Elena is an Applied Theatre Practitioner and Performer. Elena graduated from York St John University in June 2024 with a BA in Drama and Theatre. During her degree she focussed her studies on creative outreach within the arts and the positive impacts of Applied Theatre Practice. Elena has worked with professional theatre companies such as York Theatre Royal, Theatre Train. She has also developed her skills by attending intensives/workshops with companies such as Northern Rascals, The Prison Partnership Project, and Frantic Assembly.

Elena lives in Bedford, UK, with links to York and London. She works as freelance Theatre Practitioner. Elena is a rugby player and loves spending time with friends and family, and travelling. She enjoys tasty food and cooking. Elena is a feminist and advocate for women’s rights, especially surrounding mental health.

“Elena has demonstrated exemplary professionalism throughout her Takeover module, articulating clearly what she wanted to achieve and with whom. Elena has great clarity with what she wants to achieve and is driven to achieve her goals with an earnest and creative approach which is always mindful of the impact it has on others. Her practice fosters a positive and collaborative working environment with the young people at the centre of the creative process but she also recognises when there is the need to make decisions and be decisive. Elena demonstrates great empathy, ability to ‘read the room’ and has the characteristics required to be an excellent practitioner.”

Julian Ollive, Head of Creative Engagement at York Theatre Royal

“I felt inspired to work with Elena due to rugby being presented in a new and refreshing light. Using sports to create a way for feminist movements to reach out to a wider audience, while simultaneously using it as a way to speak up about mental health and the struggles in which people face both openly and privately. It was an honour to help create an identity for a platform which encourages new ways of expressing and finding ourselves, both individually and as a team, while also working with Elena on a project which means so much to her.”

Hilary Pitcher, Company Director and Owner of Hilary Pitcher Designs

“Elena worked very hard with a group of young students to facilitate, develop and share their stories - shaping their creativity with passion and compassion. She was dedicated and responsive to the needs and ideas of the group and quickly developed a strong rapport with them. Colleagues and student parents were very pleased with, impressed by and proud of the piece of theatre they made together.”

Tim Coates Head of Drama at Joseph Rowntree School