Leadership team
Ella Rides - CEO and Artistic Director
Ella founded the company in 2020 shortly after graduating in Acting from Rose Bruford College. With her breadth of educational. social and care experience working with and listening to children and young people who experience the world in complex ways, she has found a unique way to use conservatoire training on a sensory landscape. Ella is excited to make theatre that tailors itself to each audience member and create magic stories that transport children to places this world might not allow them.
Trinity Griffin - Head of Young persons' Programming
Trinity is a dedicated theatre maker, performer, and accessibility coordinator dedicated to creating inclusive and accessible theatre for everyone, especially vulnerable and neurodivergent communities. With a background in Acting, accessibility , and a Master's degree in Theatre for Young Audiences from Rose Bruford College, she brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her work. Over the past seven years, Trinity has specialised in sensory theatre, engaging in performance, direction, artistic mentorship, and conducting workshops at various educational and cultural institutions. As an autistic theatre maker, she is committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that every audience member feels represented and included.
She is driven to creating meaningful experiences that celebrate diverse voices in the performing arts. Believing that theatre should be a space where everyone, regardless of their background or abilities, can feel seen, heard, and valued. Her work reflects a dedication to making theatre accessible to all. She looks forward to collaborating with Now in a Minute Theatre again, having previously performed and contributed to shows like Luna Maria and Toot Toot.
Nathaniel McCloskey - Audience engagement officer
Nathaniel is thrilled to be setting up Now In A Minute Theatre as a director, having performed to young audiences throughout his career. Seeing first hand the positive impact theatre can have on young people, Nathaniel is excited to establish and provide imaginative stories for young audiences with barriers to traditional theatre.
Trustees
Jake Beltran
Jake has had plenty of experience working with young people with complex or profound disabilities and difficulties including those spoken as having PMLD or being Autistic. He has worked alongside some fantastic theatre companies specialising in these types of audiences such as Oily Cart theatre company and Thrift Company. Jake is inspired to take his experiences and bring new light to Now in a Minute theatre company.
Sofie Day -
I joined NIAM as a trustee, bringing a unique blend of personal and professional experiences. When I arrived in the UK in 1995, I faced severe anxiety and struggled to speak. Performing arts education played an important role in helping me gain confidence and find my voice. This journey has given me a profound appreciation for the transformative power of the performing arts. Since my autism diagnosis in 2020, I have become a dedicated advocate for autism awareness and acceptance, gaining recognition as an invisible disability activist. With 25 years of employment experience, including well over a decade in the charity sector, I bring a wealth of skills and a strong commitment to making a positive impact, helping everyone find their belonging in an inclusive society. I am passionate about helping autistic children find their voice and visibility. I am excited to be involved in a charity that achieves this through the performing arts. I look forward to contributing to such a meaningful cause and believe it will be exceptionally rewarding.
Gemma Riddick
For many years I’ve struggled to find my voice and my place in the world. The arts, friendship and unconditional support from peers and charities has gone along way to make me who I am today. I want to give back for everything I’ve gained from others and NOw in a minute is the perfect channel for me to do so. This charity, its ethos and owners inspire me Im proud to be a part of this movement.