Intermission is home for me. It wasn’t the first place I studied acting, but it was the first organisation which took its time to understand what I need as an individual. They helped me work on my confidence, which was the key to unlocking my success in acting. Even after graduating, I can always call on them for any support I need, personal or professional. It’s a special thing to be able to come back to an organisation that always has open arms for you, which definitely makes me feel less lonely trying to progress in an industry like the arts.

Intermission gave, me the confidence that I could not find. They gave me life skills that have not only allowed me to work in industry. The intermission family supported me through a rough time in my life and because of that I’m eternally grateful.

Intermission has been such a blessing to me in so many ways. I has taught so much as a person and as a creative & I’ve met people that I can definitely call family. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them being by my side & rooting for me. I will always have the utmost respect and love for them.

Intermission was probably one of the biggest blessings in my life. As someone who’s always wanted to act, finding intermission was the best thing I could have ever done. The family, the warmth, the training and the safety that place holds is truly amazing. I would not be where I am in my career if I didn’t find intermission. Coming there as a 15 year old, now 25 I’ve accomplished so much that I could’ve only dreamed of, and it’s all thanks to intermission.

I joined Intermission in 2016 at a time where I was yearning for change, community, support and a safe place to nurture my dreams, ambition and talents. From the moment I stepped into Intermission’s doors I was blown away by the fact that there was a place all along that I could call home and I have not looked back since. I’ve had the pleasure of being part of Intermission Youth’s outreach team and, as a graduate, now facilitate this year’s cohort. Intermission have supported my growth as an artist and have given me opportunities and opened doors for me.

I am currently working as a professional actor and freelance creative using some of the tools and knowledge attained since joining Intermission. Darren, who has dedicated all of himself to Intermission, has been a wonderful support system to me and everyone who has walked through these doors and continues to be a mentor, father figure, friend and leader to us always, a true inspiration and someone I will always look up to and love. I have deep gratitude and an abundance of love for Darren and everyone that is part of Intermission for dedicating themselves to supporting and helping to change the lives of young people.

Intermission is a place of joy, a place of security and a place you can truly be yourself - unapologetically.

Intermission has been a great resource for me to learn about my craft and develop as an artist. I’ve learnt some really great professional lessons as well as received personal support. I’m not sure my career would have happened if I was never introduced to the youth theatre.

When I started in 2016 Darren said he ‘believed in me’ and I could be successful as an East Asian actor in the UK. Intermission Youth gave me belief and curiosity, it kept me going, and even though I’ve gone through many youth theatre programs, plus drama school e.g. Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD), National Youth Theatre, Open Door, Old Vic Summer School, Royal Stratford East, Theatre Peckham, I always found myself going back to Intermission. I guess home is where the heart beats and Intermission is home. I graduated less than a year ago from RWCMD and booked my 2nd professional job as a recurring character for a NDA series for an American network. My first professional job was Shakespeare In The Abbey in March 2023 which was directed by Darren. Lol - you could say it was a full circle moment, I found myself starting with Intermission again in my professional career. It’s beautiful now that I’m reflecting. From the bottom of my heart and till the day I die I would 1000% recommend IYT to young people if it retains the heart and ethos that Darren wonderfully created with Janine and Rob back in 2008. Having grown up in the inner city of London Intermission Youth gave me the foundation to be a better person and a professional by spreading and showing love. That’s what Intermission taught me.

Lucie Adewusi – I initially came to Intermission to grow as an actor and without knowing it I also grew as person. But it was only when I stepped away from Intermission that I realised I had got more than I initially signed up for. It’s like the saying iron sharpens iron. And being back at Intermission, being around Darren and Nana and all the other young people/graduates, I feel reignited. That’s the special thing about Intermission, even when you finish the 10 month program and become a graduate, you are still a part of the family. And I have had just as many opportunities from being a graduate as I was a youth member - probably even more. The love and care you get at Intermission is on a different level - they want to see you grow and develop in front of the camera and behind the scenes - developing the actor and what makes the actor. Sometimes that’s not always pretty, but it’s what you need, and you learn to appreciate it when you come out the other side stronger than how you entered.

My experience as a cohort member and a graduate involves moments of growth and freedom. I have been able to find a safe place to explore as a creative, to make mistakes and receive advice from peers and mentors. To me, Intermission is an essential part of my social journey. When I first started I needed to be dragged out of my comfort zone and now, years later, I have flourished as a leader, as a facilitator and director and I owe a lot of that training to Intermission.

A true gem - all who get to experience it are blessed beyond measure.

I joined intermission youth (IY) as part of the 2014 cohort, by way of recommendation from my cousin who joined two years prior. The organisation not only transformed my perspective of the arts but also gave me a sense of ownership over my life, one that was uncomfortable but progressively effective. Since then I have steered my focus into helping youth coming from similar backgrounds make positive life choices. I have worked for a few youth theatres over the years since leaving intermission and becoming a graduate of the programme. Last year I returned as part of the facilitation team with the vision of IY becoming a youth led charity. I owe a lot to the founders Rob & Janine who have become extended members of the family. Darren and Nana who have mentored me over the years, and all intermission members who have made both being a part of the cohort and working there an absolute pleasure.

Hi my name is Kwadwo Kwateng and I am a graduate from Intermission Youth Theatre. I joined in 2022 at the age of 16 and it felt amazing to be a part of such a phenomenal 10 month program. I enjoyed every minute of the sessions, summer school, rehearsals and the performances. Intermission gave me a home and a second family full of fun and quirky individuals. IYT taught me valuable acting and life lessons, I trained and honed my acting skills and was accepted into a family that was incredibly supportive.

I found intermission at a very strange time in my life, my mind was everywhere and a lot of that being anger towards the world. I didn’t really know who I was, but I knew I wanted to act. So Tane told me about Intermission. Like, I remember my interview with Nana and Darren - I was sat there being ready to be sold dreams and waffle. I personally think it didn’t go well, but I guess they saw something in me which I didn’t see in myself. Well shall I say Darren, Nana wasn’t so sure about me at the start. But look at us now! Nevertheless, Intermission has opened doors for me in ways I couldn’t imagine. They’ve helped me grow in every aspect of my life. A family I never knew I’d have, from birthdays to gym and the arts. Intermission is something I’ll always carry on my back 4 Life.

IYT has been home for me since my first year. It’s always been somewhere I can be myself, I feel appreciated, I can be around people that are like me and that have the same passion in some way shape or form. Currently I’m working and not really doing anything creative but that’s also one thing I love about intermission, it allows me to have opportunities to be creative or be around creativity. I would definitely recommend intermission to younger people. It’s not just for people that want to get into acting but also a creative outlet for youth which can be helpful and needed.

Intermission Youth meant and still means a lot to me. I am currently trainee in assistant directing for theatre and camera for content, film & TV. Of course, I would recommend Intermission Youth to other young people. It's a place to create, relax, learn and explore. The genuine support from Darren and Nana and the IY community goes past the 10 month programme. Being an IY Graduate gives you access to seemingly endless opportunities: skills, workshops, plays, mentoring, films, work, development opportunities, mentorship’s and much more. Intermission Youth deserve a space to call our own.