JD (Jan) Derbyshire
JD (Jan) Derbyshire is an established multi-disciplinary artist, producer, inclusive designer, and educator. They specialize in the design a facilitation and delivery of playful, inclusive, interactive, and participatory experiences that push forward ideas of diversity, belonging and interdependent communities.
A self-motivated, enthusiastic communicator they are able to express ideas both in public presentations and writing with over 20 years experience working in professional and community arts and in issue-based collaborations with non-profits, educational institutes, and corporations. They draw from a background of stand-up comedy, playwriting, devised theatre, storytelling, interactive installation, game design, essay writing, and stage directing. They have been produced projects locally, nationally, and internationally. JD holds a Masters in Inclusive Design from OCAD University in Toronto.
Some of JD’s accolades includes publishing their memoir, Mercy Gene; creating the hit show, Certified and creating works in development with the frank theatre such as Karajoke, and co-facilitator on the frank theatre’s community-devised project, Masculinity Reclaimed. They have wrote and performed in works that have been presented by Solo Collective, The Belfry, the frank theatre, FoldA, Neworld Theatre, Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, PuSh Festival, Touchstone Theatre, High Performance Rodeo, and so much more.
