Elise Davison
Nominated for Culture award
Elise Davison is the artistic director and CEO of Taking Flight Theatre Company (TFTC) based in Cardiff. TFTC, led by the phenomenal driving force of Elise, creates exceptional performances and workshops made by, with and for Deaf, disabled, neurodivergent and nondisabled professional actors. Elise has lived experience of mental ill health and is neurodivergent; with her own lived experience as well as years of work within the industry, she ensures accessible training provision is in place for emerging Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent talent to have the skills and to feel welcome within the theatre industry.
The work she creates is often in 3 languages – BSL (British Sign Language), Welsh and English. Elise is a tireless Welsh language learner and is fluent in BSL (to a level 6 standard) and English.
Many Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent creatives have said they have decided to stay in Wales/ move to Wales from having worked with Elise at Taking Flight. This work is in close partnership with other theatre venues across Wales – working with them to improve their access so that Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent professionals can truly thrive.