About Spectrum
Spectrum Community Arts Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation providing performing arts workshops for people with disabilities and additional needs. Spectrum was founded in January 2017 by Jade and now she delivers weekly out of school clubs and bespoke workshop programmes for Special Schools, SEND departments within mainstream schools, charities, adult day services and other organisations.
Here at Spectrum Community Arts our aim is to enable participants to develop their self-esteem and self-expression in a safe, encouraging environment. We strongly believe that the performing arts is a fun and exciting way to do this and a perfect platform to nurture and develop individual skills and abilities.
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Meet Jade
Jade has planned and facilitated an extensive range of performing arts workshops across the UK and abroad for all age groups and abilities since 2011. After graduating with a 1st class degree in Drama & Performance and English Language & Linguistics, she went on to perform and create multi-sensory theatre productions and understudied for Frozen Light Theatre in 2017. She is passionate about using her love of the performing arts to help develop the self-esteem, self-expression and social skills of her participants.
Jade founded Spectrum CA in 2017, developed it into a not-for-profit company in 2019 and currently is the lead facilitator and director.
Outstanding Community Award Winner, Autism Hero Awards 2023
“Having the opportunity to encourage and support people, watching them grow in confidence and self-esteem, is truly rewarding! Through participation in the theatrical arts, whole new channels of communication can be opened up for many people with SEND, potentially giving them opportunity to break down physical, social and emotional barriers.” - Jade Cook
Meet The Team!
While it is likely to be Jade leading your workshop, she can't do it all alone! In our weekly clubs Jade is supported by an assistant and at least 3 DBS checked volunteers in purple tops! Behind the scenes, Spectrum has a board of directors and an admin assistant. Meet our assistants and directors below:
Graham Cook
- Director
Hi, I am Graham. As well as a director for Spectrum I am also Jades dad, so have been involved since the early days. I love the passion all the team show for Spectrum and am proud to be involved. Outside of Spectrum I am a saxophonist and run two local bands as well as playing with others.
Laura Hunton
- Director
Hello, I'm Laura! I run a Local Dance school and have a little boy with ASD who has been with Spectrum since it opened. I was absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to be on the board of directors! It is a real privilege to be part of the Spectrum family!
David Gosbee
- Director
Hi, I'm Dave, my wife and I provide local clinical massage and are aware of the importance of the freedom to move and the health benefits of exercise.
My son has DS and has thrived with Spectrum CA, so I am fortunate to be able to support the group to continue to help it grow and flourish.
Poppy Browning
- Workshop Facilitator and Assistant
Hello, my name's Poppy! I'm a graduate from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, gaining an honours degree in Contemporary dance. I have had a passion for dance since a young age, and I'm pleased to put my skills and knowledge of dance to use assisting Spectrum Community Arts classes. I have also worked for several years with children with Cerebral Palsy; I find working here extremely rewarding because it combines two of my greatest passions!
Faye Tolliday
- Workshop Assistant
Hi, my name is Faye! I’ve recently graduated from Royal Holloway University of London, after studying a degree in Music. I’ve always loved musical theatre and found my passion for inclusive music and theatre whilst studying and being involved in setting up a choir for adults with learning disabilities. Being part of the Spectrum team is amazing and I’m really excited to be assisting classes!
Mark Punter
- Business Manager / Administrator
Hi, I'm Mark! I'm the Business Manager and administrator for Spectrum and I'm here to support Spectrum's growth and development. I absolutely love being part of Spectrum and I'm truly honoured to be a part of the journey. I come from a background of 15+ years in Business Administrations and Finance and The experience and skills I have gained from this will really support me in fulfilling my role at Spectrum. Outside of Spectrum, my life revolves around my partner, my two pooches and my Handmade Pet Accessories Business!
Dixie Brennan
- Fundraising and Events Coordinator & Volunteer Coordinator
Hi, my name is Dixie. I have been volunteering with Spectrum since October 2022 and have absolutely loved my journey so far. I love being able to support people with disabilities in exploring the world of performing arts in a truly welcoming and inclusive space.
I have over 20 years of experience within the entertainment and live events industry having worked as a performer in holiday destinations across the world for many years. I can’t wait to support Spectrum’s fundraising and events as well as attending weekly classes.
Elisha Fowler
- Training Co-ordinator
Hi my name is Elisha, I joined Spectrum Community Arts in 2017 as a volunteer! Since then I have gained a degree in Disability Studies and Education. I am passionate about volunteering and love being part of the Spectrum Community Arts family! One of my favourite things about Spectrum is getting to know all the participants and volunteers!
Frankie Jolly
- Media and Marketing Coordinator
Hi, I’m Frankie! I have been working with Spectrum since October 2019, I started assisting in classes and moved to oversee Spectrum's marketing in 2020! I have a degree from Goldsmiths, University of London in ‘Theatre and Performance’. I love being part of an organisation that means so much to its participants and spreading the word of Spectrum's great work to as many people as possible!
Samuel Anderton
- Workshop Assistant
I am a Bedford-born actor, musician and creative originally on the career path to becoming a scientist until I crossed the threshold into the world of the performing arts where never looked back. My professional experiences also delves into working with young people, having worked as a Team Leader for NCS for many years, assisting at my old lower school from time to time as well as providing English and drama tutoring for Spanish exchange students in collaboration with Bedford Young Theatre. I hope I can help inspire as well as motivate a new generation of young performers and musicians.
Millie Broadhurst
- Workshop Assistant
Hi, my name is Millie! I graduated from Bishop Grosseteste University in 2021 after studying Education Studies and now work in Schools supporting students with their learning! I am so excited to be part of the Spectrum team, I love all things musical theatre and can’t wait to get dancing again!
