Elliot Barnes-Worrell is a highly accomplished actor, writer, and director, known for his outstanding contributions to both stage and screen. With an impressive acting career, he has worked with renowned platforms such as the BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Paramount +, and has had the privilege of collaborating with acclaimed director Steven Spielberg. Beyond his acting endeavors, Elliot is also a distinguished writer and director, with his films featured on the BBC and Film4. His directorial work has included collaborations with esteemed actors such as Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, and Amanda Redman. In addition to his creative pursuits, Elliot is actively involved in academia. He serves as a guest lecturer at prestigious universities, including Oxford, Browne, Howard, Cambridge, and Durham. His expertise extends to leading discussions on race and Shakespeare at the renowned Shakespeare's Globe. With a multifaceted career that spans acting, writing, directing, and academic engagement, Elliot Barnes-Worrell stands as a versatile and accomplished figure in the world of entertainment and education. Elliot Barnes-Worrell's career began on the stage, showcasing his talents in theaters worldwide as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) tours. Notably, he graced the 1,800-seater Barbican Theatre during these tours. His journey on London's National Theatre's Olivier stage, playing lead roles, further contributed to his recognition in the theater world. It was during this extensive theater career that Elliot garnered critical acclaim, winning prestigious awards such as the Alan Bates Award, the Sir John Gielgud Award, and the Ian Charleson Award. In 2016, Elliot expanded his creative pursuits into writing and directing with his debut film, "The Works," featuring renowned actor Ralph Fiennes. The film premiered on BBC One and continued to run on BBC iPlayer, marking a successful entry into the world of filmmaking. Subsequently, Elliot wrote and directed several critically acclaimed films, including the recent "DIGGING" for Film4, which premiered at London's Royal Festival Hall at the London Film Festival (LFF). Elliot's work in film not only established him as a respected filmmaker but also led to recognition as a public speaker and academic lecturer. His invitation as a guest speaker at Oxford in 2017 paved the way for lecturing engagements at universities both in his home country and the USA. During the lockdown period, Elliot participated in a panel discussion on "Race and Shakespeare" at Shakespeare's Globe, resulting in academic publications and solidifying his reputation as a Shakespeare expert. In addition to his creative and academic endeavors, Elliot serves as the host for the annual award ceremony "The Graddies." This ceremony celebrates and recognizes young filmmakers creating their debut films post-university, in collaboration with Searchlight Productions and Vue Cinema. Elliot Barnes-Worrell's career reflects a remarkable blend of talent across theater, film, academia, and the promotion of emerging talents in the filmmaking industry.
Elliot has a fascinating take on Shakespeare and the racial undertones throughout it. He offers an educated insight into why he thinks the teaching of Shakespeare needs to be updated to modern day expectations.
This session reveals all about the working life of an actor. Our actors will elaborate on what it's like working with a cast and crew, sometimes seven days a week, for 3-6 months, to not seeing them again. Attendees will hear about the downtime between jobs and the unknown when the next one will be. The actor life means continued auditions with little feedback if you don't land the role. Attendees will learn how to insulate themselves from setbacks, no matter the industry, and how to ensure they don't negatively affect their mental health.
In this keynote, attendees will explore the essential, ongoing journey towards equity, diversity, and inclusion. It goes beyond merely recognising Black History; it's about weaving this awareness into the fabric of our daily lives and workplaces. Participants will delve into the transformative power of an inclusive mindset, covering key areas such as anti-racism strategies, empathetic leadership, and inclusive recruitment practices. The aim is to cultivate a workplace environment where empathy and inclusivity are not merely buzzwords but the very pillars of our culture. Join us in committing to diversity, not just for a month, but all year round.
