Our Patron
Lorna Brown
Lorna Brown is a respected international actor based in London. After training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Lorna debuted in Once On This Island. In the 25 years since then her acting experience has taken her from the Royal Shakespeare Company and The National Theatre to television and feature films, the first of which was in Denmark, and saw Lorna nominated for a Robert Award. She most recently appeared in Terminator: Dark Fate and we can expect to see Lorna on our televisions again when she will be in Devils for Sky later this year.
Lorna said: “I am honoured to be a patron of Arts For Essential Workers. ‘afew’s’ mission is exactly what we need in both society and performing arts, particularly in theatre. The artistic work that ‘afew’ is creating recognises the critical work ‘Essential Workers’ (EWs) undertake to keep countries worldwide running and raises money for the charities that support them. Ingeniously, ‘afew’ achieves this ‘thank you from the arts’ through showcasing modern plays in a new way that creates human connection and conversation between EWs and the arts. It gives us a chance to thank EWs for their silent contributions to society while also raising the profile of theatre. I am proud to be supporting ‘afew’ great people recognising essential workers and promoting equality in performance arts.”
Katie Coull
Artistic Director
Katie Coull is a Scottish creative who graduated from East 15 Acting School in 2017, after which she co-founded two theatre companies: Dead Leaf Theatre & We Are Kilter. Both had successful runs of their original works in the past five years. Notable plays include Bit of Sunshine, written by Nicole Zweiback and directed by Katie and co-founder Ed Theakston, where they were awarded best new play at Stockwell playhouse and most successful short run play at Theatre 503. Bit of Sunshine has also gained multiple 5 star reviews in its two trips to Edinburgh Fringe. (Produced through We Are Kilter.)
Katie also had an excellent run with her play Celtic Sisters which she wrote, produced and acted in. Celtic Sisters debuted in June last year at the Tara Arts Theatre. (Produced through Dead Leaf Theatre Company.) Having been raised in a family full of teachers and nurses Katie feels a strong connection to the ethos of the company.
Jason Collins-Down
Executive Director
With 21 years in the Events Industry, Jason is an astute businessman and creative who has produced The Brit Awards After Party, The Serpentine Summer Party, The Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Preview Party and fashion shows for Mulberry, film premier parties for Universal Pictures, gala award ceremonies for GOSH and receptions and exclusive parties for Zaha Hadid.
Jason has also worked with the London theatrical cast of The Lion King, Chicago and Taboo, who have all performed at events Jason has produced.
Driven by a desire to help others with their wellbeing, he founded a platform that will increase the awareness of mental health among like minded people and will create safe spaces with the access to experts in order to help reduce the challenges of daily life.
Jason is extremely excited about afew’s mission and is passionate about the cause and scope of the family.
Alex Allison Assistant
Creative Director
Alex Allison is a Birmingham creative who graduated from London College of Music in 2018 with a Musical Theatre degree. She’s gone on to perform in TV series, commercials, films and more and is now studying for her Masters degree in Professional Creative Writing.
Alex has been working throughout the pandemic, safely on sets, and is currently working remotely with West Kingston Productions on their gothic opera based on Edgar Allen Poe’s short story “Morella” where she plays the title role. A proud working class performer, she loves being able to promote other artists and believes that everyone deserves a chance to shine. She’s very excited to help spread the message of ‘afew’ through the powers of social media and beyond.”
Nelson McMillan, Founder
Inspired during his Diploma acting training at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, Nelson founded Arts For Essential Workers (‘afew’) in the belief that the power of performance art could help people, particularly the unsung heroes in the Essential Workers community who sacrificed much during COVID-19. Nelson’s vision for ‘afew’ is to positively influence many through ‘afew’ performances, exploring what it means to be human in the digital age.
Nelson is a Harvard Business School alumnus and a recipient of the Institute of Entertainment and Arts Management Award. Having studied positive psychology at the Wholebeing Institute in Kripalu, USA, he hopes to bring this experience to the fore as ‘afew’ grows in impact and influence.
Advisory Council
“afew offers what a lot of essential workers do not consider essential for their wellbeing, it has the potential to have a powerful impact.”
— Priya Jindal, Teacher of Science, Chestnut Grove Academy
“Lest we forget the power of good theatre. Thanks to ‘afew’, we won’t.”
— Stephen Shaw, Lawyer, Brixton
“afew’s mission is all about positivity and inspiring human connection through the arts. We all need more of that in our lives.”
— Laura Smith, Nurse, National Health Service
“Exploring your human potential and limitless possibilities: afew’s credo.”
— Nathan Armarkwei, Actor
Make a donation.
Two thirds of your donation goes to essential worker charities, details of which will be published in our newsletters. The remaining third helps us to create a new era of high quality, accessible, interactive performances that fosters human connection in the digital age.