Sarah Ellis – Founder of Theatre Inspiring Change

Equity Advocate | Creative Changemaker | Transformational Leader

Sarah Ellis is a visionary theatre practitioner, educator, and activist who has redefined how we confront and challenge discrimination, prejudice, and systemic inequality in our society. As the founder of Theatre Inspiring Change, Sarah has pioneered a unique, interactive theatre model that empowers individuals to find their voice, challenge injustice, and catalyse meaningful social transformation—especially for women, girls, and marginalised communities.

Having worked with over 120,000 people across education, business, and community sectors, Sarah’s powerful productions and workshops go beyond traditional performances. They are immersive, deeply human experiences—inviting audiences to step into the lives of others, provoke thought, inspire empathy, and “rehearse for life.” Her work addresses the root causes of sexism, misogyny, and patriarchy, aiming to break cycles of violence and build a more inclusive and just world.

Sarah’s path to activism is deeply personal. At 19, she survived an abusive relationship and sexual assault—trauma that became a driving force behind her lifelong mission to challenge stereotypes, amplify silenced voices, and inspire social change. With professional roots in education and theatre, she created Theatre Inspiring Change to confront society’s ingrained biases through real stories, devised performances, and inclusive dialogue that reaches schools, offices, prisons, and communities.

Her work explores vital issues such as domestic abuse, consent, violence against women and girls, misogyny, racism, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and toxic masculinity. She places a strong emphasis using theatre for change as a non-formal learning tool, to ensure inclusivity as well as engage with traditional methods due to learning differences or confidence barriers.

Impactful Initiatives and Collaborations:

• Stronger Together campaign (funded by the Home Office & PFCC) tackling violence against women across Essex.
• Touring productions including Consent, The Vagina Monologues, and Do You Fancy Desert, addressing rape culture and unhealthy relationships.
• Nationwide partnerships with the probation service (HMPPS) and corporate clients like WorldPay.
• Influential contributions to the Tender project on healthy relationships.
• Performances in Parliament, challenging homophobia and transphobia, and conferences such as the NEU's "Call It Out" event.
• Measurable success: a 15% drop in teenage pregnancy after five years of school tours (MBARC Report, NHS Hertfordshire).

Awards and Recognition:

• Top 100 UK Female Entrepreneurs, F: Entrepreneur Awards (2024)
• Winner of High Sheriff of Essex Award for her contribution to the community. (2025)
• Gold Winner, Shining Star Awards (2022)
• Silver Winner, Most Inspirational Business Woman (2022, 2020)
• Finalist, Community Organisation of the Year, National Diversity Awards (2020)
• Gold Winner, Community Champion, Best Business Women’s Awards (2019)
• Finalist, Community Project of the Year, European Diversity Awards (2019)
• High Sheriff’s Award (2016)
• BBC interview and numerous testimonials from educators, law enforcement, and community leaders.

Sarah’s unwavering belief is that sexism isn’t a ‘women’s issue’—it's a societal one, perpetuated by silence, misunderstanding, and learned behaviours. Her theatre work actively engages men and boys to take responsibility, challenge toxic behaviours, and stand as allies in the fight against gender-based violence.

With funding from national bodies including the Home Office, NHS, National Lottery, and Essex Police, Sarah continues to scale her work, pushing boundaries and igniting change wherever it's most needed.

“Their work is transformational. It helps break cycles of violence—and is something we need more of in our society.”

— National Diversity Awards

Sarah Ellis is not only changing minds—she is transforming lives.