Maya Shimmin is a socially engaged theatre maker, director, and facilitator from Cumbria, who is passionate about using live performance to act as a catalyst for discussion and change. She specialises in developing new work and is interested in integrating inclusion and access creatively into process and production. 

Maya is Co-Artistic Director of Close to Home Productions who are Associate Artists at Culture Warrington. She was the recipient of Theatre Deli’s Classic Residency 2021 and is a Cumbrian director with RTYDS New Directions North in partnership with Theatre by the Lake, Northern Stage, Leeds Playhouse and Royal Exchange Manchester. 

Maya graduated with First Class Honours in Drama, Applied Theatre and Education at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. She specialises in inclusive practice with young people and is Volunteer and Training Manager at Angel Shed, training over 90 volunteers annually.