Tracey Spokes | 13th Theater  Co.

One of Tracey Spokes' new ventures is to put together a play with and about Social Enteprises.

"The social enterprise concept has not yet reached the British public’s psyche. The aim of our musical is to change that perception as well as entertain and educate at the same time. It will show how social enterprises change the world and maybe encourage the public to become involved in some small way"

Who are you, Tracey?

I am a bubbly, creative, people person who tries to smile even when the world kicks me in the teeth. I hope that my impact as a female social innovator is to encourage people to be true to themselves, ignore the bullies of this world and that you have it in you to reach your full potential.

Now the changes I bring about are in a small way. They come through the acting workshops I run, by encouraging participants to use creativity. It enables them to deal with situations in life in a different way. For example if a child is being bullied role-play can help the child re-examine the situation. In role-play, I would say to the child that they act out the person who is bullying them and then I or another participant would play the child being bullied themselves. The participant then starts to open to about their experiences and we then discuss the best way to handle the situation.

You are creating a play around, for, and with social enterprises. Can you list who you want to have on board?

This is a major ask! If you have it, 13^th Theatre Co. wants it! A social enterprise fashion designer, lighting, publicity/marketing/PR, merchandising, publishing the music and the book. There is one song I feel could really make the charts so anyone with any ideas as to how to do it or knows how to do it come on board. Fund raising, event managing for a launch party etc. So if you think you can help please come forward. Let us give Lord Lloyd Webber a run for his money.

Why do you think a project like this is important and essential?

The majority of the British public are unaware of the work that social enterprises do in the community. The social enterprise concept has not yet reached the British public’s psyche. The aim of the musical is to change that perception as well as entertain and educate at the same time. All social enterprises are involved in changing the world; the musical will show how social enterprises change the world and maybe encourage the public to become involved in some small way.

What networks work best for you?

The networks I normally use are UnLtdworld, Twitter and Facebook. Also, can be contacted on Linkedin, Business Fights Poverty and have just joined CIC and RSA

Which other female social innovator would you particularly recommend our readers to look at/be inspired from?

Amanda Jones of Red Button Design. Amanda is a bright, intelligent, passionate woman and a great role model for woman seeking to be social entrepreneurs. Amanda’s creativity and integrity has contributed to her success. With women around like Amanda, social enterprise will go a long way.