Meet some members of our Youth Company!
Our weekly Youth Company sessions have been full of so much laughter, joy and talent! It has been great to see our current Youth Company members grow in confidence, make new friendships, and even attend some of our recent events and productions such as; We Are Here to Write Scratch nights, Sitting in the Grey & Bigger Than Lyrics.
Beyond Face Youth Company is led by our Creative Thinkers - Vicki & Shaday - and provides an opportunity for Global Majority young people to develop their performance and theatre skills. We have invited some of our Youth Company to share about their experience of joining the Youth Company so far and a Moment Of Joy (MOJ) from our sessions:
Meet Ekari
“Heyo! My name is Ekari (pronounced as ee-car-ri or air-car-ri), I’m 14 and I love to play tennis. I found out about BFYC through one of Vicki’s workshop.. I chose to go to BFYC because I’ve been wanting to go to a drama class outside of school in which I use my drama skills and develop them. My first taste of BFYC was through Vicki’s workshop (as previously mentioned). Soon after when my mum encouraged me to join, I was quite nervous at first but once I got used to the warm welcomes of the group, I felt quite happy I decided to join.
My MOJ’s (moment of joy) has most definitely got to be park bench. You, as a character, have to try and stay on this “park bench” as long as you can. Others will try and kick you off and it’s quite fun because you can improvise on what the character can say or do. I feel other people should join if you want to go to a drama group where the atmosphere is like nothing you’ve ever experienced before. Trust me, it’s amazing and exuberant!”
Meet Grace
“Hello, I’m Grace, I found out about Beyond Face through my youth group. I decided to join the group because I stopped doing drama at school and missed doing drama. My MOJ’s from the session is when I see everyone’s face again. I think others should join as its a space where everyone is themselves but also an open space to learn about your strengths.”
Meet Carmen
“Hi, I’m Carmen, I love the colour yellow and I’m 15 years old. I found out about Beyond Face as I was recommended by Vicki and I was instantly interested and wanted to join. I find the sessions fun, engaging, inclusive and supportive, and I feel that others should join to be a part of a community where you feel valued. My MOJ is being happy and feeling respected by everyone.”
Meet Destiny
“My name is Destiny.. I’ve always loved being on stage, playing characters and making people laugh but I didn’t enjoy any of the acting classes I went to. When my mum told me about Beyond Face Youth Company I couldn’t wait to go as I’d already met some of the friends she had made.
I felt welcome straight away, like these were “my people”. It was amazing. My “moj” has been making new friends.
I’d tell anyone to come along. It’s just a great space to be, you can talk about anything, be yourself, find peace, feel freedom.”
Meet Temi
“Hello, my name is Temi.I found out about Beyond Face in church on a Friday. I decided to join the Youth Company because I love drama and the first time I came, I felt very welcomed. My experience here has been great and everyone has been nice. Others should join because it is really fun and you would be shocked about how nice this place is.”
Last week, we asked the Youth Company how they would describe the space we have created for them, and they created this short spoken word piece:
When we come together, we play a variety of games, embrace one’s skills, connect through communication and giggle.
When we come together, we celebrate each other’s talents and abilities, by being inclusive, achievements from one another, commitments and celebrating self-love for who we are as individuals.
What makes this space special?
The kindness people bring
The big space, I have no other big spaces
People come from different schools
Atmosphere feels warm, welcoming and you feel like you belong.
Enjoyment, Exuberant, Excitement
