About Us

MOPA Theatre Company was formed in 1997 by Nic Brownlie to provide innovative, entertaining, and educational training through theatre.

Nic identified the need to make effective training less classroom based and more interactive. Now, more than 11 years later, MOPA have worked with thousands of children and adults of all ages and abilities bringing training to life and making the training experience more memorable and enjoyable for all.

Whether it's implementing workplace training solutions with companies such as Direct Line, teaching great pieces of literature by Shakespeare or Steinbeck to teenagers sitting examinations or training bar staff through National Pubwatch Schemes, MOPA have it covered.

What does MOPA stand for?

MOPA Theatre Company takes it’s name from Konstantin Slanislavski’s acting technique - Method of Physical Action. Slansislavski, a Russian actor, director and administrator at the Moscow Art Theatre, determined that one should approach a role as directly as possible, then see if it ‘lives’. He also determined how a human being can control in performance the most intangible and uncontrollable aspects of human behaviour: such as emotions, and artistic inspiration. Slanislavski’s innovative technique is now world famous and has remained at the heart of mainstream western performance training for much of the last century. Over the past 10 years, MOPA Theatre Company have extended and developed Slanislavi’s work, but retain the name MOPA for commercial reasons.

How is MOPA funded?

MOPA Theatre Company is a trading name of Scripted Meaning, a limited company registered in England and Wales. All our income comes through our work in schools, colleges and the public sector. For our Social Education programmes, we are always looking for ways to generate sponsorship to allow our touring companies to visit under-privileged children and young people in organisations who are unable to afford theatre experiences through their own funding. To offer sponsorship, please Contact Us.

What insurance do MOPA have?

We carry full public liability insurance of £5 million to protect against any unfortunate incidents! All vehicles used by MOPA whether owned or hired are fully insured and regularly maintained to a high standard.

Do you vet your staff?

After a lengthy audition process (!) it is compulsory under MOPA’s policy for all our actors to undergo Enhanced Level CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) Disclosure Checks to ensure they are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults.

What about MOPA’s equipment?

MOPA’s electrical equipment (lights, sound, cabling, etc.) is regularly PAT tested by qualified independent electricians to comply with current regulations. Our sets, backdrops, props and all other equipment is regularly inspected and repaired/replaced to ensure it is in a safe working condition.