Welcome, readers! Today, we’re diving into the world of creativity, confidence, and personal expression through theatre with Helen Kenworthy, Director of RYTC. With a mission to use theatre as a tool for growth, RYTC offers unique workshops for all ages. Helen’s vision is to nurture talent, build self-confidence, and offer participants a chance to tell their stories through the performing arts. In this exclusive interview, Helen shares the heart behind RYTC and its transformative impact to date!
Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director
Helen, thank you for joining us. Tell us more about yourself. What brought you to this point in your career?
Thank you for having me! My career began under the mentorship of Bill Kenwright CBE, one of the UK’s most celebrated theatre producers. Working with him shaped my understanding of how the arts can be transformative. Bill had a saying, “Go and do it! If it’s right, you can’t fail.” His words stayed with me and became the driving force behind founding RYTC.
I’ve always believed in the power of creativity to change lives. My journey, from working in theatre production to building RYTC, has been about creating a space where people of all ages can express themselves and develop essential skills, whether that’s through acting, storytelling, or creative writing.
What is RYTC, and what makes it unique?
RYTC is a creative arts organisation with a mission to help individuals explore their potential through performing arts. We offer a range of programmes tailored for ALL Ages, such as acting workshops, creative therapy, public speaking training, and bespoke storytelling projects.
At RYTC, we believe the performing arts are for everyone. What makes us unique is our inclusive approach that focuses on performance skills alongside personal development and mental well-being. We meet participants wherever they are on their journey, providing a safe space for growth, connection, and creativity. It’s not just about being on stage; it’s about building life skills, from teamwork to communication, that people can carry forward in every aspect of life.
Who is our audience at RYTC?
We cater to a diverse audience, ensuring that everyone can benefit from our programmes:
Schools: Our “Play in a Day” or “Play in a Week” workshops empower students to explore personal themes creatively. These sessions, which can be conducted online or in person, encourage students to express themselves while developing confidence and communication skills.
Businesses: We provide public speaking training, team-building workshops, and creative exercises designed to enhance interpersonal skills. Our adopt-a-student and adopt-a-school sponsorships allow businesses to support arts education in their communities.
Families and communities: We offer mentorship, therapy, and creative counselling to help young people thrive in their artistic journeys. Our bespoke storytelling projects enable communities to share meaningful narratives that reflect their identity.
Global partnerships: Through collaborations with organisations worldwide, we extend our impact and develop new, exciting opportunities for participants.
That sounds incredibly impactful. What changes have you seen in participants through the RYTC Programmes?
The transformations we witness are truly remarkable! Children often come to us feeling shy and anxious, struggling to speak in front of others. Yet, after just a few sessions, they confidently perform on stage. Our programmes provide a safe space for exploring emotions, trying new experiences, and healthily embracing failure.
With our adult participants, particularly those in the Tell Your Story workshop designed for adults seeking asylum, we see similar journeys of change. Many arrive carrying the weight of trauma and uncertainty, but by the time they share their stories, they find a newfound sense of empowerment.
What is your greatest career achievement so far?
One of our proudest moments came in 2008 when RYTC was recognised as a ‘Youth Arts Champion’ by the English National Youth Arts Network, supported by Arts Council England and the BBC. This recognition affirmed our commitment to excellence and inclusivity in arts education. Beyond awards, the real achievement has been watching our participants overcome personal challenges, gain resilience, and grow, whether that’s completing their first performance or mastering public speaking.
What role do creative Arts play in personal development and Mental well-being at RYTC?
At RYTC, creative arts help people grow and feel better by giving them a space to express emotions and explore who they are. Through drama, storytelling, creative writing, and other activities, participants explore their emotions, connect with others, and develop empathy and self-awareness. It’s also a great way to release stress and work through tough emotions, especially for those dealing with anxiety or trauma.
We believe in the power of yet just because you can’t do something now doesn’t mean you won’t be able to with time and effort. Creative arts encourage a playful mindset, where it’s okay to make mistakes, take risks, and keep trying. That’s how confidence and resilience grow. It’s not just about getting better at the arts, it’s about realising you’re capable of so much more, both inside and outside the creative space.
You mentioned the Tell Your Story workshop for adults seeking asylum. Could you tell us more about the impact of that initiative?
Absolutely. Tell Your Story is one of the most meaningful projects we’ve ever undertaken. Many of the participants arrive feeling invisible and unheard. Through guided drama workshops, we help them shape their personal stories into performances Sharing their experiences with an audience gives participants a voice and fosters a sense of community. It also invites the audience to connect with their stories on a personal level, encouraging empathy and understanding. It’s a powerful reminder that everyone’s story matters.
What challenges do your participants face, and how do you help them overcome these?
Many participants come to us with anxiety, low confidence, or emotional barriers. Through the performing arts, we create a space where they can express these emotions safely. Our creative therapy sessions and workshops are designed to meet people where they are, providing the tools they need to develop resilience, self-confidence, and communication skills.
What drives and inspires you to keep going?
The impact of our work drives me. Seeing participants, whether children or adults, achieve things they once thought impossible is incredibly rewarding. Every workshop or session we run reinforces how powerful the arts can be in changing lives.
What advice would you give to someone looking to develop confidence or explore their creativity?
I would say start small and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Creativity is a muscle, and the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. Whether it’s writing a short poem, joining a theatre class, or even volunteering at a local arts organisation, every small step counts. And remember, it’s not about being perfect. Some of the most profound moments in theatre come from mistakes or unexpected improvisations. Confidence builds when you allow yourself to try new things, even if they’re a bit scary at first.
It’s inspiring to hear how RYTC creates such a positive impact. How can people get involved with RYTC or join your workshops?
We love welcoming new participants! Anyone interested in our workshops, whether they’re children, parents, teachers, or adults, can subscribe to our newsletter here. We also share updates and stories from our workshops on social media, so it’s a great way to stay connected with us. Whether you’re looking to build confidence, tell your story, or just have fun with the performing arts, there’s a place for you at RYTC.
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