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Jessi P.

Lead Researcher - Voice Department, Voice Training Accessibility at National Theatre

Jessi P. has a diverse work experience in the arts and research fields. Jessi has worked as a Research and Policy Lead at CRIPtic Arts, focusing on the experiences of disabled artists with specific physical access requirements in London theatres. Jessi has also been a Lead Researcher at the National Theatre, conducting interviews and studying the accessibility of voice training for deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent students and performers. Jessi has worked as a Co-Director at Inclusive Minds CIC, consulting on projects related to disability and sexuality in children's literature. In addition, they have freelanced as a performer, playwright, researcher, academic, and trainer/consultant, with recent projects including the Always the Audience research project and the National Theatre Voice Department. Previously, Jessi served as the Data and Research Manager at Inc Arts UK, where they conducted research and provided training and advocacy for a diverse and inclusive arts workforce. Jessi also holds a PhD in Theatre Studies and Warwick Business School, with their thesis focusing on representation and recruitment in disability casting for UK theatre and television. Earlier in their career, they gained experience as an actor/writer with Heat and Light, a Productions Manager with Opera Warwick, and a member of Theatretrain.

Jessi P. has a diverse education history. In 2010, they completed a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies at the University of Warwick. They furthered their education by pursuing a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Text and Performance at both Birkbeck, University of London and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in the years 2013 to 2014. Jessi then attended the University of Oxford in 2014 for a Master of Studies (MSt) degree in English Literature, specializing in the time period of 1700-1830. Finally, from 2015 to 2019, they completed a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Theatre and Employment Relations at the University of Warwick, with a joint program between the Warwick School of Theatre Studies and Warwick Business School.

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