Our History

Teatro Vivo was founded in 2005 by Sophie Austin, who had recently graduated as a director from Rose Bruford drama school. It was her vision to create theatre in and for local communities that drove the company. Initially based in Hither Green in Lewisham, Sophie was the company’s first Artistic Director and with her energy and creativity she grew Teatro Vivo from its early days using friendly locals’ living rooms as a base for performing in Manor House Gardens, to the critically acclaimed and well-loved immersive theatre company that it is today.

In 2007 some of the original company members Mark Stevenson, Laura Hooper and Kas Darley joined Sophie in running the company as Artistic Associates, and Catherine Hooper as Associate Producer in 2010.

In 2011 Laura Hooper relocated to New York, where she now works as an actor and producer.

In 2012 Teatro Vivo formally constituted and became a charity, recruiting a board for the first time.

Catherine stepped away from her producing role in 2019 to join Mark Rubenstein Associates, producing shows in the West End, and now sits on Teatro Vivo’s Board

Sophie was Artistic Director for nearly 15 years, before stepping down in July 2019 to pursue other projects.

Mark and Kas stepped up in 2019 to become joint Artistic Directors, and are looking forward to expanding Teatro Vivo’s reach in the years to come, along with a very talented band of newly appointed Artistic Associates and a brilliant and active board.