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Jennifer Bates

CEO/Creative Director

Jennifer is a theatre director, producer and educational outreach facilitator. She joined Solar Bear in 2009 as a drama artist and directed several of DYT’s productions. In 2013, she co-founded The DH (Deaf and Hearing)Ensemble, an ensemble of deaf and hearing artists making work with and for deaf and hearing audiences. Whilst in London she became Head of Performing Arts at Let Me Play where she designed, led and managed several cohorts of vulnerable young people through BTEC qualifications. She also achieved her MA from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. After returning to Scotland in 2017 she set up a social enterprise ‘What Happens Now?’ working in schools, online and outdoors, creating interactive performances for young audiences and term-time outdoor drama classes for children and their families.

Craig McCulloch

Youth Theatre Co-ordinator & Associate Director

Craig is an independent theatre maker, workshop facilitator, BSL consultant and actor working with British Sign Language and spoken English. He graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in 2018, part of the first cohort in the ground breaking BA Performance in BSL/English.

Since then, he has directed major works including Black Out, part of a touring triple bill produced by Solar Bear. Developed and produced work with the Jerwood Fellow fund with Imaginate and through the Deafinitely Theatre bursary, with a focus on the exploration of visual and BSL performance.This ongoing work examines dreams and nightmares in a way that is relatable and engaging for children.

Throughout this period he has continued to mentor and help develop young deaf talent, this includes leading and facilitating Deaf Youth Theatre at Solar Bear.

Angela Coates

Executive Producer

Although Angela started in the commercial sector she quickly moved to working in the third sector where she enjoyed a long career. She subsequently trained as an actor and then became a General Manager in 2001, joining Solar Bear in 2014 before subsequently taking on the role of Executive Producer.

Felix Gilfedder

Digital Development Manager

Felix helps develop and spread a range of digital stories near and far. This includes promoting Solar Bear productions, projects, films, photography and digital art produced by groups and individuals.

Felix has over 250 professional film and TV credits, has developed bespoke digital products working as the Creative Director at Bolster and currently works part time lecturing at Glasgow Clyde College.

Alice Muir

Community Engagement Manager

Alice Muir is now based in Glasgow and grew up in England. She graduated with a BA(Hons) in Fine Art from the University of the West of England. Alice has experience of working with the public sector. She has participated in several international events in Europe, such as the EUDY Study Session.
Alice is an illustrator and has worked on various projects, such as the Imaginate and Bookbug App.

Alice is passionate about Deaf culture, language and community and is eager to be part of the team to help establish a better network of deaf and hearing artists and theatre makers across Scotland.

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