Our bubbly, experienced team keep things going in our sessions and are there to help with any eventuality! All of our volunteers and team members have been PVG checked and our staff have undertaken relevant training in Autism, Down's Syndrome, epilepsy, learning difficulties and first aid. Also, during rehearsals, parents and carers/support workers are welcome to come along and watch (although they may be asked to 'volunteer' to take part in drama games and embarrass themselves at some point or another!)
Alex Barr - Chairperson/Drama Teacher
Alex has an NQ in Drama and Production, an HNC in Acting and Performance, a BSc in Psychology and is currently working towards a MSc in Mental Health Science! For K-Otic, she takes care of the social media, designed and runs the website and organises the paperwork and grant applications. She has 10 years experience working as a carer/support worker, supporting people of all ages with a variety of needs and disabilities in a care home, in the community and is also currently a senior support worker for adults with learning difficulties. She is trained in first aid and has all relevant support work/care training up to date. She is also SSSC registered. She studied her degree at The University of Stirling where she was a member of the drama society and helped establish a successful musical theatre society where she was consistently elected secretary. She has been involved in drama/musical theatre/singing since she was 15 and has performed in events for South Lanarkshire Council and was one of the original members of the Young Co with the Citizen's Theatre. She is currently the drama teacher for the Monday East Kilbride class and the Wednesday evening class, and helps out at the Friday East Kilbride class too!
Sandra King - Drama Teacher
Sandra has a BA in Dramatic Studies from the R.S.A.M.D. She has been involved in acting, writing and directing both here and in Denmark. She also has experience in the technical side of things, working for the BBC. For 12 years, she ran Pzazz, a theatre group for children and youth in East Kilbride, Cambuslang and Newton Mearns. She has also taught drama to children with autism through Reach. She is a drama teacher with K-Otic and co-ordinates the Monday Hamilton class, the Friday Coatbridge class and the Friday EK Class.
Laura Reid - Choreographer
Laura has an HND in Dance and has been involved in acting and dance from an early age. She has choreographed and performed for a number of events including Children in Need, Glasgow Pride and STV. She has an HNC in childcare and early development and also works as a fitness instructor in East Kilbride. Her hair changes colour a lot! Laura is trained in first aid. She is currently the choreographer for the Monday, Wednesday and Friday EK classes and the Coatbridge class!
Kelly Moffat - Choreographer
Kelly has an HNC in health fitness and exercise from Clydebank College. She has taught seasonal disability dance classes for Glasgow City Council and used to teach show/tap/disco/modern classes for toddlers. She also worked as a befriender for 5 years and currently as a support worker for adults with learning difficulties. She is trained in first aid and has all relevant support work/care training up to date. Kelly is currently the choreographer for the Monday Ferniegair classes!
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Committee
Alex Barr - Chairperson
Michelle Gallagher - Treasurer
Sandra King - Secretary
Mairi McMinn - Parent
Robyn McMinn - Member
Sandy Thomson - Parent
Ross Thomson - Member
Kirsten Gallagher - Member
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We welcome volunteers in any of our classes! We have also hosted psychology placement students from Stirling University.
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Helen Jordan - founder
Helen created K-Otic in 2012 with Alex, with an aim to provide drama opportunities for adults with learning difficulties. In January 2016, Helen directed her last shows with us! We'd like to thank her for everything she's done for K-Otic! She'll still be about to give advice and lend a hand when required though! Helen currently works as a lecturer for adults with additional support needs in South Lanarkshire College and will soon be lecturing in psychology too. Previously, she has worked in Coatbridge College and for Quarriers. She has an honours degree in Psychology and a postgraduate certificate in Autism from Strathclyde University. She is also trained in first aid. Within South Lanarkshire College, she runs drama classes with up to 31 students. They have worked on many productions for example; Oliver, Snow White, Grease, Scrooge, Cinderella, Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, The Grinch and more. Prior to her work with adults with learning difficulties, also has experience in acting, touring with a local semi-professional theatre company, regularly performing at the Edinburgh Fringe festival and in the local film 'EK, OK?'
Megan Waugh - Choreographer
Megan was involved from K-Otic from the beginning! From a young age, Megan has had experience working with her mum, who manages services for adults with learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder. She has also completed a placement with a social worker/mental health officer for North Lanarkshire Council and has worked in Hampden school for kids with complex needs. Megan has extensive dance experience and has worked with us from the beginning! Megan left K-Otic in 2017 and we will all miss her!