Zest uses experienced youth arts practitioners with a wide range of experience and skills.
We have dedicated full time staff and a bank of specialist freelance workers and actors. Our staff bring years of professional commitment to the youth arts sector and an excellent reputaion from some of the country's leading arts and community-based organisations.
Toby Ealden – Artistic Director
Toby trained as an actor at Bretton Hall before working for various companies including Disney and Impact Universal. In 2004 he began work as a youth arts worker for Nacro's Lincolnshire Youth Arts Project where he developed a passion for youth and community arts. Whilst at Nacro Toby completed hundreds of Theatre in Education performances, facilitated a host of outreach projects and also became the youth theatre director for Nacro's three Revolution Arts groups.
A career highlight came in 2007 when Toby directed Revolution Arts Lincoln in 'Show and Tell' by Laline Paull. This production later transferred to the National Theatre as part of their NT Connections programme.
The experience at the National Theatre opened many doors for Toby and in November 2007 he established Zest Creative Arts from a tiny desk in his spare room. Within 6 months Zest had expanded into it's own offices and today engages around 12,000 young people as audience members and participants each year.
As Zest's Artistic Director Toby oversees all of Zest's creative output as well as writing and directing the company's professional and community productions. He is also a member of the East Midlands Regional Advisory Panel for the English Youth Arts Network.
Toby is married to Suzie and they are very excited about the arrival of their first baby in May!
Suzie Ealden – Director
Suzie trained as a teacher at Bishop Grosseteste College, Lincoln. She has been working as a primary school teacher for 11 years in London and Lincoln, and worked her way up to senior management level.
In October 2009 Suzie became a director of Zest Creative Arts Ltd alongside her husband Toby. In September 2010 she joined the Zest team as the office and finance manager.
Suzie has been married to Toby since August 2009 and they are both looking forward to the arrival of their first baby in May.
Caroline Williams – Assistant Producer
Caroline graduated from the University of Reading in 2010 after studying Film and Theatre.
Throughout her years at University, Caroline took part in many productions as well as directing and devising her own plays. Caroline was also selected to produce, film and edit a promotional film for the University website, which is also showing on You Tube and used in University conferences.
During her studies Caroline discovered a passion for production and contemporary drama, and looks forward to developing a career within the creative industries.
