For its 25th anniversary, the Alfred Fagon Award Board felt this would be a great occasion not only to celebrate writers, but to turn the spotlight on 25 roles that don’t normally take centre stage. The behind the scenes roles that contribute to the ecosystem of the theatre industry, whether that be casting directors, drama teachers, sound designers or volunteer coordinators, each of these 25 play a vital part in the growth and sustainability of theatre, as well as being role models to a generation following behind them.
The 25 Champions were invited to a photoshoot during October and November 2021 and the beautiful portraits are featured in a specially-created magazine dedicated to them. This was supported by Concord Theatricals. The printed version of the magazine was first made available at the 25 Alfred Fagon Award event at the National Theatre on December 3, 2021.
Sophia A Jackson, editor and founder of Afridiziak Theatre News, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the wonderful Chinonyerem Odimba for nominating me. I’m honoured as it means so much to be recognised by my peers in the industry and to be included amongst such esteemed company. Thank you to everyone involved with the Alfred Fagon Award including Pauline Walker“.
The 25 Champions are:
- Akua Gyamfi,
Founder and Managing Director, The British Blacklist - Amanda Parker FRSA,
Founder and Chief Executive of Arts Inc - Annika Brown,
Operations Director - Casey Bailey,
Writer, Educator, Poet – work for education and community - Chantelle Carr-Dixon,
Finance Officer, Yorkshire Dance - CJ Lloyd Webley,
Lightpost Lead Artist - Daniel M Bailey,
Digital Capture Producer - Elaine Grant,
Head of Access Programmes, Mousetrap Theatre Projects - Femi Temowo,
Musician and Composer - Gail Babb,
Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London, Producer, Winner of Kenneth Tynan Award 2021 - Heather Clark Charrington,
Director of Audiences, Southbank Centre - Jacqui Beckford,
British Sign Language Interpreter - Kamara Gray,
Founder and CEO of Artistry Youth Dance - Leila Bertrand,
Casting Director - Lorna Blackman,
Drama Teacher - Monaé Robinson,
Participation Producer - Monique Baptiste-Brown,
Head of Marketing and Audience Development, Brixton House - Ola Animashawun,
Dramaturg - Samantha McNeil,
Volunteer Manager - Samantha Nurse,
Creative Producer - Sophia A Jackson, Editor and CEO of Afridiziak
- Stella Kanu,
Executive Director, LIFT - Tobi Kyeremateng FRSA,
Founder of Black Ticket Project - Tony Gayle, Sound Designer,
Light and Sound Recognition Award, Black British Theatre Awards 2021 - Ysanne Tidd,
Costume Supervisor, Dyeing and Breakdown Artist, Young Vic - Special Recognition,
Pauline Walker, Creative Producer and Administrator, Alfred Fagon Award
Patron
Baroness Floella Benjamin
The Trustees
Yvonne Brewster OBE
Sheelagh Killeen
Olusola Oyeleye
James St Ville (Chair)
Brian Walters
