Meet the Team - The Space Somerset

David Duthie: Course Director

David Duthie - Biography
David trained in drama at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth was Head of Performing Arts at Oldbury Wells School, Bridgnorth where he taught drama for six years and worked with students from 7 to 19 years old in drama, musical theatre and film making.

His directorial credits include Annie, Bugsy Malone and Peter Pan; One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Our Country’s Good, Oedipus Rex, Berkoff’s The Trial and Cartwright’s The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at Key Stage Five; The Lion King, Blood Brothers and Cabaret for Llandrinio Theatre Company; We Did Them Our Way at The Courtyard Centre for the Arts in Herefordshire and The Wizard of Oz for The Courtyard Youth Theatre. He has acted as Promoter and Organiser for Arts Alive, a company bringing arts events to rural areas in Shropshire.

David’s performance credits include Into the Woods at Aberystwyth Arts Centre; The Pirates of Penzance with Everyman; Salvador Dali in Hysteria; Sowerberry in Oliver! and Dexter in Singin’ in the Rain at The Courtyard. He has run his own theatre company, 4Play, for two years and has performed, designed and produced Rona Monroe’s Iron and Jim Cartwright’s Two.

David feels honoured to be Course Director at The Space, and is thrilled at the prospect of working with students with a passion and commitment to the arts in Somerset.

Jenny Copping: Performing Arts Teacher (DANCE)

Jenny gained a First Class Honours Degree in Performing Arts majoring in Dance & Film Studies. During her studies she was involved in TAG ‘Sound moves’ project with Rosemary Lee & Michael Platt and also danced for Mohican Blue Physical Theatre Company.

After graduating Jenny became the Dancer – in – Residence at the Tacchi– Morris Arts Centre Taunton.

Whilst based here she has developed dance within local schools and the community, she was also selected to participate in a research workshop for Lloyd Newson.

Most recently Jenny has been performing in a curtain-raiser for Bedlam Dance Company’s South West tour and is working with Jacky Lansley at her London Studios & The Hall for Cornwall on interdisciplinary practice.

The team will be supported by a range of leading professionals from the Creative and Media Industries including:

Jodi Peppin: Performing Arts Teacher (DRAMA)

Jodi graduated from the London School of Musical Theatre in 2002. Her theatre credits include Music Revue (Old Vic Theatre, London), Adrienne in No-one in the World (The Cochrane Theatre, London), Kit Kat Club Dancer in Cabaret (Brewhouse Theatre, Taunton) and Helena in Midsummer Nights Dream (LSMT Studios).

Jodi returned from the smoky city to her roots in Somerset where she has been lucky enough to be a member of the amazing Heathfield Drama team for nearly five years. She is also the Class tutor of the 8-11 year old TMAC Community Drama Group ‘STAMP’ who certainly keep her on her toes with their bundles of energy.

Outside of work she continues to sing professionally at numerous events and you can catch her vocals on www.jodiandmitch.co.uk.

Jodi is really looking forward to working with the students on such a marvellous and influential course and is delighted there is finally an opportunity for young people to have such training in the South West.

Kevin joins THE SPACE after 12 years working locally and regionally as a Theatre Technician. Most recently Kevin was a Senior Technician at Richard Huish College working closely with Media, Art, Dance, Drama and Music students on a wide variety of performances. During his time there, Kevin built up the student technical team to fully support the needs of college productions, whilst developing the technical infrastructure. Many former students have now gained places at notable Universities and Drama Schools or are working within the entertainment industry.
His technical credits include Animal Farm, Rosie’s Path, Waiting For Godot, Metamorphosis, The Trial, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, The Royal Hunt For The Sun, Love Letters, Medea, Blood Wedding, Bugsy Malone, and The Inaccurate Conception to name a few.
He has also worked across many areas in the entertainment industry including radio, film and cinema.