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About
Charlie Ranken is a movement director, choreographer, and interdisciplinary artist whose work sits at the intersection of theatre and dance. Constantly evolving, she seeks projects where movement can unlock potential, tell stories, and create meaningful connections.
At the start of 2025, Charlie is the Project Manager for North Devon's Speak Up, a National Theatre programme in partnership with The Landmark Theatre, Ilfracombe, and The Queen’s Theatre, Barnstaple. Alongside managing the programme, she is also an artist within one of the three participating schools, working with over 60 young people as they develop work towards a festival in June. Additionally, she is collaborating with Trevi in Plymouth on a new project that physicalises poetry—transforming words from paper to performance—empowering women and providing a platform for them to be seen.
A Laban practitioner with a background in contemporary dance and physical theatre, Charlie is also a qualified youth support worker, bringing a deep understanding of engagement and accessibility to her practice. Her work spans facilitation, choreography, and movement direction, collaborating with organisations such as Theatre Royal Plymouth, Barbican Theatre and Landmark Theatres. She is also the creator and host of SEEN, a podcast that explores artistic resilience and well-being in the South West.
Charlie holds an MA in Contemporary Performance Practices from Royal Holloway University of London, following a Postgraduate Diploma in Dance and Physical Theatre with Jasmin Vardimon Company. Most recently, she has undertaken three residencies with Babel Theatre, working with Chris Evans, Rhys Dennis, and Kloe Dean—each of which has further shaped and affirmed her creative practice.
Career History
Working with Creative Art Organisations
October 2019 - September 2023
With Flying Colours Practitioner
With Flying Colours is a project that aims to collaborate with young people to create performances. As a team you facilitate and shape ideas from conception, through research, to performance. You are responsible for all aspects of production.
Woodfield Primary - Co-Lead 2022
High Street Primary - Part of the Barbican Theatre commission - Team Practitioner 2021
Woodfield Primary - Co-Lead 2021
Woodfield Primary - Lead Practitioner 2020
Stoke Damerel Secondary - Assistant Practitioner 2019
September 2019 - Present
Barbican Theatre Plymouth
The Barbican Theatre has a blend of in-house performances as well as site pacific community projects. There are workshops for both young people and professionals, investing in the local arts ecology.
Movers & Shakers Professional Dance Company - In partnership with Alleyne Dance and Chhaya Collective 2019
Civic - Dancer 2020
Petrol Headz - Dancer & Drummer 2021
Stomp JunkYard Band - Rebel Practitioner 2021
AmpUp! Parkour, Hip Hop, Contemporary - Rebel Practitioner 2021
The Fisherman Parade - Movement Director & Choreographer 2021
May 2018 - Present
Theatre Royal Plymouth
The Theatre Royal Plymouth is the UK's largest regional producing theatre. They provide training opportunities, workshops, masterclasses, tours and productions for a range of ages.
Brainstorm - Young Company - Assistant & Movement Director 2018
Plymouth School of Creative Arts - Lead Theatre Practitioner 2018
Young Company Dance 8-11's - Co-Lead 2018 - 2020
Saltash Hub - Dance Practitioner 2019 / 2020
Citizen - People's Company, The Drum - Dancer & Actor 2019
Play in a Week - Young Company Members Juniors - Director 2019
Young Company 5-7's & 8-11's Acting - Lead Practitioner - Zoom & Studio Delivery 2020 & 2021
Saltash Hub - Bubble Years - Lead Theatre Practitioner 2021
NHS Musical - Engagement Producer 2021
January 2019 - April 2020
Plymouth Conservatoire, Plymouth University
University of Plymouth and Theatre Royal Plymouth joined forces to create Plymouth Conservatoire. Here, performing arts students have the very best, up-to-date industry expertise, research and teaching practice. The following roles were part of this partnership where TRP artists worked to make an impact in education.
Stoning Mary - Assistant & Movement Director for Director Lucy Hirst - 3rd Year Acting students final production 2019
1st Year Acting Movement Module - Lecturer 2020
May 2018 - Present
By Design Theatre Collective
By Design is a theatre company that aims to seek, design and enjoy, by finding gaps in society where theatre programmes can bring life, colour and creativeness.
8 Week Pilot Theatre Programme at Manor Court Care Home, Elford, Plymouth 2019
Friends Across The Sea Project with AGE UK Plymouth and Vital Sparks Mayflower Fund 2020
Drama & Dance online workshops in partnership with Diocese of Plymouth Youth 2020
The View Through My Window Mayflower Activity Packs for the over 50's 2021
The View Through My Window packs with DVD's for Care Homes and rural residents 2021
Blooming Buds of May Radio Play with AGE UK Plymouth and Vital Sparks 2021
September 2017 - Present
Freelance
Sandcastle Theatre, Preschool Performance - Actress 2017
Candlelight Murder Mystery, Evening Dinner Entertainment - Actress 2017
Chhaya Youth Dance Company, Cover two sessions - Contemporary Practitioner 2017
Effervescent Christmas Grotto, Immersive Theatre - Actress and Movement Director 2017
The StoryBook Project, Movement Workshops in Plymouth based Primary Schools inspired by the stories of Laura Wall Goose - Movement Practitioner 2018
SPACE to Play Dance in Devon Studio Funding 2018
Heads Up Dance and Drama workshops for primary school children at the Barbican Theatre 2018
KUAST Saudi International School delivering a combined creative programme on inspiring reading and understanding narrative with movement with Laura Wall - Movement Practitioner 2019
FreeFall Dance Intensive Cornwall - Participant 2019
We Will Rock You Saltash.Net Secondary School - Movement Director 2019
Above and Beyond Children's Festival - Performer and Storyteller 2019
Wolfclose Theatre Company - Consulting Movement Director 2020
300secs, Postnatal E-letters course - Designer and practitioner 2020
Pix n Mix Saltash.Net Secondary School - Dance Practitioner Prerecorded workshops 2020
3 Mins of Peace, Cross Rhythms Radio Station blending visual with audio content for their website - Movement Practitioner 2020
Devon SEED Commission Exeter Phoenix We Are All Made of Stories - Performer, Writer and Director 2021