OUR TEAM
Meet our wonderful team
Sarah Dowie
Founder & Director
I completed a degree in Theatre Studies from Lancaster University and as part of that was invited to attend a postgraduate course in directing at Colorado University which was where my love of directing began. After working for a documentary film company in London, traveling around Africa and completing my PGCE in English and Drama at Warwick University, I began my teaching career at a secondary school in Nottingham. Twenty years later and still teaching locally, I wanted to support the local young people further by giving them weekly access to a Youth Theatre group set up with the sole purpose to give experience in performing plays - and also helping to prepare our young people for auditions and the industry. I have seen first hand how being involved in a production together supports and nurtures young people, gives them confidence and expands friendship groups.
Jennifer Morafkova
Practitioner
I am a Czech Soprano with a Professional Diploma from Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, supported by the Dame Felicity Lott Scholarship. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Royal Holloway, where I studied under Elizabeth Byrne. During my time at Royal Holloway, I was a member of The Founder’s Choir and The Raven Opera Company. In 2022, I made my debut as Dinah in Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and performed in a variety of galas and concerts. In my final year, I won the RHUL Concerto Competition and had the incredible opportunity to perform with the Symphony Orchestra. While studying at Trinity Laban, I performed in opera scenes as Susanna (Le Nozze di Figaro), Despina (Così Fan Tutte), and Donna Elvira (Don Giovanni). I was a finalist in the English Song Duo Competition and participated in masterclasses with Dame Felicity Lott, Rosa Mannion, Ailish Tynan, and Susan Bullock. Last summer, I made my German debut as Taumännchen in Hänsel und Gretel while also performing as a chorus member and covering the role of Contessa in Le Nozze di Figaro at the Prague Estate Opera with the Prague Summer Nights Festival. During my time ast school, I took part in many performances from Wizard of Oz, Singing in the Rain and Sister Act. I am beyond excited to work with Sarah and the wonderful students at the Cotswold Youth Theatre to bring all their dramatical dreams to life. I have a deep passion for drama, and it is one of the reasons I decided to pursue opera. I look forward to sharing my passion and experience with fellow dramateers.
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An extremely important part of our theatre is our support system. We are surrounded by amazing people who are always there to help things run and bring our productions to life!