I’m Chantell Walker, a theatre director from Sheffield, now based in Salford.
I’m a working-class director who had little access to the arts growing up. I spent most of my time in the boxing gym and competed as an amateur boxer throughout my teens. I’m still heavily involved in boxing and coach at my local gym. I’m passionate about the ways the sport can support young people and strengthen communities.
After graduating from Liverpool John Moores University, I trained as a Young Director at the Everyman & Playhouse. In 2017, I became a freelance director, initially working on fringe productions across Manchester and Liverpool. Over the following years, I developed my practice primarily as an assistant and associate director on productions at regional theatres. I've worked extensively on new writing including the critically acclaimed folk horror, Birdwatching by Madeleine Farnhill.
In 2024, I became Associate Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. During my time there, I’ve worked on a range of projects, strengthening my artistic voice and developing my leadership as a future artistic director.
I’m currently taking a step back from freelance directing between late 2026 and mid-2027 to focus on a big new project — a baby.
My emails are always open, so please feel free to get in touch about opportunities, ideas, or to meet for a good coffee!
I’m a working-class director who had little access to the arts growing up. I spent most of my time in the boxing gym and competed as an amateur boxer throughout my teens. I’m still heavily involved in boxing and coach at my local gym. I’m passionate about the ways the sport can support young people and strengthen communities.
After graduating from Liverpool John Moores University, I trained as a Young Director at the Everyman & Playhouse. In 2017, I became a freelance director, initially working on fringe productions across Manchester and Liverpool. Over the following years, I developed my practice primarily as an assistant and associate director on productions at regional theatres. I've worked extensively on new writing including the critically acclaimed folk horror, Birdwatching by Madeleine Farnhill.
In 2024, I became Associate Director at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. During my time there, I’ve worked on a range of projects, strengthening my artistic voice and developing my leadership as a future artistic director.
I’m currently taking a step back from freelance directing between late 2026 and mid-2027 to focus on a big new project — a baby.
My emails are always open, so please feel free to get in touch about opportunities, ideas, or to meet for a good coffee!