I started my relationship with Forest Youth Theatre back in March 2024, when I stepped in to assist with final rehearsals and tech production of the sell-out FOD Fringe show Fowl Play.

Since then, the working relationship has gone from strength to strength. I have assisted with both the juniors (age 8-12) and seniors (age 13-18) groups at the regular weekly term-time sessions. I also assisted with the 2025 Summer School project – a week-long intensive ending in a brilliant finished performance on the Friday afternoon. In total to date I have worked on over half a dozen fully-produced shows with a number of skilled theatre practitioners including Abi Wright and Chez Dunford, as well as a number of smaller scratch presentations.

In early 2026 we have had the huge honour to be selected for the prestigious National Theatre Connections programme – watch this space!.

I’ve developed a huge toolkit of skills, including: working with the young people to devise, directing scripted work, developing choreography and movement, teaching songs, leading games, designing and operating sound and lighting, and input to set and costume design.