A Bit About Us
Born out of the desire and need to create something during the Covid-19 pandemic, Artistic Director Daniel Ellis decided that the only way to make theatre happen was to take it directly to audiences home. Daniel was successful in applying for Arts Council support to take a short 15-minute performance 'Twas The Night Before Christmas' to the homes of Derby families....and that was the beginning!
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We have since been commissioned by Derby Theatre to co-create a 15-minute door step performance with the communities in Derby. This saw 'A Derby Ditty' tour to 32 houses, 4 care homes and a carers celebration day.
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Taking work directly into communities, and directly (literally) to doorsteps is such a rewarding experience for both the audience and the performers, and is something we hope we continue to develop in the years to come.
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Louise Ashton - Audience Member
"Thank you for what you are doing, My mum couldn't sit through a full theatre performance these days, & the length and that you have come to her is just perfect.."
The Team
We work on a project basis, and each project can be made up using a team of individuals. We work with freelance theatre makers, performers, designers and stage managers. Please do get in touch if you want to work with us.
Daniel Ellis
Artistic Director
Daniel is a freelance Theatre Maker based in the East Midlands, having trained at the University of Derby Theatre gaining a first-class honours degree in Theatre Arts. Since graduating he has been working with theatre companies across the country on a wide variety of different projects. Daniel is a very keen Director, Sound Designer, Stage and Production Manager.
He is a strong believer that as a Theatre Maker you do not have to choose one discipline within the arts and that it is important to develop the areas that interest you, as they all compliment the whole process of making art.
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More recently Daniel was chosen to be 1 of 12 local artists to take part in Derby Theatre’s Co-Creation training. A 12-week initiative to develop his creative practise led by practitioners who specialise in working with communities and creating co-created art. This was, a part of ACE funded Producing Hub programme set up by Derby Theatre investing in artists who are interested in making work with Derby communities.
Andy Mandoiu
Producer
Andy Mandoiu is a producer and Theatre Maker, originally from Romania. Andy studied Theatre Arts at Derby university, and over the last 6 years, has produced 14 shows throughout the UK. Alongside our Artistic Director, he is currently working on acquiring funding for our exciting new production, 'The Gingerbread Man'.
Adam Horvath
Associate Artist/Collaborator
Adam is a Midlands based Actor, Voice Over artist and Theatre Maker. After leaving school and working as a voice over artist for a short time, Adam was thrilled to be awarded the 2014 Brian Weaver Fellowship at Derby Theatre. Through this, Adam was supported in launching his career 'proper' and has since enjoyed work in Theatre and Screen alongside work as a voiceover artist.
Largely through tightfisted motives, over the years, Adam has turned his hand to many applications within the context of the arts. Photography and marketing materials, writing, set-building, education and audio engineering to name but a few of things he has semi-successfully meddled in. He also runs his own furniture business as a side hustle, because why not.
In 2018, alongside Daniel, Adam wrote, produced and performed 'Moving Bodies', a one man show about the First World War. Building a show from the ground up has been one of the most useful and rewarding experiences to date, and he is excited to do more of the same!
"t was a great experience for my children and their friends, it brought some Christmas cheer to the house. The performers were fab, they made the show exciting and fun."
Katie - Audience Member
DONATE TO FRONT DOOR THEATRE
Our projects often require funding to be able to happen. We have previously received funding from Arts Council England, Derby City Council and from generous donations from the general public. If you feel that you can support us with a donation, then click donate. Thank you.