I’m thrilled to begin the role of Mentor Director with the National Theatre next month.
I will travel the UK throughout 2025 supporting young companies and partner venues to stage plays for the NT Connections Festival in its 30th Anniversary Year.
My name is Tristan Jackson-Pate and I am a theatre maker.
I’m originally from Stroud and first found a place of belonging in a youth theatre, which changed my life. I went on to train as an actor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, and now I find the most joy in creating professional theatre with and for young people.
Since 2015, I’ve been Artistic Director of the award-winning People’s Theatre Collective in Oxfordshire. I’ve also worked in a freelance capacity with wonderful organisations like Creation Theatre, Oxford Playhouse and The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry.
During ten years as a writer, director and facilitator, I’ve written nine plays, a short film, and facilitated inclusive community arts projects in creative writing, devised theatre, and music composition with diverse participants. My freelance writing includes children’s stories, song commissions, educational videos, and sightseeing tours.
I’m an Associate Artist at Royal & Derngate, Northampton, a past Associate at the Old Rep Theatre, Birmingham and a Mentor Director for the National Theatre Connections programme.
As a trustee for Sophie's Silver Lining Fund, I’m committed to creating inclusive, youth led spaces that empower young people to discover their potential no matter their background. A drive to reduce inequality and champion fairer opportunities underpins all my work.
