Creatures

DIRECTOR

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Jacob Casselden has been directing and co-directing many productions for various performing and event companies such as Handprint Theatre Company, Bristol Deaf Festival, Bitch's Bollocks, Mime Brothers and currently for Sencity London and this unique 'StraightJacket International'.

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Since the age of three, Jacob studied classical dance including Ballet, Tap, Modern and Russian. He also studied drumming as it was a tradition for the men in his family to have the skill for different purposes. Jacob also studied Corde Lisse, a circus art at the Circus Space which ended up performing at the Paralympic Opening Ceremony for London, 2012.

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But it did not stop here. Jacob Casselden has been titled the 'First Deaf Actor in West End' after his debut at the Royal Court Theatre in 2010, and having been nominated for the mainstream West-End Award, 'What's On Stage'. His acting first developed at the age of six, working in various television and film productions such as Pride & Prejudice in 1995. So far, Jacob claimed three 'Best Actor' awards for several film work both nationally and internationally.

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​​Even though Jacob is Deaf, his disability did not stop him from doing what he loves. Meeting challenges for the love of succeeding and shout, 'If I can do it, then so can YOU!', making the impossible, possible. Having achieved so much so far, there is clearly no stopping him.

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​​CO-DIRECTOR​ 

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Chris Coleman​ began his work in the arts at the age of seven where he embarked on a long career as a figure skater in Switzerland achieving the highest tests and taking part in the nationals on multiple occasions. Over thirteen years, unaware, he developed strong physical theatre skills and developed his showmanship performing in numerous galas and competitions always focusing on the public opinion instead of that of the judges.

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Deciding to further his work in the arts he moved to England to study a course at university allying theatre arts, education and Deaf studies.  Discovering a passion both for theatre work and sign language he then went on achieving a Masters in Deafhood Studies.

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Chris Performed in various ​theatre events mixing styles of theatre including mime, melodrama, silent movie, dancing and recently circus work including aerial work, rope, corde lisse and trapeze. 

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His performances included the independent company of the 'Two Mime Brothers' using a combination of drumming and miming all the way to the London 2012 Olympics opening week where he performed as part of the street theatre initiative with 'Handprint Theatre company'.​

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​Chris' has a passion for British Sign Language and has been involved in Video Relay work co-ordinating a service for Deaf and hearing people communicating via an online interpreter focussing on bridging the communication barrier Deaf people have and offering independence of action for many who before now could not make phone calls due to their disability.

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He is now also focusing his attention on working with 'Sencity London' and 'StraightJackets International'.

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AERIAL CHOREOGRAPHER

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​ A rare Gem, Steven Allen is originally from Bristol and we are proud to have Stephan as choreographer for various aerial styles in Straightjacket International'. It all started for Steven at the age of seven, taking an interest in Physical Theatre and Circus skills. Once his schooling studies finished, he decided to explore further with his interests at the Circomedia Circus school, focusing with Corde Lisse (That's rope for us).

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After the graduation, Steven Allen wanted to break barriers and go even further, this time at a French aerialist school, the Centre des arts du cirque Balthazar in Montpelier. He was the only British applicant to have been accepted that year.

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Since returning to the UK, Steven have performed at various festivals such as Bristol Harbourside Festival, Shambala, Bristol Deaf Festival as well as corporate galas and various special events. He oozes character and really knows how to create a story, merely with just a fifteen meters rope.

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Not only a performer, choreographer but also an incredible teacher. Steven teaches both children and adults of all ages, with different levels of skills around the UK, sharing his knowledge of assorted aerial apparatus.

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So, you better watch out for his newest creations within Sraightjacket, for what we said, a rare Gem. ​​

 

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