OUR TEAM

Meet our wonderful team

Sarah Dowie

Co-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

Co-Director of Sparkhouse Creatives

Director of Marketing & Music

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

Co-Director of Sparkhouse Creatives 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.

OUR YOUTH THEATRE PRACTITIONERS

OPHELIA HOULSTON

Theatre Practitioner

BROOK MAIDEN

BERNIE KIS

SARAH MCCANN

Theatre Practitioner

Music Practitioner

MILLY NIXON

ELLIE O'TOOLE

GIL ROBINSON

Theatre Practitioner

Dance Practitioner

MT Practitioner

JOIN OUR CREATIVE TEAM

FREELANCE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & CHOREOGRAPHER

Are you an emerging theatre-maker with a passion for directing, movement and inspiring young performers?

Cotswold Youth Theatre Company is seeking an enthusiastic Freelance Assistant Director & Choreographer to support the creation of our National Theatre Connections 2027 production.

The Role

Working alongside the Director, you will help shape rehearsals, develop movement and choreography, support young actors, and assist in bringing the production to life from rehearsal through to performance.

Rehearsals

Wednesdays: 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Bourton-on-the-Water Primary School

Thursdays: 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Cidermill Theatre

*Key dates:

Saturday 21st February 2027 | 10.00am-4.00pm | Cidermill Theatre

Friday 27th February 2027 | 6.00pm - 8.00pm | Bourton-on-the-Water

Cidermill Theatre Performance Friday 6th March 2027| Time TBC | Cidermill Theatre

National Theatre Connections Festival Performance

One performance date to be confirmed
Worcester Theatre (Festival Partner Theatre)
Dates available: 14th, 15th or 16th March 2027

Pay: £25 per hour

We are Looking For Someone Who:

Is a recent graduate or emerging theatre practitioner.
Has a minimum of A-Level Drama (or equivalent).
Has strong dance training and choreography experience.Is confident leading movement-based rehearsals.
Enjoys working collaboratively with young people aged 11-18.
Is reliable, enthusiastic and creative.

Essential Requirements

Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one).
Experience working with young people is desirable.

Join us in creating an exciting National Theatre Connections production while developing your own directing and choreography experience within a supportive youth theatre environment.

To apply, please fill in the form

Email: hello@cotswoldyouththeatre.co.uk

FREELANCE PROVISION LEAD

Are you a passionate drama practitioner looking to shape and grow creative opportunities for children and young people?

Cotswold Youth Theatre is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Freelance Provision Lead to help grow and develop our theatre provision for children and young people across the Cotswolds. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to play a key role in developing high-quality arts provision while inspiring the next generation of performers.

Initially 5 hours per week
Freelance: £35 - £45 per hour

The Role

As Provision Lead, you will:

Deliver engaging after-school drama sessions in primary schools.
Lead and teach LAMDA examinations.Develop and expand our primary school provision.
Design and deliver new creative projects and workshops.
Identify and support applications for funding opportunities and partnerships.
Inspire confidence, creativity, communication and teamwork in young people.
Work alongside the Artistic Director to help shape the future of our education programme.

Essential Requirements

Post-degree or recognised drama school/performing arts training.
Strong practical experience in theatre and performance.
Ability to deliver engaging sessions for children and young people.
Excellent organisational and communication skills
Full driving licence and access to your own transport.
Availability to work after-school hours.

Desirable

Teaching or workshop facilitation experience.
Experience delivering LAMDA examinations.
Experience writing or supporting funding applications.
Knowledge of primary school arts education.

What We Offer

Flexible freelance working.
An initial commitment of approximately 5 hours per week, with significant opportunity for the role to grow.
The chance to lead and develop exciting new projects.
A supportive, creative and ambitious working environment.
The opportunity to make a lasting impact on the confidence, wellbeing and creativity of children and young people through theatre.

If you're passionate about theatre, education and helping young people thrive through the arts, we'd love to hear from you.

How to Apply

To apply, please complete the Application Form: https://forms.gle/Wce2w4HkPuxoyQVq9

Your application should demonstrate your relevant experience, qualifications and passion for working with children and young people through theatre.

Successful applicants will be invited to interview, and may be asked to deliver a short practical workshop as part of the selection process.If you have any questions about the role, please contact us at hello@cotswoldyouththeatre.co.uk