Our Board

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

Having worked in Special Education settings since 2003, Berni has a passion for inclusion, supporting children, young people and adults, both in education settings and in the community. As a member of the TramShed Volunteer Team for over 10 years, she enjoys the variety each age group brings. Having recently retired from her full-time job at Blackpool Council, she is now a self-employed Makaton trainer and consultant. She also provides respite care for a young lady taking her on trips, experiences and accessing her local community. Berni is a keen runner, sometimes combining this with fundraising and is proud to have completed the London Marathon in April 2025. She also enjoys crafts in many forms including jewellery making, sewing and glass blowing. Berni says “I am excited to be taking on the role of Chair of the Trustee Board to further promote and develop inclusive theatre at it’s best as we move towards our 20th anniversary. Onwards and upwards everyone, hold onto your hats.”

VICE CHAIR

Shaun is a passionate advocate for inclusive theatre and believes that the stage should reflect the diverse world that we live in. With a deep commitment to breaking down barriers and creating equitable spaces for all, he strives to make theatre accessible and engaging for people of all backgrounds and abilities. Shaun's journey in inclusive theatre began with work at Blackpool’s ionic Grand Theatre, where he has been employed for the past 12 years as Head of Operations. Working at the Grand Shaun has been committed to ensuring that the theatre is accessible to all people, whether they wish to visit as a customer, participate in work on the stage or as employees and volunteers. Shaun is actively involved in various initiatives, through his work, aimed at promoting inclusivity in the performing arts, including recent work with Ramps on the Moon as part of the 2024 Programme for Change cohort. Shaun is a strong believer in the power of theatre to inspire, educate, and connect people. he firmly believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate in and enjoy the transformative experience of live theatre. Through his work, Shaun aims to create productions and experiences that are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and socially conscious. During the Pandemic Shaun completed a NEBOSH Health and Safety training course and a Level 5 CMI Management of Coaching and Mentoring course at Edge Hill University. Shaun’s goal is to create a world where theatre is truly inclusive and accessible to all and is looking forward to using his skills to work with TramShed as it grows and develops for the future.

BOARD MEMBER

Leanne is Product Director for a pharmacy technology supplier and specialises in market research, customer discovery and product marketing. Having worked in Product Management for the last 15 years, Leanne brings a wealth of expertise in product development and strives for innovation. Leanne has been actively involved with TramShed since 2015, becoming a trustee in November 2016. Alongside her Trustee responsibilities, Leanne also supports our front of house team throughout performance weeks. Leanne says, “Although my field of work is obviously very different, product management principles are relevant in almost every industry and I love taking on something completely removed from my day job. It’s a privilege to be involved with such an inspirational organisation which is driven forward by an incredibly dedicated team of Arts Practitioners and Volunteers, I hope I can help make a difference.”

BOARD MEMBER

Jack was no stranger to TramShed upon joining the board, having joined as a member in 2010. By the time he left in 2017, a love and passion for inclusive theatre was deeply ingrained in him. He carried and applied this passion throughout his time at Lancaster University, earning a degree in Drama, Theatre and Performance in 2020 and in his current role working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs. Jack says "TramShed helped to shape so much of not just how I work as an actor, but who I am as a person, I'm so proud to have the opportunity to give something back to an organisation that gave so much to me".

BOARD MEMBER

Karen worked for over 40 years  as a teacher and manager of education services for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Now retired, Karen is keen to use the skills she has acquired over the years in her new role as a Trustee at TramShed. Karen is not new to TramShed, she has been a member for the past 17 years and many of you will have seen her performing on stage. Karen enjoys walking, swimming and Pilates to keep fit. She also loves travelling with her husband Ian and combining this with an interest in contemporary art. Karen says ‘ I have always been a strong advocate for inclusion in education and beyond. Since joining TramShed,  I have seen a wonderful example of successful inclusion in theatre, brought about by a ‘can do’ attitude and dedication of practitioners, volunteers, members, families and supporters. Karen says “I am very proud to be part of the TramShed family and I look forward to my new role as a Trustee – bring it on”!  

BOARD MEMBER

Julie has a background of 33 years in teaching and education. Having worked for Blackpool Council since 1997, she is very familiar with the town and the local dynamics. Within the classroom, and through her hobbies of playing the cello, piano and singing in a choir, Julie has always been driven to instil the joy of music into others. Alongside her love of music, Julie can often be found beach combing and making jewellery and pictures with seaglass. Julie says “I am so excited to be given the opportunity to volunteer in a role that gives so much to a local community. Serving as a Trustee will not only enable me to further support the creative and innovative vision of TramShed, but also I feel incredibly proud and humbled to be part of such a committed and dedicated family, who ensure everyone is celebrated and valued regardless of ability and background.”