Meet our new Youth Theatre Assistant, Jade!

A recent addition to our Education team!

Jade Hudson, our new Youth Theatre Assistant, has recently joined the Education Team. A former member of the Youth Theatre herself, Jade performed in The Jungle Book back in 2013. She is excited to be assisting with the Youth Theatre’s upcoming production and shares more with us…

Can you explain your role at The Courtyard?

I am currently a Youth Theatre Assistant at the Courtyard. In this role I support children from Reception through to Sixth-form, in weekly drama sessions.

Why is the Youth Theatre important?

Youth Theatre is particularly important to me because it is the place where I first fell in love with drama. I attended sessions and took part in several shows from the age of 9 up until Sixth-form. These sessions provide a safe space where children can simply be themselves, which is something I cherished, especially away from the pressures and judgements of a school environment. In this safe space, children have creative freedom which fundamentally allows them to explore their own creative expression and come into their own.

Can you tell us about your performance in The Jungle Book (2013)? Why is it a good story for Youth Theatre?

In Youth Theatre’s 2013 version of Jungle Book, I was only in Year 6! This was my first ever experience of performing on a big stage and I adored it. Performing as a monkey, I loved dancing and being cheeky in my onesie. I particularly enjoyed acting alongside the older children, I definitely admired them and remember thinking I could be just like them in a couple of years. Jungle Book is an incredible story about a boy who grows up alongside animals and as a result, the relationships and bonds that are formed between characters are greatly diverse. I think this helps represent to the Youth Theatre children that strong friendships do not have to be built based on backgrounds but on trust, respect and communication. Overall, the children have an opportunity to be a range of animals and so is a great universal way of bringing together all ages in a dynamic way.

What are you most looking forward to in this year’s production?

As a child, I will never forget first seeing the set for Jungle Book with all of the greenery. Therefore, for this production, I am most looking forward to seeing each child’s reaction to both the set and costumes. These moments are what makes it all so real and will stay with the children forever.

Why should a young person join the Youth Theatre?

In the Youth Theatre from a young age, children are able to develop their social skills in the safe environment. Learning to support, encourage and work with others, their confidence will only grow and I particularly have Youth Theatre to thank for becoming the person I am today. It is an opportunity for children to make friends outside of school, forming bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.

You can find out more about our Youth Theatre and how to join by visiting The Courtyard Youth Theatre page.