Caroline has an extraordinary gift when it comes to the arts, her eye for detail and seeking for raw, authentic truth in all that is done on stage is remarkable.
– Marcel White, Actor and Director
I am a theatre maker and director working on both community participation projects and professional touring productions to theatres, arts centres and non traditional theatre spaces.
About me
I work alongside multi-generational and ethnically diverse communities to support them in telling their stories including projects in women's refuge, hostels, mental health units and centres for women who have experienced profound trauma.
My professional theatre credits are all new writing productions and re-imaginings of well known classics. I curate festivals of new writing and lead on artist development for emerging writers, theatre makers and directors.
I am a Beyond Artist with Graeae Theatre Company and in recent years have been a Leverhulme Arts Scholar as well as receiving a Regional Director's Award from JMK.
Other relevant experience
Host for a number of pre and post show conversations at Birmingham Rep and the RSC
Director for emerging writer events at Birmingham Rep
Creative associate at Birmingham Medical School where I create short pieces of theatre and deliver sessions in the training of psychiatrists
Guest director at the University of Leeds where I directed a large scale production with 50 undergraduate actors as well as teaching on their theatre making degree course
Founder of adult community theatre company and have directed a number of large scale productions for them
Founder of 'gap year' course for 18-30 year old actors who could not afford drama school. Each cohort formed a small scale touring theatre company working in diverse community settings and theatre venues. I directed 20 plus productions with them (devised theatre)
Lead artist and director for community projects including in schools (mainstream and specialist provisions), behavioural units and community centres (including women's refuges and mental health projects) as well as leading work for adults with learning disabilities
What People Are Saying
"I had the privilege of working alongside Caroline on a recent project. She is an extraordinary talent with an eye for detail and a mind focused on bringing a vision to life. Her expertise and insight provide a safe haven for those she has charge over creatively as she provides a space for all voices to be heard and steered in order to create not only the best production but also capitalise on the opportunity to build confidence in those around her and give license to explore all options before making what is (in my opinion) usually the best decision. A considerate, generous artist with a real heart for people."
— Reisz Amos, Musician/Musical Director
"Caroline Wilkes is a skilled and exceptional Theatre Maker. She is a perfect mix of sky high ethical and artistic vision and ambition. Caroline is organised, reliable, honest and hardworking - she is 100% professional across the board.”
— Janice Connolly, Artistic Director, Women & Theatre
"Caroline is a fantastic creative who always fights for authenticity in theatre. She is an excellent collaborator who thrives in a diverse environment; both making sure voices are heard and at the same time steering projects with a confident vision. She is a director who creates a safe environment for a creative to risk and achieve more than they thought capable of. She always wrestles with each moment in a production to problem solve, ask the right questions and dig for the ‘gold’. Caroline makes work that has complete integrity to the story, while at the same being hugely impacting."