As both a creative practitioner and arts educator, I care deeply about creating welcoming spaces where people can express themselves, develop confidence and engage with the arts. Seeing young people discover their creativity and grow in self-belief continues to inspire my work. As a performer and emerging playwright I am particularly interested in the power of storytelling and the impact performance can have in conveying important messages and inspiring meaningful conversations.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Drama and Musical Theatre Teacher, Young Talent Academy
Director of Youth Theatre and Musical Theatre Productions
Teacher coaching students through Trinity College London Acting Examinations
BA Drama Graduate, Queen Mary University of London
Young Cultural Leader and Changemaker, Enfield of Dreams 2026 -2028
GALLERY
Shadiye Balikdjioglu
She/Her
Performing Arts Teacher, Actress, Playwright, Director and Theatre Practitioner
I am passionate about supporting young people to build confidence and access the arts in inclusive and empowering environments. I believe the arts can be transformative and are a powerful way to connect generations, communities, and cultures.
Art and performance have been central to my life since childhood. Through local drama clubs, spending time surrounded by creativity in my grandmother's bridal wear shop, and performing in plays written by my grandfather that explored our Turkish Cypriot cultural heritage, I developed a strong sense of belonging within creative environments. Creating community theatre with my grandfather introduced me to audiences who had not previously had access to live performance due to practical and cultural barriers, shaping my belief that the arts should be accessible to all. I am passionate about creating work that connects generations, communities and cultures, and I am particularly interested in the role that theatre can play in strengthening local communities and amplifying underrepresented voices.
PORTFOLIO
2025 - The Grumpy Old Man (Huysuz İhtiyar)
Co-writer and Director
An original cultural play created in collaboration with my grandfather, exploring Turkish Cypriot identity, heritage, grief and intergenerational relationships. Performed at the Millfield Theatre and funded by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
2024 - Crème Egg
Writer and Director
An original short play exploring cyberbullying through the relationship between two sisters following the loss of their mother. The production examined the emotional impact of online harassment and was selected for presentation at the Peopling the Palace Arts Festival at University.
2019 - Baby Can't Wait
Co-writer and Director
A comedy exploring family dynamics and cultural stereotypes. Staged at the Dugdale Arts Centre with fellow young performers from Enfield, the production raised £790 for the mayor's chosen charities, Together for Enfield.
Enfield of Dreams, Young Cultural Leaders, Ways of Working @ Forty Hall. April 2026. Zoe Scholes
