Laura Edwards is the artistic director of Loop Theatre an inclusive physical theatre company who present devised site-specific and street theatre. A huge focus of Loops work is community-based, empowering participants to make bold choices and feel comfortable in their own skin and to allow themselves to see and be seen. Prior to founding Loop in 2012, Laura had worked as an inclusive educator at and freelance community theatre maker. At age 18, Laura studied theatre arts in New York at Ulster County Community College. On returning home to London two years later she was involved with community activism and part time theatre training but mostly focused on being a barmaid. After having her daughter in 1985, she returned to education, arts and community activism. She is passionate about giving a voice to the disenfranchised which has been the common thread throughout her many varied life experiences. In 1992, she gained her degree in English Literature and Theatre Studies, she then embarked upon her career as a creative community educator working primarily with young lone parents, addicts and the homeless using drama techniques to build confidence and key communication and employability skills. She began teaching drama to people with additional support needs in 2004 and found her home, gaining her TQFE in special educational needs from Stirling University in 2006 between 2004-2012.

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