Mission Statement
The Blind Cupid Shakespeare Company aims to bring fresh, inclusive, collaborative, empowering classical theatre to international communities in order to encourage continued relationships across borders and backgrounds, reaffirming that theatre connects people from all walks of life and belongs to everyone.
Our company is an international and neuro-diverse group of creative artists including actors, directors, producers, writers, graphic designers and more. The team is bi-continetal, with artistic engagements in the US, UK, Central Europe and Africa. We generate professional theatre (both live and virtual), as well as workshops, events and audio content to expand our outreach and to encourage all to connect with the work of Shakespeare.
The Blind Cupid Shakespeare Company aspires to encapsulate the beauty of traditional Shakespeare, in a modern world, that is accessible to all. Our company ethos aims to ensure our world is truthfully represented and is reflected with passion, respect and enthusiasm.
The Artistic Team
Frances India
Social Media Manager
Frances Knight is a London-based actress from the North East of England. Frances graduated from Italia Conti Academy of Arts with a BA in Acting and after graduating delved into Stage Management working on productions including ‘The History Boys’ by Alan Bennett and ‘Punk Rock’ by Simon Stephens. As an actress, Frances has also starred in ‘Country Music’ by Simon Stephens as well as reprising her role as Viola in ‘Twelfth Night’ twice, performing in different capacities and venues over her short career so far.
Elize Layton
Project Development
Elize is a London-based actor, producer and teacher, with a BA in Musical Theatre from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. As a performer, Elize has worked nationally and internationally on productions including Romeo and Juliet, Singing in the Rain, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Narnia. She also devises and produces her own burlesque-opera and physical theatre work, and has worked as co-producer for Aktualise Theatre. Elize is passionate and dedicated to sharing important stories far and wide, and making them accessible for all audiences to enjoy.
Alexandr Kireev
Alex is a man of many identities from Moscow, Russia. A PhD graduate of Voronezh State University, he is responsible for providing all the amazing graphics that help make Blind Cupid look so good! You can browse his incredible artwork by checking out his Instagram page @sketchesfrommoscow
Joe Staton
Artistic Director
Joe Staton is a British actor based in London and New York City. He is a graduate of the Stella Adler Studio of Acting (Two year Evening Conservatory) in New York and the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London (One Year Foundation Diploma). He has performed classical theatre in the UK, the USA and Europe. Originally from Minehead, Somerset, he grew up in France and Spain. Joe founded the Blind Cupid Shakespeare Company in the hopes of spreading his love of Shakespeare and the classics to places that do not have easy access or exposure. He hopes that Blind Cupid shall encourage and inspire for years to come.
Alice Lussiana Parente
Executive Producer
Alice Lussiana Parente is an award-winning Italian actress, voice over talent and teaching artist based in New York City. Originally from Italy, she graduated at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and holds a BA in Cinema and New Media from the University of Turin. In New York City she works as a resident actress and Commedia dell'Arte teacher for the Italian company Kairos Italy Theatre and as a resident company member for The Flea Theatre and Jack Wetherall's Shakespeare Company. Alice is also a credited actor coach specialized in working with children and teenagers.
JT Stocks
Managing Director
JT Stocks is an American actor and director based in London. Originally from Wisconsin, he has worked in regional theatre around the US and is a graduate of the Stella Adler Studio (Three Year Professional Conservatory). He brings an open, affable charm into any room and has been told he's funny, which makes him think he isn't funny, which makes him think he's probably funny.
