Imagine If Theatre Company are devastated to announce the sudden passing of founder Artistic Director and Chief Executive, Chesca Joy on Wednesday 1 May 2024.

Chesca established imagine if in 2015 to instigate active change in people’s lives through the arts. Through her unique skills as a writer, facilitator and producer, Chesca built a reputation for supporting and telling the stories of some of society’s most vulnerable and underrepresented communities. But it was her compassion and kindness towards individuals in these communities that really changed lives. The work that she created touched literally thousands of people.

Over the coming weeks and months, we will look at how from the devastating loss of a friend, colleague and creative inspiration, we can create a fitting legacy for her work.

Our thoughts are with Chesca’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

Trustees and staff will now take time to reflect on the future, but for the time being we will stop all activity and will be in contact with partners as quickly as possible. However, should you have any urgent questions, please direct these to admin@imagineiftheatre.co.uk

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imagine if theatre was founded in 2015 in Leeds by Chesca Joy, to instigate active change in people’s lives through the arts.

imagine if aims to actively improve disadvantaged people’s lives through arts-based interventions, workshops and productions. Over the last nine years we have worked predominantly with prisoners and people with convictions who have a range of disadvantages including mental health issues, homelessness, victims of abuse, low literacy levels, unemployment and low socio-economic backgrounds.

Whilst rehabilitation is important, prevention is key to tackling the UK prison crisis. From 2024, we will use our vast experience of working with prisoners/people with convictions to focus on engaging with and enacting progressive change in the lives of young people aged 16-25 with lived experience of the care system in Leeds: “There were 1,365 children looked after in Leeds at the end of March 2022 (a rate per ten thousand of 80)” Leeds City Council Performance report for 2022-23 – and this number is expected to rise. Although this is a new area for imagine if to work in, one in four prisoners have lived experience of the care system, which equates to 2,250 of the 9,000 prisoners we have worked with to date.

“Makes you really think regarding life and how it can affect you, especially the choices you make and how you deal with the consequences.” Prisoner, HMP Durham

“Two of the men are on my caseload and I observed them in a completely different environment and saw how intelligent and proactive they both were. It gave them hope and also a chance to learn more about themselves.” Prison Offender Manager

We work closely with other third sector organisations to ensure we can refer and signpost people that work with us for further support (e.g. housing/addiction/mental health issues). Every project we deliver has people with lived experience at the core, ensuring they are hired to influence, shape and co-design all projects. We also offer other work to people with lived experience as well as working with professional creatives to ensure high artistic quality.

“The whole production is something new, incredible and intimate at the same time. You get to hear the unheard, listen to the misunderstood, give social justice a chance and deeply connect with the characters. It was an interesting experience like no other” South Leeds Life on imagine if’s production, Is Anyone There?

We have a geographical focus spanning on Leeds, however have worked nationally and internationally, most recently working in prisons in America with several companies, including with Tim Robbins and his company ‘The Actor’s Gang’ in Los Angeles. We have also worked in India in slums, orphanages and with Bangalore-based theatre company ‘Yours Truly’. We have worked in 26 prisons across the UK and USA, having engaged with over 9,000 prisoners and continually supporting prisoners when they are released into the community, for as long as individuals require support, contributing to their rehabilitation: “It gave the men a positive hope for the future which is so important and vital to aiding reducing the chance of re-offending.” HMP Moorland on the work imagine if do.

We have toured seven live/digital productions to 66 prisons/theatres/community centres, reaching over 17,000 people, raising awareness of issues that have an impact on offending behaviour, including domestic abuse/post-traumatic stress disorder. “In our group we had clients who have had adverse childhood experiences. They really identified with your characters; it was really thought provoking.” Hope Housing

We have also delivered a range of arts based employability interventions for prisoners and people with convictions, most notably Bird on the Wing and Phoenix, which helped participants with interpersonal skills, communication skills, employability and positive personal narratives. These interventions were there to provide holistic support to prisoners and people with convictions throughout their time in prison and for as long as they need upon release.

“It was the only thing that was inspiring in prison. Because of Bird on the Wing, I got a job within four weeks of getting out and I have remained in work since” Bird on the Wing Graduate

We work holistically in a person-centred way, creating specific plans tailored to each individual and tracking the progress of each person’s journey. “imagine if have supported my client and helped build their confidence. They have offered practical support where needed and also helped illicit change to reduce re-offending.” Leeds Probation Service

imagine if strongly believe that the arts have the power to save lives and we are really excited to start a new chapter by focusing on working with young people with experience of the care system.

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