Strategic Director 

Lindsey began volunteering at Barnsley Youth Theatre whilst studying her degree in Performing Arts. She loved theatre from an early age and has performed at various theatres across Yorkshire. Having supported Chris Rooke for several years, attending trips to London and touring productions around Barnsley schools she later became assistant director, leading workshops and directing plays such as Bugsy Malone, Little Shop or Horrors and Oliver. After Chris's retirement in 2016 Lindsey was asked to take a lead on BYT becoming Strategic Director. Lindsey has helped to nurture many past members who have gone on to become BYT mentors, study Drama themselves with some even now working as professional actors. In addition to running Barnsley youth theatre Lindsey is currently working as a Drama Teacher at Darton Academy, which is where BYT is currently held.

Artistic Director

Jack’s love and commitment for the arts started when he Joined Barnsley Youth Theatre in 2008. During his time here he developed his skills as an actor and facilitator, and was appointed Creative Director in 2018. As part of this role Jack developed BYT’s outreach delivering workshops in classrooms across Barnsley. Jack continued his training at The Electric Theatre studying Production arts specialising in Stage management, making links with theaters across Yorkshire such as the civic, Lamproom and Sheffield theaters. Jack then went on to study at the leading performing arts college in the north of England, CAPA College, where he played Pugsley Addams in the hit musical The Addams Family. In this time he also toured around Yorkshire schools delivering performances and workshops focusing on imagration. On completing his training he has worked as an actor in TV and film such as 4 O'Clock Club, Moorside, Nike the switch, Ann, Emmerdale and I Saw The Light. Working behind the camera Jack has worked as 2nd AC for short films such as Real voices, an anti drugs, knife and grooming campaign funded by The Arts Council England. Jack has also directed many music videos and short films such as 19 and Where’d The Fun Go. After studying Applied Theatre and Community Drama at LIPA, Jack is keen to guide young people in developing their creative skills. Jack works full time in the arts as a director of the arts Co-op Radi8Arts.

Workshop Facilitator 

Alfie Coles first found love for acting in 2013 after joining a local theatre group. From this he went on to perform key roles in well-known theatre productions such as 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat','Brassed-Off* and 'Full Monty': Taking a break from theatre acting Alfie decided to explore his passion for music and videography more in depth. Now studying music production at Leeds Conservatoire, Alfie has performed acoustic gigs in small venues and is the bassist for local indie band,'The Easy Mornings' who have built up a large following, headlining various venues around South/West Yorkshire. On top of this, he has self-produced his own instrument cover videos. Despite taking a break from theatre acting, Alfie kept his love for acting alive by playing roles in short films, music videos plus, taking on the role as a camera operator, further exploring his passion for videography. On top of all this Alfie now works as a music tutor providing guitar lessons for young people within the Barnsley area. 

Musical Director

Embarking on a journey in the arts from a young age, Brad Firth is a multi-talented creative professional. Starting with guitar and vocals, his musical abilities expanded to include piano, drums, and bass. Brad honed his skills at youth clubs like the Barnsley Youth Choir and Act About Academy, setting the stage for a diverse artistic career.

As music became a central focus, Brad delved into Music Production, achieving high distinction at both GSCE and college levels. Currently in his final year at Leeds Conservatoire, he has developed his skills in audio engineering, track production, and studio work. Notably, Brad collaborated with singer/songwriter Zamira on a Liquid Drum and Bass track set for release on multiple streaming platforms.

A seasoned instrumentalist, Brad has played in various bands, playing keys/synthesiser in The Easy Mornings, forming a duo with Alfie Coles, and taking the lead guitar role for George Erith. Their performances spanned across the UK, including cities like Leeds, Sheffield, Durham, Edinburgh, and London. Brad's versatility extends to session work, recently working as a session guitarist for Chol Theatre's 'A Flock of Stories'.

Brad was also selected to work as stage management for the successful Underneath the Stars festival, where he rigged professional audio equipment for renowned artists like Scouting For Girls and Kate Rusby.

In addition to his creative pursuits, 

Brad Firth's artistic journey is a blend of creativity, technical expertise, and a relentless passion for new artistic ventures.

Choreographer and Producer

Faith embarked on her athletic journey as a gymnast at the Barnsley Gymnastics Club, unknowingly laying the foundation for her future pursuits in the arts through exposure to physicality and discipline.

At the crossroads of adolescence (Age 14), Faith transitioned into the world of dance at the local Storm Dance Academy. What began as a modest commitment of 2 hours weekly evolved into a deep-seated passion, compelling Faith to dedicate 15-20 hours each week to refine her skills. Storm Dance Academy became the canvas where Faith painted her artistic aspirations, discovering a love for choreography and the limitless potential of abstract movements.

Faith's pursuit of excellence led her to formal education at Performers College, Essex. Studying musical theatre with a focus on acting, singing, and dancing, Faith learned from professionals such as Emma Rodgers and Max Jarvis. 

Join Faith in the ongoing exploration and creation, witnessing the diverse strands of her journey interwoven into a rich tapestry of movement, expression, and artistic discovery.

Freelance Technical Director

Callum joined our team in 2018 first managing and designing the technical for our performance of Seussical The Musical. First training in production arts at the Electric Theatre Callum now studies at the University of Derby. Callum has worked with a wide range of production companies such as designing and operating the lights for The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, being a lighting operator for the Rotherham Real Ale and Music Festival (2019), lighting designer and operator for Andrew Barton Professional (2018) and many more. Callum is a crucial member of the team and helps to make our performances look amazing and professional.

Associate Artist

Eloise has worked as an actor and theatre maker for the last five years, performing with theatres in the North West such as The Lowry, Hope Mill Theatre, Bolton Octagon as well as in the Manchester and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Eloise went on to write and produce her own site specific and immersive plays. Her debut play, King Jack Queen, toured to London, Manchester and the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia. Eloise then went on to be selected to premiere her second play, Judgement Day, at The Lowry's Shoots: Off Piste. Eloise has also worked with young people in a variety of settings such as schools, pupil referral units, secure units and prisons tackling social issues as well as creating youth theatre performances with companies such as Odd Arts and The Lowry. She is currently studying Applied Theatre and Community Drama at LIPA and is looking forward to continuing her work with young people in the community. 

Associate Artist

Kristine Holmen started her art studies at Hartvig Nissens Drama School in Oslo, Norway. Since then she has worked as an actress in various projects for the National Norwegian Broadcasting Channel (NRK) and played on different stages around northern Norway with the company Lille Hålogaland Teater. Outside of acting she’s also a music composer and creator, having been the lead singer and pianist in the band Frukt for six years. In 2018 she spent a year working with children with special needs and as a drama teacher for early year students. Before enrolling at Lipa to study Applied Theatre and Community Drama she studied Philosophy and German in Berlin, where she worked with people from different cultural backgrounds. Kristine hopes to use theatre as a tool to shine a light on important issues, giving people the opportunity to explore both personal and political challenges.