Bubbling with anticipation, I remember sitting in the back of my mum’s car on the trip home from school gripping onto a letter between my hands; an invitation to join Icon Theatre’s Youth Theatre.
For £1 a week at Victory Academy in 2015, I would learn theatrical skills alongside my peers and people I hadn’t met before. I was excited, and terrified.
Being naturally shy and quiet as a child, whilst walking into my first Youth Theatre session I felt a tug to retreat back to my mum’s car but I remember the feeling of openness and welcome as soon as the session began, and changing my mind.
Icon Theatre then, is what it continues to be now, a safe space for self-expression.
During the sessions I spent with Icon we played with storytelling, clowning, expression and more. What I carried on with me besides those theatrical skills were:
- Confidence in myself
- Determination to chase my dreams
- Courage to take opportunities with both hands
I remember the sessions being full of boldness and celebration. We were gently encouraged to go out of our comfort zones and try new things whether that’s joining in with games or sharing an idea, the facilitator took time to get to know us and nature our development.
One moment that stood out to me was a cat walk where we got to try on costumes used in Icons professional productions and do a cat walk of characters. I remember the laughter and joy of this moment and the realisation that being creative, being bold and being yourself was okay.
Fast forwarding 12 years later, I have since then continued my pursuit of a creative career through classes, placements, 4 years at drama school and then made my way back home not entirely knowing where to go next.
Then whilst searching for a job that was creative and could help young people express themselves through art as I did, I came across a post that Icon Theatre was looking for a Community Engagement Assistant.
After reading the job description and recognising my experience to the qualities described it felt like a serendipitous moment that just as I return home, an opportunity relating to my past arises.
Although filled with the same anticipation and nervousness I applied, interviewed and accepted the position.
Now nearly two months into the position I have learned an awful lot from developing facilitation styles to best support young people to filing expenses and keeping organised. The role so far has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone once again and apply my confidence, determination and courage to supporting our outreach projects.
Going from participant to professional assistant has been a big step and one I am still figuring out, however it has been extremely rewarding to help develop young people’s confidence as Youth Theatre once did for me.
Becoming a Community Engagement Assistant has shown me how powerful Youth Theatre can be in giving young people a space to be themselves and bringing communities together. Being able to pass on skills that were given to me is an incredible feeling, and I look forward to supporting the next generation of young creatives at Icon Theatre.
