About Us
RFL is made up of a dedicated team of project managers, creative leaders and experienced theatre and arts facilitators.
Mitcham Town Community Trust (MTCT)
We are a cluster of 8 Merton primaries, 2 special schools and 1 secondary. We create learning opportunities through collaboration, creativity and innovation, supporting young people to achieve their full potential.
RfL is a two-year project created in partnership with local arts charity WCTT, delivering professional development to Merton primary school teachers, raising already high standards of teaching and learning. Feedback from partner schools is that the RfL approach enhances learning, improves retention and develops speaking and listening skills.
CONTACT US: kristina.burton@cricketgreen.merton.sch.uk
Wimbledon Civic Theatre Trust (WCTT)
WCTT has been working with young people in Merton since 2004, giving young people from all backgrounds opportunities to participate in the arts, learn, achieve and have fun. We use theatre as a tool to stimulate exploration, discussion and change. We collaborate with schools, colleges and community organisations to deliver participatory arts programmes that build confidence and skills, engaging young people creatively with the issues that affect them.
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Our Young Actors Company (YAC) provides high quality acting training and produces three major youth theatre productions a year.
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CONTACT US: mail@wctt.org.uk
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
Paul Hamlyn Foundation was established by Paul Hamlyn in 1987. He died in 2001 and left most of his estate to the Foundation, creating one of the largest independent grant-making foundations in the UK.
We use our resources to support social change, working towards a just and equitable society in which everyone, especially young people, can realise their full potential and enjoy fulfilling and creative lives.
Meet the team
We're pleased to introduce you to our 'Rehearsal for Life' team working in the office and in our schools.
Andrew Alty
Creative Director
Andy was Creative Learning Manager at New Wimbledon Theatre for seven years. He established WCTT as an independent charity in 2017 and was their Creative Producer from 2017-2021. He now runs the Green Arts Centre, a new youth arts space in Mitcham. He also works as a playwright and has written shows for Polka Theatre, the Royal Court, Soho Theatre and Birmingham Repertory as well as for TV and radio.
Júlia Couto
Theatre Practitioner
Julia has an MA in Applied Theatre from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and is a theatre facilitator and director, working regularly with young people and adults, exploring ways in which theatre can support education, mental health and self confidence.
Julia: The RfL approach works brilliantly making space for playful and creative learning through drama. It's been a privilege to work with the children and help teachers expand their practice, whilst learning so much from them!
Gabriella Suresh
Project Coordinator
Gabriella has over 10 years experience working with young people in many different educational settings. She is passionate about creating learning opportunities for all learners, with specialist experience in providing for learners with additional needs.​ As well as being a full time SEN teacher and part of the management team at Cricket Green School, Gabriella has continued to deliver Literacy provision within the Borough of Merton. Within her role on the RfL project, she is committed to challenging 'standard' approaches to teaching English language and literature. She also oversees the use of IRIS Connect - the CPD platform for teachers and its use as a reflective tool. Gabriella supports teacher engagement on the Project and supports with the most effective content for teachers on RfL training days and educational content for the website.
Rachael Black
Theatre Practitioner
Rachael is a creative facilitator and writer who has over 10 years experience of working in Creative Community Engagement. She specialises in working with ESOL learners (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and has worked extensively with mainstream learners. She has delivered creative writing classes for many years with primary, secondary and college aged young people, as well as adult refugees and survivors of domestic abuse. Rachael is currently delivering education projects for theatres across London, alongside designing a brand new education project for Wicked the Musical. She strongly believes in the power of drama to form connections, improve mental health and encourage creative writing and is very excited to be working on the RfL project this year!
Kristina Burton
MTCT Development & Project Manager
Kristina is MTCT's Development and Project Manager and has been supporting Mitcham schools for the past 11 years. She oversees a portfolio of community projects including the RFL Project, Green Arts Centre, Shine Saturday School and the Sanctuary Art and Play Therapy Centre.
Kristina: I'm passionate about staff recruitment, retention and inclusive talent management. I used to work in the Arts sector and have seen first hand how performing arts can transform lives and inspire learning.
Wendy Steatham
Theatre practitioner
Wendy is a professional dance artist and educator whose career has included roles as a performer, mass movement choreographer, movement and rehearsal director, teacher, lecturer and company manager. Currently working primarily in education, she specialises in developing and supporting the delivery of the primary curriculum through dance and the performing arts, working with teachers across the UK and internationally.
Wendy’s roles as a dancer and choreographer have included work in film and theatre as well as in art galleries and stadiums. A highlight of her career was working as part of the Mass Movement Creative team for the London Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies in 2011 and 2012, a role which included co-leading the audition and rehearsal process and directing the large-scale cast rehearsals.