Rachel Riggs originally trained in drama/community arts at Manchester University, then puppetry, theatre arts at Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, London. She worked extensively in British theatre & television, & founded DNA Puppetry & Visual theatre in the UK. Following her Masters in Fine Art, and Early Years Professional status award in 2010, she moved to Western Australia for professional development.
She has travelled to ASSITEJ & UNIMA festivals in Cuba, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Malaysia, South Africa and Indonesia to perform theatre and present published papers about working in community with children & families, developing internationally her ‘Imaginary Leaps’ methodology.
Imaginary Leaps received funding from the Australia Council for the Arts to develop learning through arts play with Indigenous & Emerging communities in WA. Developing Creative Learning Programmes with the Art Gallery of Western Australia, the State Library of WA, Awesome Children’s Festival, FORM and Perth International Arts Festival.
For 2025 Imaginary Leaps has been funded by the WA Department of Creative Industries, Tourism & Sport - Creativity & Wellbeing for Young people, to create a program of activities with local artists & community, for children’s wellbeing, connecting to arts & nature through puppetry & theatre play.