The WebPlay Team
WebPlay is a big programme that runs in places all over the world. Imagine what it's like to have your co-workers be 7,000 miles away from you! We couldn't run WebPlay without a hard working and dedicated staff, the Internet and lots of coffee. We all have a lot of fun working together because we enjoy what we do and we enjoy each other. Read below to find out more about our fantastic team!
Sydney Thornbury - The Boss
Hi, I'm Sydney. I created
WebPlay to explore how technology could improve and enhance
the live theatre experience for young audiences. I
was raised in Los Angeles but moved to London after graduating
from the University of Pennsylvania and opening Expresso
Bongo, Philadelphia's first coffee house in 20 years. Now
I live part of the year in London and part of the year in
Los Angeles. I like to wear my black beret but my daughter
thinks it looks funny.
Click here to email Sydney
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Jon Williams - Website and Programme Development
Hi, I'm Jon. I am a trained actor and worked
for many years as a writer, performer and Theatre in Education
practitioner before taking the job as Website Manager for
WebPlay. I have managed the website for 6 years developing
an insight into the workings of Oracle's secure web platform
think.com and have designed and developed the website you are looking
at now.
Click here to email Jon
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Bryony Lawrence - UK Programmes
Hi, I'm Bryony. I'm a trained drama teacher
with 4 years experience teaching in London state schools;
I have also worked as a freelance drama workshop leader
for all ages from nursery to adult. I was Education Manger
at both Windsor Arts Centre and Polka Theatre where I
devised and delivered arts education projects in schools and the
community.
Click here to email Bryony
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Gillian McCarthy - US Programmes
Hey there! My name is Gillian. I have been involved in the arts for a long time. I
performed with a youth dance company, worked as a stage manager, and ran arts
education programs for students throughout southern California. Most
recently, I worked for an organization that puts on music and dance festivals
in downtown Los Angeles.
Rob Hardy - Fundraising
Hi I’m Rob. Originally a photographer I’ve worked in the arts management for several years including stints at a community arts project, an arts and mental health charity and the UK’s largest circus school (yes, really). My enthusiasm for the arts is matched only by my belief that
Karlee Decima - US Project Coordinator
Hi, I’m Karlee.
I have worked with many musicians, theater actors, and dancers through my previous jobs with a performing arts presenter and other
festivals and events. At university, I studied the humanities and took art history and studio art classes including my favorite, batik.
I’ve lived in interesting places around the world such as Hong Kong, Guam, Vancouver, Florence, and now beautiful Los Angeles!
Lisa Pashouros - UK Programme Administrator
Hi I’m Lisa and I am the newest member of the team! I studied Arts Management at University and whilst studying, carried out placements and volunteered in arts education organisations. After University I worked for a small charity, delivering programmes of West African music and dance before coming to join the fantastic team here at WebPlay!
Karen Montgomery - Business Development
Hello, I’m Karen. My job at WebPlay involves a lot of talking, and quite a lot of writing. I tell people all about what we do, and invite them to join in the fun. If you’re doing WebPlay this year, it was probably me who spoke to your Headteacher about it. If you’d like to do WebPlay this year, please get in touch! My background is in working for charities – I spent four years giving grants to them, then worked as a Project Manager and an Operations Manager. I was born in Devon, but have been living in London for ten years.