Helen Kenworthy

Artistic Director

Helen’s leadership is rooted in her extensive experience in theatre. Her work with Bill Kenwright on West End productions gave her insight into the commercial world of high-profile theatre, while her work at the Thorndike Theatre and other regional venues shaped her passion for making the arts accessible to wider audiences. Her role as the manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership showcased her dedication to nurturing young talent and using the arts as a tool for community engagement.

At RYTC Creatives CIC (The RYTC) Helen brings all of this experience together. She combines her West End expertise with a love for grassroots theatre, creating a company where both professionals and participants can flourish. Under her guidance, RYTC has become a space where creativity is nurtured, community is celebrated, and art is used as a means of connection.

Her approach is rooted in the belief that personal development is not only about acquiring skills, but also about building resilience, emotional intelligence, and a sense of belonging. Through RYTC, Helen has created a dynamic space where youth development, community outreach, and positive mental health are intricately woven into creative empowerment. Under her leadership, RYTC doesn’t just teach young people to paint, perform, or write—it helps them discover who they are, express themselves confidently, and navigate life’s challenges with creativity and courage.

A Champion of Youth Development
Helen views young people not as passive recipients of support, but as active agents of change. Her personal development philosophy centres on helping young people open doors to self-discovery, confidence, and resilience. Whether they are engaging in a theatre workshop, working on a community mural, or writing about their mental health experiences, participants in RYTC’s programmes learn to channel their creativity into tools for growth.

Helen’s unique approach is about more than just teaching the arts. It’s about understanding that creativity allows young people to be themselves in a way that no other medium can. She believes that when young people are given the chance to explore their artistic side, they find new ways to communicate, heal, and connect with others, all while developing the soft skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Core
Positive mental health is the heartbeat of Helen’s work with RYTC. Recognising that young people today face unprecedented pressures, she ensures that mental health is seamlessly integrated into all aspects of the organisation’s programmes. However, this is done with a signature twist—mental health support at RYTC is as fun, engaging, and uplifting as it is transformative.

Helen’s workshops blend serious topics with humour and creativity, allowing participants to tackle issues like anxiety, stress, and self-esteem in a supportive and enjoyable environment. By using art, drama, music, and writing as tools for emotional expression, she helps young people process their feelings and build resilience in ways that feel accessible and empowering.

Fostering Community Connections
Community outreach is central to Helen’s vision for youth development. She believes that empowering individuals also involves fostering a sense of responsibility towards the wider community. Under her leadership, RYTC provides young people with opportunities to engage with local issues through creative projects. Whether leading mental health workshops, or creating performances that address social challenges, participants become active contributors to their communities.

Helen’s work creates a powerful feedback loop—young people give back to their communities, and in doing so, they gain a sense of purpose, pride, and ownership over the impact they make. This approach not only enhances their personal development but also fosters a deeper understanding of their ability to effect change.

A Professional with a Personal Touch
Helen has always believed that professional support should come with a personal touch. Her team at RYTC embodies this ethos, offering mentorship, guidance, and unwavering encouragement to every young person who walks through their doors. The atmosphere at RYTC is one where participants are pushed to grow, yet always in a space where they feel safe, valued, and celebrated for their individuality.

Helen and her team don’t just facilitate workshops—they join in the fun, encouraging creativity and play in every form. Whether it’s through joining in an improv game, helping develop an out-of-the-box idea, or celebrating each participant’s small victories, they bring a sense of joy and excitement to personal development.

Leading with Creativity and Play
One of Helen’s greatest strengths is her ability to integrate play into the personal development process. She knows that personal growth doesn’t have to be serious or rigid—it can be full of laughter, experimentation, and discovery. Through playful exercises, RYTC workshops encourage young people to take creative risks, work through failures, and build confidence—all in a low-pressure environment that prioritises fun.

Helen’s use of creativity as a tool for personal development helps young people develop skills that extend far beyond the arts. By learning to collaborate, communicate, and problem-solve through creative activities, they gain confidence in their abilities and a sense of self-worth that extends into every area of their lives.

A Legacy of Impact
Through her work at RYTC Creatives CIC, Helen has made a profound impact on the lives of countless young people. Her holistic approach to personal development, mental health, and community engagement has not only helped participants develop creative skills but also equipped them with the emotional resilience to navigate life’s challenges.