Vivi Bayliss
Vivi is a director, teacher and facilitator. Her ethos centres around an individualised approach that encourages the strengths and interests of each child, supporting them in their own journey. Vivi is a first-class graduate from the University of Birmingham, where she studied Ancient and Medieval History alongside building up a practical portfolio of directing and teaching work. It was during training that she developed her multidisciplinary approach, with productions ranging from opera to sketch comedy.
Vivi spent two years as Director in Residence at Millfield School in Somerset, working across their academic and co-curricular programmes. She directed Shakespeare, musicals and contemporary drama and facilitated devised work, demonstrating her breadth of knowledge and adaptable teaching style. She also delivered one-to-one coaching to support students with industry and conservatoire auditions. Vivi has led workshops for the Cotswold Stage School, Central Youth Theatre and Milton Keynes Theatre, with a focus on personal expression and enjoyment in learning.
As a freelance director, Vivi has created work with Birmingham Opera Company, NSDF, the Barn Theatre in Cirencester and the Hope Theatre in Islington. She seeks to find the emotional core of the piece and lead with a collaborative approach. Her previous productions have been praised as “humorous, but deeply affecting” and “innovative, engaging work.”