Ian Pringle - Director
Ian Pringle is an actor, facilitator and mask maker. He trained as an actor in 2001 at the Academy Drama School in London. Since leaving drama school, Ian has worked for a number of different companies – most notably, he spent 5 years working for the award winning mask company, Geese Theatre, based in Birmingham. During his time with Geese, Ian developed skills as a group work facilitator, working with some of the most difficult and hard to reach groups in the UK. This ranged from adult offenders in prison settings to looked after children in the community.
Ian started Face Up in 2009 after recognising that there was potential in using these approaches in broader community settings.
Face Up programmes and workshops are delivered by Ian or other facilitators with similar experience. All facilitators hold an up to date enhanced CRB disclosure.
Jen Sumner - Face Up Associate
Jen Sumner is a theatre practitioner (BA), Drama teacher (PGCE) and Drama and Movement Therapist (MA).
She has extensive experience of working with people of all ages and abilities in a wide range of settings nationally and internationally. Jen has particular expertise in working with children, young people and adults with Special Educational Needs.
Jen is committed to creative approaches to learning, personal development and effectively managing challenging situations. Her approach is encouraging, inclusive and interactive.
Mark Robinson - Face Up associate
Mark is a specialist in the use of role-play, drama, interactive theatre, improvisation, mask and active learning with over 25 years experience. Educated to degree level he has Post Graduate Certificates in Drama Education and Creative Counselling (based on the theories and practice underlying Drama and Psychodrama).
He is an actor, facilitator, director and trainer, having used and developed these skills in many environments, from primary schools through to secure mental health hospitals, working for The Children’s Society, the NSPCC and many more.
He works with energy and empathy, and believes in the power of drama, being based in action, to promote embedded personal development and learning, and that it should be enjoyable!
Tom Mellor - Face Up Associate
Tom is a researcher, workshop practitioner and experienced actor who worked alongside Ian Pringle at Geese Theatre Company for over 4 years. He has a MEd from Cambridge University and a background in developing creative research recently working on collaborations with the NHS and the Anna Freud Centre. Tom also has extensive experience as a Restorative justice practitioner having spent 5 years creating the Restorative Justice Team within the Cambridgeshire Youth Offending Service and presenting specialist workshops across the UK for the Restorative Justice Council.