Newport couple set up drama school to give young people confidence

Nineteen-year-old Jessica Watkins has set up Calypso Creative School of Art with business partner and boyfriend Lincoln Baker, 21, on Stow Hill.

The couple both suffered periods of depression in their lives but found that drama was a way of working through their issues.

They now hope the school will help teens in a similar position.

Miss Watkins, who is studying business studies at Cross Keys College, said she was inspired to start the school after attending a Big Ideas Wales boot camp in January.

“I have always wanted to go to the theatre and have always been lucky enough to do so,” she said.

“I have studied drama most of my life but I came down with depression when I got to my teen years.” She said studying drama gave her confidence.

Miss Watkins applied for the boot camp in November last year and went through an online application and audition process where she outlined her plans for the school before she was accepted onto the course ruining from January 28 to February 1.

“It gave me so much inspiration being with all the entrepreneurs,” she added.

“[Whenever I have asked] the teenagers of this generation there just isn’t the understanding of drama and that is a real shame.

“The UK is well known for its creative industry and we need to pride ourselves on this.

“My company is going to put the great back into Great Britain. Teaching young adults about what drama has to offer.

“We need to celebrate our creative industries.

“With my company we will help teach people to enjoy these arts whilst helping people reach self worth,” she said.

The school officially opened on February 28 and both Miss Watkins and Mr Baker will teach classes alongside their studies.

The classes will run on Saturdays from 10am to noon and are suitable for those aged 16 and over.

Drama technique will run from 10am to 11am and creative writing class will run from 11am to noon.

For more information visit: www.calypsotheatre.weebly.com