Meet the Team
Durham Student Theatre is led by a team of 11 elected students. Serving under the President and their executive committee, they carry out a range of jobs and support all theatre companies.
The Executive Committee
Maia Harris Lindop (she/her)
President
Hi everyone - I’m Maia, this year’s Durham Student Theatre (DST) President and I could not be more thrilled to get cracking with what promises to be a fabulous year of theatre. Across my last two years I have dabbled in lots of different parts of our theatrical spheres here, though I seem to take a primary interest in waltzing about on stage playing motherly women… so take that alongside this role as you will! I am so excited to see what we can do this year both within DST and through our Outreach and Alumni channels which will be some of my big focus points for the year! Very importantly though, I’m here to make sure DST is the most fun it can be so please, please do get in touch if you have any questions about anything or want to come and chat over a cup of tea about anything and everything! I cannot wait to see you all around soon!
George Murray
Secretary
Hello, I’m George and I’m delighted to be your secretary for this year! While I often masquerade as a third-year history student, I spend most of my time in the theatre as a technician! I’ve done twenty-three DST shows, primarily as Production Manager or Lighting Designer, though I have had questionable turns as a sound operator and assistant producer… As DST secretary, I am the primary port of call for any queries you might have – just email me and I can give you answers or direct you to people more knowledgeable than myself! Beyond that, my role involves facilitating all of DST’s administrative activities, including taking minutes, writing the weekly email (arriving in your inbox every Sunday) and organising meetings, elections and slot applications. Basically, it’s a lot of writing but despite that I’m always happy to answer any questions!
Sam Bentley (he/him)
Treasurer
Hi, I'm Sam, your DST Treasurer for 25/26! I'm a third-year history student from Trevelyan College. I am also heavily involved in student theatre, having been involved directing and acting in a number of plays and showcases over the last two years. I am also a troupe Member of The Durham Revue, Durham's premier sketch comedy group. I am privileged to be able to contribute to such a fantastic and diverse society. In terms of what you can come to me for, anything money related! Whether its help with budgeting, grants and grant applications, VAT, or even how to best utilise company funds, I will always be here to help, just ping me an email! Looking forward to catching you all around!
Rory Collins (he/him)
Technical Manager
Hi everyone, I'm Rory, a fourth-year Physics and Astronomy student from Grey. During my 3 years in DST, I've worked in a variety of technical roles, from lighting to set design to production management, across over 20 shows that span the amazing variety DST has to offer technicians and the wider student community, be it plays, musicals or even live comedy. As Tech Manager, I am responsible for supporting and representing technicians and production teams within DST, providing advice and signposting students on any and all questions about all things tech, as well as representing technicians interest in larger DST processes such as slot applications, or organising workshops for students to continue their technical development.
The Standing Commitee
Megan Dunlop (she/her)
Publicity and Marketing Officer
Hi everyone! My name is Megan, and I am your publicity officer this year! I’m a second year Grey student studying Theology & Religion, although sometimes it feels more like I’m doing a DST degree! I can usually be found producing somewhere in Durham, although have also enjoyed directing various shows across my two years. My job this year is to keep on top of all things DST socials and manage the marketing across all theatre companies. If you need any help with marketing and publicity for your show, please feel free to drop me a line.
Henry Skinner (he/they)
Welfare and Inclusivity Officer
Hi everyone! My name is Henry, and I’m a third year currently studying English at H*tfield College. I’ve been involved in 10 different DST shows since starting at Durham, both on and off the stage, and am very excited to stand as your Welfare and Inclusivity Officer for the coming year. My role involves ensuring welfare and inclusivity guidelines are adhered to, resolving any welfare issues, and (most importantly) making sure everyone is having FUN! Feel free to get in touch about any queries or concerns at all - I will provide a listening ear and be able to direct you on to further support where necessary. Please note I cannot guarantee confidentiality, but rest assured anything raised to me will only be shared with trained support staff within the university. Looking forward to working with you all during over the next year!
Noah Lazarides (he/him)
Outreach and Charities Officer
Hello, I’m Noah, a third year Philosophy student at St Chad’s who is all set to be your Outreach and Charities Officer this year! That means I’m here to encourage and assist you in all your charitable endeavours. I will be overseeing volunteering opportunities which you can get stuck into (such as our weekly drama workshops in local schools) and offering support for Theatre Companies’ own outreach projects. Reach out to me to ask any question (no matter how small) about how I can help and don’t forget to let me know about your independent projects so that I can promote them for you. In DST we don’t believe in keeping our productivity and talents to ourselves, but in concretely contributing to the wider community–and believe me, you have a lot to offer. So get involved!
