Jemma McDonnell

Jemma McDonnell formed The Paper Birds in 2003, an award-winning company based in Maldon which specialise in devising and verbatim theatre. Since then she has led the company artistically and strategically, creating and directing productions for national and international tours and building and running global partnerships and projects. The Paper Birds run a thriving participation department which sees the company work with up to 20,000 young people each year as workshop participants and co-creators.

The Paper Birds are named practitioners on several UK exam boards, meaning their devising methods are taught at GCSE and A-level within schools and colleges. The company runs regular Continual Professional Development for drama teachers and practitioners. Their courses have been attended by thousands of participants nationally and internationally, as well as delivered for organisations such as The National Theatre.