About us
Steven Hevey
Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Steven is a professional playwright with 15 years of experience writing plays for the UK's most prestigious theatre companies. Winner of OffWestEnd’s Adopt a Playwright Award 2014 and a graduate of the Old Vic 12, Royal Court and Soho Theatre Young Writers Programmes, Steven has worked extensively with Old Vic New Voices, Paines Plough and the Finborough Theatre.
However, there was a time when his life was not too dissimilar to the young people of today who are increasingly exposed to adverse childhood experiences. Underclass and uneducated, it was his first experience of theatre that gave him agency and purpose. It was the magic of experiencing a West End show that opened his eyes to all the rich possibilities in what had once seemed a world without hope. His passion is to give young people the opportunity to experience that same magic and find a chance to shine. Although the moment will be brief, the memory is one they will cherish forever.
Steven also has over 15 years of working with mental health. Scoring 9 out of 10 on the Adverse Child Experiences test, he has extensive knowledge of Psychodynamic and Trauma-Informed therapeutic practices. He has NCFE CACHE Level 2 certificates in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health, Understanding Challenging Behaviour, and Counselling Skills. He has trained in child protection in primary schools (NSPCC) and has an enhanced DBS certificate.
Steven has worked as an SEMH support worker working with primary school children in South East London and volunteered as a Buddy for Barnardo’s TIGER services. He has a diploma (distinction) in Trauma and Mental Health Informed Schools and Communities (practitioner status) from the Institute of Arts in Therapy and Education.
Emma Barr
Co-Founder and Principal Artist
Emma is a West End performer who has starred in Les Misérables (Queens Theatre), The Phantom of the Opera (Her Majesty's Theatre), The Wizard of Oz (London Palladium), and Evita (UK and International Tour). She also has a wealth of teaching experience with children, students and adults alike of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Emma has a warm and friendly approach to coaching, supporting even the most nervous of students to gain confidence in their performances and themselves - her patient and nurturing style brings the best out of each student.
Emma is health and safety trained and has an enhanced DBS certificate.
Jade Johnson
Senior Artist and Workshop Assistant
Jade is Caedmon's most experienced Work Shop Facilitator who consistently demonstrates a remarkable ability to engage, educate, and inspire all the children and young people that we work with. Her adeptness at crafting workshops that are both informative and interactive is truly impressive.
Her charismatic presence and clear communication style create an atmosphere where our heroes feel comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating.
Whether it's working 1 to 1 or with large groups, Jade's brilliance as a workshop facilitator shines through, leaving participants enriched and invigorated by the learning experience.
Outside of Caedmon, Jade is a professional performer who can be seen in TV series' such as 'This is Going to Hurt' (BBC) and 'World's End' (CBBC). She's also a huge fan of theatre and has performed in musicals on the West End and across the country.
Her first experience of performing was in a school nativity where she played the star that led the Wise Men to Bethlehem- she may have taken that part a bit too literally!
What she loves most about working with Caedmon is getting to see our children's and young people's faces when they step on stage at a Theatre for the very first time. For her, It's a privilege to be part of a core memory for the kids. and we are lucky to have her.
Sarah-Linn Taylor
Resident Stage Manager & Workshop Assistant
With roots in both Bermondsey and a Chinese-Malay heritage, Sarah-Linn brings over 15 years of experience in theatre. Passionate about theatre as a tool for social change, Sarah-Linn combines her commercial work with a deep commitment to forgiveness and social justice. She has been involved with Pimlico Opera, where she helps bring musicals to residents in prisons, contributing to arts engagement for marginalized communities.
Known for her kindness and caring nature, Sarah-Linn excels at creating a safe and supportive environment for our hereos, ensuring that everyone feels secure while treading the boards in their local theatres.
Outside of her theatrical work, Sarah-Linn is a crafting enthusiast and takes her love for all things LEGO seriously, channelling her creativity into her hobbies with the same passion she brings to her career.
Tom Latter
Resident Wellbeing Practitioner & Workshop Assistant
Tom is a theatre director, dramaturg and trainee Therapeutic Wellbeing Practitioner. Currently in his final year of training at the Institute for Arts in Therapy and Education, Tom’s work with children includes one-to-one therapeutic counselling in schools, volunteering as a reading helper with Coram Beanstalk, and as a workshop facilitator in youth theatre.
As a director and dramaturg he has worked with The Royal Shakespeare Company, Theatre503, Historic Royal Palaces, Shakespeare in the Squares, various fringe theatres, in the West End and on tour. He has supported dozens of writers developing new works for stage, screen and radio, and read for playwrighting awards including Susan Smith Blackburn Prize, Theatre503 International Playwrighting Award and the RSC’s 37 Plays Project.
He is passionate about utilising storytelling, the arts, imagination and play to support children find coherence in their lived experiences, boost their self-esteem and develop vital life skills.
Maria Louise Roberts
Resident Director & Workshop Assistant
From a tender age, Maria's passion for the stage was undeniable. Crafting plays and stepping into characters, she was the heartbeat of drama in both her primary and secondary years, always eager to include her peers in the magic of performance.
A proud alumna of the Royal Courts Young Writers Programme, Maria further honed her craft, earning a first-class honours degree in Community Arts Practice and Performance. Her belief in theatre as a catalyst for social transformation and its uplifting effect on the youth is the cornerstone of her dedication.
An advocate for the arts and a devoted drama educator, Maria champions the cause of providing youngsters with diverse, enriching experiences that foster growth. Her mission is to cultivate a nurturing, inclusive educational space where every young voice is valued, listened to, and respected.
Maria's professional journey is marked by her commitment to children from varied social backgrounds in London and Essex, fostering meaningful connections with those facing complex medical challenges, disabilities, SEND, or turbulent early life experiences. She stands firm in her conviction that all children are entitled to an optimal start in life, dedicating herself to empowering them to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.
With a wealth of experience across the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and primary education, Maria currently extends her expertise to older students, teaching drama to key stages 3, 4, and 5, beyond her responsibilities at Caedmon.