Evie Trueman (she/her)
Events Co-ordinator
Hello! My name is Evie, I'm a third year Biological Science student at Trevelyan College and your 2025/2026 Events Coordinator (which basically means I'm the social secretary/party planner with a more professional name…) I organise all of the events throughout the year, from Spotlight during Fresher’s Week, to the D’Oscars, the big student theatre ball we have near the end of third term. During my time in DST I have been involved in lots of productions, both on and off stage in straight plays and musical theatre. Feel free to ask me about anything, even if it's not events related! Make sure you are following the student theatre events instagram @dst.events to get the details about all of the (hopefully really fun) events throughout the year. I can't wait to see you all there!
Emi Sharples (she/her)
First Night Editor
Hiya! My name is Emi - I’m a second-year English Literature student at Grey College and I’m thrilled to be your First Night Editor for the coming year! First Night is a publication which aims to review each DST show’s opening night, from the smallest production to the largest. Anyone can become a First Night reviewer, and it’s a brilliant low-commitment opportunity to get your writing published online - plus you get a free ticket to whichever show you choose to review! As Editor, I am responsible for sourcing reviewers and managing the outlet’s publicity as well as (you guessed it) editing the reviews. I’ve loved taking on a range of roles in student theatre across 8 productions in the past year and can’t wait to continue getting stuck in for my final two. If First Night sounds like something you’d be interested in, join our First Night Contributors group on Facebook!
Harriet Miller (she/her)
Festivals Director
Hi! I’m Harriet, I’m a second year english lit student at H*tfield. As this years festival director it is my responsibility to put on the ‘Durham Drama Festival’ which will be happening in Epiphany term, it will be a week full of fun and a celebration of student theatre here! It will include nine student written plays or musicals put on at the main student theatre venues. When I took part in last year’s DDF I found that it was a great way to meet new people interested in theatre and it was a great atmosphere to try something new! Keep an eye on the instagram for how to get involved; There is sure to be a show that tempts you to participate either on or off stage!
Edward Clark (he/him)
Alumni and Patrons Officer
My name is Ed, and I’m the DST Alumni & Patrons Officer for 2025/2026. I’m a third year history student excited to make the most of my final year in Durham. Taking up the mantle of a brand new role, I will be spreading the word about exciting achievements made within student theatre. Managing and editing a termly alumni newsletter, assisting the Performing Arts staff in creating an alumni network and patronage system, and establishing fundraising goals are all part of my mission for this year. Beyond the DST exec, I love performing, classical theatre, and student journalism. If you’re interested to learn more about my role, or if you’re interested in contributing, send me an email!
Assembly Rooms Staff Members
DST would not be able to function without the full-time staff members, based in the Sir Thomas Allen Assembly Rooms Theatre, who facilitate all the excellent student theatre.
Lewis Wilkinson (he/him)
Manager of Performing Arts
Lewis is from Durham, and graduated with a music degree from Durham University in 2016. He was then a brass instrumental music teacher with Durham Music Service before completing his Master’s degree in Conducting from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Outside of his work with Durham University Performing Arts, Lewis has a busy and varied portfolio career as a conductor, sousaphonist, trombonist and actor. He is particularly passionate about the cultural and creative links that can be cultivated between the university and its wider community.
Ellen Olley (she/her)
Audience Development and Engagement Co-ordinator
Ellen is originally from Ely in the Fenlands, and graduated from Durham Law School in 2023. She has worked in the Performing Arts team for over two years now, as the theatre Internal Hires Coordinator, Student Theatre Coordinator, and now in her new brand new role facilitating marketing and outreach. Alongside her work at the University, Ellen also offers marketing and logistic support to arts organisations around the North East.
Felicity Rickard (she/her)
Theatre Coordinator
Felicity recently graduated from Durham with a BA in Social Sciences, and alongside her degree she was the president of Wrong Tree and Rocket. Throughout her time as a student she took on various theatrical roles including directing, producing, choreography and acting, and she has been involved in a wide variety of shows ranging from Shakespeare to musical theatre, with a particular interest in physical theatre, puppetry and student-written plays.
Harry Clipston (he/him)
Performing Arts Technician
Harry is our Theatre Technician. He graduated 2 years ago with a BSc in Maths and Computer Science having been DST Technical Manager and Josephine Butler Technical Director for 2 years. He works with student technicians to help everyone be creatively and safely involved in the tech process. He also supports other performing arts groups including college and Durham Student Music technicians.