New Youth Theatre - Doncaster Centre

About Us

Janet Welsh - Artistic/Musical Director

Background

Joint owner of New Youth Theatre Doncaster
B.A. Public Media/Drama Trinity and All Saints Colleges, Leeds
P.G.C.E. English Trinity and All Saints Colleges, Leeds
A.L.C.M. Diploma Speech
Designated Safeguarding Lead - (Level 3 ) City and Guilds Certificate
Over 30 years teaching experience in Primary, Secondary and Special Needs Education
V.T.C.T. Level 2 Certificate Fashion and Photographic Make-up Newark and Sherwood College
Speaker Trainer / Confidence Coach (Business Owner)
Directed many productions, concerts and Public Speaking events in all aspects of Performing Arts

Background

Joint owner of New Youth Theatre Doncaster
B. Ed in Physical Education/Dance from Trinity & All Saints Colleges Leeds
Designated Safeguarding Lead - (Level 3 ) City and Guilds Certificate
Taught in various Doncaster schools for 35 years. Many as head of PE
Involved in numerous school productions
Ran successful sports teams at local, county and national level
Managed two successful family businesses
Practical experience in stage management, production management and sound design
NYT First Aider and responsible for Child Protection

Background

Professional dancer (Nationwide) over 3 years’ experience (Cabaret, Corporate Events, Community Performances)
BA (hons) Professional and Commercial Dance, Shockout Arts, Manchester
PGCE (M) 14+ Musical Theatre, Jazz and Dance History, University of Bolton, Manchester
Trained in a variety of styles including Ballet, Jazz, Commercial, Musical Theatre and Bollywood
Past NYT student (10 years’ experience onstage and backstage)
Face Character and Parade Performer, Disneyland Paris (Snow White’s Prince, John Smith Pocahontas)
Modelled in UK, France and Italy, Weddings/TV advertisements
MSc Psychology (conversion), University of Bolton, Manchester

Background

Joined NYT in 2015
Diploma in Digital Marketing
Worked in theatre for 10yrs in roles both back and front of house as well as administration
CPL e-learning certificate in Safeguarding Children
Backstage Member of The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (Stage Management)
Completed a Course in Stage Management in London with The National Youth Theatre
Show Caller and Stage Manager for numerous NYT productions
Assistant on multiple secondary school trips abroad
Marketing Officer at Cast (Doncaster Theatre)

Background

Polly became a member of New Youth Theatre as a youngster in 2015, participating in various shows and cultivating her love for the stage
Trained as a gymnast for 15 years and competed internationally, demonstrating discipline and commitment
Earned a BA (Hons) in Acting from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) after three years of intensive training
Polly has worked professionally as an actor, worldwide, including a Theatre In Education tour of Italy
Other professional roles include TV advertisements, short films, music videos, and numerous stage productions
Notably, Polly starred as a leading lady in a UK National Tour, which included her debut in the West End in 2024
Polly brings extensive professional experience and a passion for performance to her role as an acting coach, inspiring and guiding young performers in their theatrical journeys

Background

James joined New Youth Theatre Doncaster as a youngster in 2011 where he first discovered his love for the stage
In 2018 he moved to London to train at the renowned British Institute of Modern Music (B.I.M.M.)
James earned a degree in Professional Musicianship
Roles that James has played include a standout performance as Kenickie in Grease, Pirelli in Sweeney Todd and Warner in Legally Blonde: The Musical. James is currently (2025) stepping into the iconic role of Jamie New in Diva Productions ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’
James also is an accomplished musician with over 20,000 streams on Spotify and Apple Music. A gifted singer songwriter, James plans to release his debut EP in 2015, showcasing his unique style and passion for music
James is delighted to be part of the N. Y. T. staff team as he loves to inspire the new generation of performers and is committed to helping them achieve their potential

Background

Past N.Y.T. student (6 years’ experience onstage in major roles and chorus and backstage.)
Primary School Teacher (6 years ‘experience in Doncaster schools.)
Director of several school productions
B.A. Hons Drama, University of Huddersfield
PGCE Primary Education (5-11) with QTS, Sheffield Hallam University
Ability to teach all age groups in New Youth Theatre from Tiny Tots to Seniors in all aspects of drama and as a musical theatre coach

Background

25 years experience as primary and early years classroom teacher, art, music and drama co-ordinator
PGCE Primary Education 3-11 Kingston University Surrey. LLB Hons Law with English Keele University
Junior choir co-ordinator including performances at the Royal Albert Hall
Lead female vocalist with Room 21 Big Band and Gin Slingers mini big band
Owner of Tots Play Doncaster East Baby and toddler classes leading play and development for children from birth to 4 years
Awarded Doncaster Mumbler favourite class or activity for under 5’s
Awarded Doncaster’s favourite Teacher and Class Leader
An Early year’s specialist with a passion for nurturing confidence, speaking and listening and social skills through the dramatic arts
A proud NYT parent who has watched her children flourish through New Youth Theatre Doncaster over the last 13 years

Background

Professional singer/dancer/actor/violinist since 2022
BA (Hons) in Music and Musical Theatre at the University of Chichester Conservatoire
Member of NYT for 7 years, where she found her love for performing
Written, created and choreographed many shows
Previous Assistant Entertainment manager at a well loved holiday park
Performed in many professional pantomimes, production shows, musicals and short films, including Jack in 'Jack and the Beanstalk', Cinderella in 'Cinderella' and Eliza Doolittle in 'My Fair Lady' at the New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
Ruth is so excited to be back as part of the NYT team to pass on her expertise in the industry and inspire the younger generation to develop and pursue their performing aspirations