Youth Theatre
High quality theatre training in an inclusive, fun and nurturing environment.
Box office phone number
High quality theatre training in an inclusive, fun and nurturing environment.
The Courtyard Youth Theatre gives young people the opportunity to develop a range of performance and personal skills in an inclusive, nurturing and respectful environment.
It offers young people high quality theatre training with experienced, specialised tuition from expert practitioners, inspiring excellence in performance.
All groups are given many performance opportunities throughout the year, ranging from small scale showcases to National Theatre Connections and Main Stage, full-scale productions.
The Courtyard Youth Theatre also helps to develop important skills such as communication, team building and problem solving. It’s a great way to build confidence whilst making a new group of friends.
To find out more about joining Youth Theatre, contact [email protected] or 01432 340555 or scroll down to the bottom of this page to complete a Youth Theatre Application Form.
Ellen Dorsett is the Participation Manager at the Courtyard, helping young people to discover their creativity and develop their talents. During Ellen’s time at The Courtyard, she has worked with hundreds of young people through schools work and also through the Courtyard’s thriving Youth Theatre. Ellen particularly loves directing and is passionate about providing many opportunities for young people to perform and platforms for them to showcase their abilities. Ellen believes that the arts play a vital role in a young person’s development, especially drama. At the heart of everything Ellen does is the young people, and making sure the Courtyard is offering a varied, interesting and beneficial programme of work for the young people of this community. Ellen holds a BA (Hons) Joint Honours degree in Drama, Film & TV from Manchester Metropolitan University and is a trained Arts Award adviser for all levels.
Rebecca Cook is an Inclusive Arts & Youth Theatre Leader at The Courtyard. She is a trained dance and drama practitioner who loves the positive impact the arts have upon young people. Since working here, she has directed numerous productions and taught in schools and Youth Theatres across Herefordshire. She loves The Courtyard’s mission of captivating, inspiring and celebrating young people through a variety of different projects. Rebecca leads on our inclusive programme, making our work more accessible and inclusive both in schools and at The Courtyard. She also leads on our project #TalkAwayDontWalkAway which raises awareness about mental health and promotes positive wellbeing. Rebecca holds a BA in Film, Theatre and Television from the University of Reading and is trained in delivering Arts Award.
Jamie Hutton is an Education Officer and Youth Theatre Leader at The Courtyard. Jamie began his interest in the arts as a member of The Courtyard Youth Theatre from age eight and continued performing in productions right up until he left for university aged 18. At university Jamie studied English where he developed an interest in not just drama but writing and literature as well. After leaving Jamie returned to Hereford and began working for The Courtyard Education Team in 2019. Since then he has directed numerous shows and lead on a wide variety of projects, gaining experience in working with a diverse range of young people. He is passionate about empowering young people of all ages and building confidence and self-esteem through the arts.
Kate Ross is an Education Officer and Youth Theatre Leader at The Courtyard. Originally a secondary school teacher by profession, Kate also helped to establish and run a theatre company and performance academy in the North East.After moving to Herefordshire she worked in different capacities supporting vulnerable young people through teaching, outreach work and the writing and directing of community pantomimes. With nearly 20 years of experience teaching performance, writing, directing and producing youth theatre, Kate loves seeing the positive impact the arts can have on young people. Working at The Courtyard has enabled her to work with a team to facilitate a range of inspiring projects and engaging sessions that have given hundreds of local young people the opportunity to flourish and excel.
Emily Lawrence is the Programming and Participation Administrator at The Courtyard, where she assists the Education Team in providing an inclusive and accessible environment. Having grown up in Hereford The Courtyard played a vital role in Emily’s love for theatre having been involved in the Youth Theatre from a young age and attending performances from the age of 5.
Emily holds a Technical Theatre & Stage Management degree from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Theatre credits include, Dorian Gray, Secret Garden, Jane Eyre, Mappa Mundi, Box of Delights & Cell Mates.
As part of her role Emily is the main point of contact for school bookings, work experience, programming of shows and oversees the administration for our Youth Theatre. To get in touch with Emily or another member of the team, please email [email protected].
Carrie is the Education Development Manager at the Courtyard. She is passionate about creating inclusive and engaging opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the arts. She delivers workshops and supports the development of the Education and Youth Participation at the Courtyard and within the county. With a keen interest in directing, she is particularly focused on helping young people discover and develop their potential, believing in the transformative power of the arts. She is committed to nurturing the next generation of creative talent, helping them find their voice, explore new possibilities, and gain confidence through performance and collaboration.
