YOUTH
I love giving youth the chance to express themselves and learn new skills
I have worked with Wan Smol Bag Theatre since 2010, after completing a placement there while studying at East 15. I was lucky to accept an invitation to see what the artistic director and fellow E15 graduate had been building in Vanuatu since 1989. I was thrilled at the chance to explore Vanuatu and learn from such a fantastic organisation. Naturally, I got hooked and jumped at the opportunity to return and work with them — doing theatre, circus, and managing the youth centre.
The centre runs classes for disadvantaged youth in creative arts, sports, and nutrition. I managed the tutors, ensuring they delivered creative, inclusive programmes that help young people build confidence and, in some cases, move toward employment. It’s great fun and there’s always something happening!
Circus of the Kids allowed me to travel across the United States of America, teaching and performing circus. Here, I learnt a lot of my skills and was wonderful to be able to pass on to kids in America as well as to them a lot on my other works.
Circus of the Kids taught me that there is a role icircus virus for everyone and everyone can learn a new skill. The chances are a lot of the kids that take part in the program wont continue circus training but it shows every kid that if you try hard and dedicate tome, you can achieve anything. And once they are swinging from the ceiling or walking on top of a globe after just 10 hours of training, they really do believe it.
The day after my final school exam, I joined Camp America and travelled to Wisconsin to work at House in the Wood (HITW) summer camp.
I began my time at HITW as a cabin counsellor and arts counsellor and returned for a total of four summers. As I gained experience, I progressed into leadership roles including Program Manager and Lifeguard. During this time, I designed and led a two-week theatre camp, managed programme schedules, and oversaw counsellor rotations and hobby times, ensuring a structured yet engaging experience for campers.
HITW’s long-standing commitment to youth development and social equity had a profound impact on me. It was within this community—rooted in nearly a century of service—that I discovered my passion for working with young people and supporting their growth, creativity, and confidence.
