About Me
I’m Rebecca Rocker, the founder and facilitator behind Torn Curtain.
I’m also a writer and spoken word poet.
With a background in education and theatre, I’m passionate about creating open spaces that remove barriers and judgement and make room for compassion, collaboration, creativity and confidence.
Creating connections is my north star. It’s what people need and it’s what I’m good at.
Even though the ups and downs of being human are universal, and difficult experiences and heavy emotions touch us all — they can still leave us feeling painfully isolated and disconnected from ourselves and everyone else.
Studies show that loneliness can increase the risk of early mortality by 26%. So connection matters now more than ever. It’s more than just valuable — it’s essential.
“Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces.”
— Ann Voskamp
I created Torn Curtain to build safe, creative spaces for people from all backgrounds to share their stories…
…to bring them out of dark holes and shine a light that makes them feel seen, heard and understood. I know poetry and words can change people’s relationship with their own story, because they transformed how I felt about mine.
I discovered the power of journalling when my husband was chronically ill. My mum saved his life by donating her spare kidney to him. She was his lifeline. Writing was mine.
Then, poetry helped me navigate the grief of infertility and baby loss.
Now, as a mum of two young children, I’m determined to keep writing my way through this beautiful, turbulent life and help others do the same.
Poetry is cathartic — it extinguishes shame and fuels hope.
Poetry creates space for your feelings and a place for your words.
Creative writing has been my constant companion through physical and mental health struggles, and I created Torn Curtain to share this lifeline with everyone.
I’m a writer.
After years of quietly journalling, I leant into my theatre background and brought my private ponderings and secret scribbles to the stage.
I’m an award-winning spoken word poet.
In 2024, I won both The Big Church Poetry Slam and The Devizes Arts Festival Poetry Slam. I perform in front of 400+ crowds, and my work reaches audiences of over 11k on Instagram. The power of poetry speaks (up) for itself.
I’m a teacher.
My entire career is based on sharing skills, knowledge and passion. I shifted from my role as Head of Drama to work with English Heritage as a Learning Manager, finding creative ways to share England's story. I’m now a full-time creative facilitator, working with theatres, schools and community groups. But wherever I’ve been, I’ve always championed the arts and the power of words and have been fuelled by my passion to share it with more communities.
I’ve helped hundreds of young people find their words through workshops in school, theatre, and heritage settings, and I’m just getting started…
…I’m on a mission to continue partnering with community-focused organisations to shed light on untold stories and amplify unheard voices.
When you partner with me, I’ll create a space that lets the light back in.
About Torn Curtain
We strike out what has come before to make space for the new.
Barriers Access
Breaking down barriers and making experiences accessible to all.
Division Unity
Bringing people together and fostering a sense of community.
Darkness Light
Providing illumination, clarity, and insight.
Despair Hope
Inspiring optimism and a positive outlook.
Fear Confidence
Building self-assurance and empowerment.
Loneliness Belonging
Creating a sense of inclusion and acceptance.
Isolation Connection
Facilitating meaningful relationships and interactions.
Silence Conversation
Encouraging open dialogue and communication.
Whilst every project is unique, each one is based on these four values:
Participation
Creating warm, welcoming spaces for people from different backgrounds to participate in poetry projects. We will identify and remove barriers to participation.
Co-creation
Exploring, discovering and creating with local people. Our storytelling projects and events are designed not only for them but with them.
Connection
Building relationships through storytelling and shared experience to provide an antidote to loneliness and social isolation.
Exploration
Using poetry as a tool to explore the ups and downs of being human. Together, we share honest stories, ask important questions and imagine hopeful futures.
My workshops are for everyone.
I believe we all have a story to tell, we just need the tools and skills to tell it.
I create safe spaces to weave words, share stories and connect communities.
In their words…
“Rebecca’s workshop gave me confidence, made me realise I can write and perform, and take some action towards my long-term goals.”
— Ben (participant)
“Your words have moved me to tears. I can’t thank you enough for giving such a powerful voice to an experience I also shared long ago.”
— Carrie (audience member)
“We are indebted to Rebecca for the enjoyment she has brought to our young ones! We all left smiling, joyful and very tired — both performers and the parents — who had an incredible and emotional time.”
— Paul (parent of participant)
“With social anxiety and zero confidence, standing in front of people and performing is a horrifically scary thing to do. But, when I’d done it, I stood offstage, feeling everything melt away.”
— Jess (participant)
Other training
I have a Drama degree from The University of Exeter, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and training in Autism Awareness, Prevent Duties, Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid (Level 3), and First Aid for Youth Mental Health (Level 2). I’m a trained Arts Award Adviser (Bronze and Silver) and a volunteer Literacy Champion with the National Literacy Trust. I’m also registered with the Enhanced DBS Update Service.