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Gillian Hackett


Personal e-mail address: gillianhackett8@gmail.com
Profession: Actor, director, writer
Playing Range: 50+
Training: Gillian Hackett began her career with Team Educational Theatre Company in 1976 and worked as an actor/devisor on a number of plays with Team. She became a member of the Focus Actor’s Studio in 1980 acting and directing with the company and with a variety of other companies in stage and film.
Theatre: Gillian co- founded Smashing Times Theatre Company in 1991 has since gone on to work as an actor, producer, director, writer and drama facilitator for the company. She produced and wrote ‘The Climber’ with the Latin Sphere Theatre Company for the 10 day Festival in July 2013, and performed for Smashing Times Theatre Company in ‘Testimonies’ at the Project Arts Centre in November 2013. Since then she has performed in 'Do not go gentle' by Paul Kennedy for Smashing times in a variety of venues.
Skills: Acting, directing, producing, stage management. Drama facilitation
Film: · Actor Film: 'Outcasts' (1982) ('Triona') by Robert Wynne-Simmons 'Looking for Dev' (1983) ('Ann') directed by Gerry Stanford and Stephen Ryan 'Anne Devlin' (1984) ('Rose Hope') directed by Pat Murphy'Three Wishes for Jamie' (1986) directed by Robert Young. Produced by Columbia/Harlech.
Other: · Drama Facilitator: Acting for the Future (2005- present) Smashing Times - a model of Best Practice for using drama workshops and professional theatre performances to promote positive mental health and to raise awareness of issues surrounding suicide and suicide prevention. Ongoing workshops Ireland North and South including adult and youth community groups, secondary school and university students.

· Drama Facilitator/actor: 'Testimonies' (2005 - present) by Mary Moynihan and Paul Kennedy for Smashing Times. Facilitation of post-show discussions with invited guests such as directors/writers/actors, counsellors and representatives from support organisations (eg Samaritans).

· Drama Facilitator: Mental Health workshop in the Abbey Theatre (2010).

· Drama Facilitator: Theatre for Change and Acting Different (2010 – 2011) using drama and theatre to promote reconciliation and mutual understanding in Donegal, Lisburn and Armagh. A cross community and cross border; set of workshops in racism, equality, sectarianism and storytelling.

· Post-show facilitation: Facilitation of post-show discussions on Shattering Glass - Smashing Times (2011) production of the three plays Daniel by Mary Moynihan, The Glass Wall by Gillian Hackett and Crossings by Paul Kennedy The plays were performed in Ballybofey, Carndonagh, Ramelton and Letterkenny.
· Facilitator on Smashing Times/ Project Integra-funded by the European Commission.(2011/2012) Writer/Facilitator/Trainer for Migrants Integrating Kit- Basic Language for Dealing with Financial Matters.