Founder Story
It started with my own experience of education: Plenty of information, not enough inspiration.
Hi, I’m Emmi, founder of Bonanza Creative.
Think back to school. How many lessons can you remember? For me, the chalk-and-talk ones went in one ear and out the other, and I know I wasn’t the only one.
The lessons that stayed with me were never the ones confined to a desk. They were the ones that came alive through experience, practical demonstrations and live performance. Those were the ones you talked about at the gate afterwards and decades later, they’re still with me. The lessons that lasted weren’t taught. They were experienced.
That belief became Bonanza and it still drives everything we do today. I launched it in 2014 to build the kind of lessons I’d have remembered. Everything since, from a superhero bear teaching five-year-olds about carbon monoxide to actors helping trainee nurses practise breaking bad news, comes from the same conviction.
If you want people to remember something, don’t just tell them. Let them experience it. The more digital childhood becomes, the more memorable a real-life encounter can be.
Emmi Isham, Founder and Artistic Director
How We Got Here
Our dynamic team
Click on the team member to find out more about them and the role they play at Bonanza Creative
Emmi founded Bonanza Creative in 2013 to turn her passion for creative learning into a dynamic reality. With 20 years in theatre, film, education, and training, she skillfully orchestrates writing, directing, and facilitating to bring multidisciplinary artists together. Emmi is the visionary behind every creative masterpiece at Bonanza.
Tom is the mastermind who keeps Bonanza Creative ticking like clockwork. With vast operations experience, he expertly manages teams, builds efficient processes, and trains our crew. Tom ensures our creative education packages are delivered seamlessly, supports new projects, and drives our sustainable growth.
Cheryl is the guardian of quality at Bonanza, overseeing training and delivery of workshops with wisdom and precision. Armed with a BA Hons in Arts Practice and Cultural Policy and a PGCert in Social Work, she ensures our arts facilitators maintain top-notch standards. Cheryl nurtures new work and keeps our commitment to safeguarding rock-solid.
Katy is our go-to organizer, managing office administration with flair. She liaises with clients and arts workers, ensuring we deliver exceptional service. As Senior School Booking Manager, Katy coordinates plans and logistics to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Marie is the connector who brings our free School Workshops to life. She uses her stellar interpersonal skills to manage bookings, respond to inquiries, and deliver outstanding customer service. Marie makes sure our workshops reach the right people.
Lauren is our ace communicator, reaching out to schools and educators about our workshops. She explains their benefits with ease and maintains detailed records. Lauren’s excellent communication and administrative skills build strong relationships with potential participants.
Rachael is the creative mind behind our social media, connecting our workshops with the right audiences at the right time. With a sharp eye for content and a knack for organisation, she keeps our channels engaging, on brand, and running smoothly every day.
Steph leads the charge in delivering top-notch creative experiences in schools. As Lead Facilitator (North West), she ensures our arts facilitators are equipped, inspired, and delivering workshops to the highest standards. Whether mentoring the team, fine-tuning delivery, or bringing her own energy into the classroom, Steph is at the heart of making every session unforgettable.
David is the number ninja who keeps our finances in check. With his keen eye for detail and financial expertise, he ensures our budget is balanced and our resources are efficiently managed.
"The Director"
Photography / Editor / Post Production
Jonathan is the director behind the lens, with over 20 years of experience in filming and editing. Specializing in live-action events, his theatre background and BA in Drama help him capture the perfect shot every time. Jonathan brings a cinematic touch to all our projects.
Photography / Editor / Post Production
Jonathan is the director behind the lens, with over 20 years of experience in filming and editing. Specializing in live-action events, his theatre background and BA in Drama help him capture the perfect shot every time. Jonathan brings a cinematic touch to all our projects.
Basil is our furry cheerleader, boosting office morale and managing the snack stash. With his wagging tail and cheerful bark, he keeps our spirits high and our snack supply in check.
"The Creator"
Peter is the creator with a flair for visual arts, from painting to puppet making. For over 39 years, he has worked on diverse arts projects, collaborating with people of all ages. Peter’s creativity brings art to life for those who might not otherwise engage in it.
Peter is the creator with a flair for visual arts, from painting to puppet making. For over 39 years, he has worked on diverse arts projects, collaborating with people of all ages. Peter’s creativity brings art to life for those who might not otherwise engage in it.
We do the whole thing:
From concept to completion, taking the headaches away.
We specialise in creative educational packages, with research, development and professional delivery across the UK.
Creative Storytellers
Writers, drama specialists and filmmakers who create characters with rich backstories, clear purpose and devoted followers.
Expert Facilitators
Facilitators and actors delivering programmes in schools and communities.
Dedicated Coordinators
Coordinators who handle bookings, logistics and impact reports—the critical stuff, done brilliantly.
One partner, one point of contact, one team accountable for the whole journey, from the first scribbled idea to the final impact report.
That’s us. Your turn.
Whether you’ve got a fully formed brief or the beginnings of an idea, the next step is the same: a conversation.
Let's TalkSee our work