Rich Hasnip MA
Performing Arts Track Leader
As one of the leading Christian drama practitioners in the country, Richard has worked for Saltmine and Riding Lights theatre companies, and as an actor, writer and director is committed to communicating Christ through theatre and performance. He is the co- founder of Regents based Attic Ladder Theatre Company, and in 2016 received The Tom Matheson Award for outstanding scholarly work in the field of Theatre and Creativity from The Shakespeare Institute. His research interests include Shakespearean performance and the intersection between theatre and spirituality.
Ollie Ward, BA (Hons), MA
Youth Track Course Leader and Performing Arts Track tutor
Whilst working as a youth worker at Sheringham Baptist Church, Ollie set up Velocity Youth Theatre igniting his passion for theology and the performing arts. In 2009 this led him to study at Regents to further explore the synthesis of Applied Theology and Performing Arts, gaining a BA (Hons). He went on to complete an MA in Contemporary Theatre Practices at the University of Worcester, whilst he continued to lead youth theatres and work with young people. His research interests are in practical theology and contemporary culture, theatre that has a social impact, community and political theatre, and the interaction between philosophy and performance. His inspiration comes from practitioners like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who engaged young people in authentic spirituality, Augusto Boal, who used theatre for social change, and Peter Brook, who attempted to make the invisible, present on stage.
