Ren Short: Founder, Creative Director & Musical Director
They/Them
Ren founded OmniArts in April 2013. They have always found a joy from helping others learn how to better their skills, so it is no surprise that they have always wanted to be a teacher. With over 15 years of professional vocal and dance training, as well as experience in performing on stage, screen and at various events, Ren has a lot to pass on to any aspiring performer.
The ideology of OmniArts is very close to Ren’s heart, as they believe everyone should have the same opportunities available to them as each other.
As well as running OmniArts, Ren teaches private singing & trans speech lessons, mentors others wanting to become self employed, runs various workshops throughout the year and is also a singer/songwriter.
“Being a part of someone else’s journey within the performing arts is such a privilege.”
Ellie Snow: Artistic Director & Theatre Director
She/Her
Ellie joined OmniArts in March 2018. She is the lead practitioner for Queer Creatives, a group which she designed and developed for OmniArts.
Ellie has a BA Hons in Drama and Performance from the University of Portsmouth and has been acting since 2010. She is a multi-award nominated actress, recognised both nationally and internationally for short films including winning Best Drama in the Rode Reel short film competition.
Most recently, she has become a freelance practitioner at Chichester Festival Theatre and was also selected for the CFT Youth Commissioning Scheme 2018.
Ellie has a keen interest in LGBTQ+ history and contemporary theatre.
At University, Ellie had the chance to deliver workshops and performances to a local school which she thoroughly enjoyed and has a passion for inspiring new creatives, whether it is with children or working alongside aspiring filmmakers.
“It is an honour to be able to be a part of giving new and exciting performing opportunities to the next generation”
Kira: Showcase Producer and Manager
She/Her
Bio coming soon.
Vico: Showcase Producer and Editor
He/Him
Vico has been writing constantly since he was ten, and only recently realized that all that journalling is probably why he has an affinity for essays and memoir work. Since then, his work on Medium and in his upcoming memoir “Dear Mom and Dad: A Love Letter to Myself” has received effusive praise. He also graduated from Murray State University with a BA in journalism and creative writing. It is still a great day to be a Racer.
Jennifer Lina: Music for the Mind Practitioner
She/her
Jennifer has a BA Hons degree in “Creative and Performing Arts” an A Level in Music, and believes in the power of music as a therapy tool wholeheartedly.
With certificates in Disability and Dementia Awareness, she uses her passion for singing and percussion to run Music For The Mind sessions at Care and Rest Homes in and around Hampshire.
In complete contrast Jennifer also has a passion for rock music and fronts an 80’s Tribute band in Portsmouth called ROKAJENDA!
“There is nothing so uplifting as seeing someone who has been almost lost inside their own mind, who struggles to communicate and participate most of the time; just light up and start to join in with the room!
Music triggers parts of the brain that bring back things they thought they had forgotten and you get the absolute privilege of sharing in their joy as it happens before you. I meet people who cannot usually remember how to have a conversation; who are suddenly up on their feet singing every word to a treasured song from their childhood. I come away from our sessions both humbled by the human brain and deeply touched that we can awaken some memories and feelings inside it with the power of music.”