MEET PRINCESS: A YARD YOUNG ARTIST FACILITATOR SINCE 2021
25 March 2023
Princess joined us in 2021 as a Support Facilitator for Yard Young Artists: 9-11, a programme where we run free weekly workshops for young artists to discover the world of theatre. The young people loved working with Princess, as did we, so we've asked them back ever since.
Through energy games of four square, heart-centred check-ins and mediating fights over who gets the last slice of pizza, we've had a blast watching Princess grow as a performance maker and facilitator. We're so excited to be working with them for a third year!
We met up with Princess to chat at rehearsals for our Yard Young Artists: 11-15 end-of-year show called Unfair Society, a heartfelt and hilarious story about rebellion, first loves, and foursquare.
Tell us a bit about you.
I am a multidisciplinary creative, performer-maker, facilitator and access assistant. Inspired by my identity as a Black, queer, care-experienced individual, I continuously seek alternative forms of storytelling in my approach to accessible storytelling that challenges and embraces multiple perspectives. My experience so far has drawn me to projects rooted in community, socio-political issues and explorations of identity.
How would you describe your own creative practice?
I always experiment with different forms and structures of storytelling, but at its core, my practice follows a playful, care-focused, trauma-informed and collaborative approach.
What does a facilitator do?
As a facilitator, you work with individuals as well as the group. They equip people with new skills, identify and embrace abilities, and support specific and collective development in a safe, non-judgmental environment.
How long have you been a part of The Yard, and how did you get involved?
I have been a part of The Yard since graduating in 2021. My first project was as a support facilitator with the Yard Young Artists: 9-11, or what we call our Yardlings.
What has your role been with Yard Young Artists, and what have you most enjoyed?
My most recent role was as an assistant facilitator with our Yard Young Artists: 11-15. I supported the lead facilitator and young artists in various ways, from workshop planning to delivery of exercises and debriefs.
I’m always there to listen, advise and care for the young people.
I have adored seeing their confidence grow and hearing the most hilarious stories during check-ins and exploration throughout the sessions.
What does a typical afternoon with Yard Young Artists look like?
Our sessions typically begin with a check-in and end with a check-out. The topics of these differ each week. We then play a game or two to get us settled as a group, leading to our exercises. Every session is different, but all sessions are filled with creativity, funny stories and plenty of food to fuel the energy!
What would you say to a young person considering joining Yard Young Artists?
Yard Young Artists is one of the best opportunities to grow your creative skills!
What have the kids taught you about storytelling?
There are truly no limits to the imagination, and the best stories can come from “silly” ideas.
Read more about our Yard Young Artists programme here, where locals as young as 9 can explore the possibilities of theatre through free workshops that prioritise playful experimentation and partnerships with professional artists. Support our work with Yard Young Artists here.
