Throughout my career, I’ve worked with young people across different continents and from all walks of life. No matter the language or the location, the result is always the same: drama gives young people a voice. It provides a safe space to explore complex ideas, express their truest selves, and navigate the world with newfound confidence through impactful experiences. Yet, I also saw something missing. Too often, young performers were given stories that entertained but didn’t truly reflect the questions and challenges they face in today’s world. PlayWise Theatre was created to change that. While my global experience built the foundation, my heart is rooted in the journey I share with three specific performers: Evie, Merryn, and Lois. We’ve shared the discipline, the joy, and the heartbreak that comes with this craft. My greatest inspiration comes from watching them use the stage to explore the world they are inheriting, questioning it, understanding it, and working to imagine how it might be better. They are my daily proof that theatre is a force for change, and the reason why this work matters. At PlayWise, it isn’t just about putting on plays. It’s about creating meaningful theatrical experiences that inspire connection, spark important conversations, and encourage a kinder, more thoughtful world.