastly, Aethelflæd Theatre Company produces professional work acting as the primary professional artistic vehicle.

As one of the few producing theatres in rural Shropshire, Theatre on the Steps now plays an increasingly important role in supporting creative activity within the region.


LET'S  ALL SING 

Nikki is the musical director at Let's All Sing is a Community Choir for adults based in Redditch, Worcestershire. 
A friendly and informal group with over 40 members meeting weekly in term time, on Wednesday's 7.30-9.30pm.

Sessions aim to reduce isolation, improve mental health and wellbeing and instil a lifelong love for singing.

Recent performances have included: 
A Night with Let's All Sing
The Bridge, Redditch
This concert celebrated popular music through the years

Hand in Hand with Ukraine
The Palace Theatre, Redditch
The choir joined local artists in a revue in aid of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine


The group also take part in local art projects and campaigns. 
For example the choir co-designed two banners (themed on music and mental health) as part of the 'Now We're Talking With Art' trail in Redditch led by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust. 
The campaign spread positivity, highlighted mental health support and encouraged people to get out, exercise and support local businesses too.

The choir is co-created including support by an Advisory Group of current members.

COLLECTIVE IMAGINATION


Nikki’s work is predominantly delivered through Collective Imagination, where she leads projects that use creativity as a catalyst for positive social change. Much of her work is developed through this collaborative platform, bringing together artists, facilitators and specialists to create meaningful opportunities for people and communities.


Collective Imagination is a community development organisation that delivers creative education, cultural experiences and consultancy services. They partner with community groups, arts and cultural organisations, schools, health and wellbeing providers, and voluntary sector organisations to co-create projects that build confidence, resilience and connection. Their work is rooted in collaboration, inclusion and using creativity to help communities thrive.