OUR TEAM
Meet our wonderful team
Sarah Dowie
Director of Sparkhouse Creatives
Founder of CYT
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
Director of Sparkhouse Creatives
Admin & Publicity
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.
Jenny Moss
Director of Arts
I believe creativity is the heartbeat of a strong community, and I am passionate about creating vibrant spaces where the arts can flourish. My journey combines nearly a decade running a fast-paced hospitality business, where I learned that we were only as strong as our people. With extensive experience in economic development and communications for the public sector. From running cafes and boating lakes to delivering hundreds of high-impact projects at Cheltenham Borough Council, I have spent my career learning how to balance operational organisation with imaginative, bold ideas. Today, I wear many hats: I teach art to all ages, provide business consultancy, and lead the art strand at Sparkhouse. Whether I am managing complex projects or exploring the great outdoors, I am driven by a desire to inspire others and make a meaningful difference. I love being part of the Sparkhouse journey and am committed to turning our creative vision into reality.
Gemma Wingrove
Director of Alternative Provision
I am passionate about education, self-expression, and social justice, with a particular interest in the power of the spoken word—literature, drama, and especially poetry—to develop confidence and communication. I love working with young people of all ages, and have over 25 years’ experience across teaching, teacher training, educational leadership, and SEND, alongside qualifications in SEN law. I am also a qualified LEGO therapist, with a focus on using creativity and play to support interaction and wellbeing. I am a married mum of three children, and we share a busy home with a dog, a cat, and a tortoise. Ilove being part of the local community and living in the beauty of the Cotswolds.