Background.

Amethyst was set up by Small World Theatre in 2017 for young people facing difficulties with their mental health. The project was based in Small World Theatre’s venue in Cardigan, headed up by its Project Manager Deri Morgan and included a team and volunteers. It ran weekly support sessions during term times and continued in this format until 2019 when covid-19 appeared.

The project’s team used a proven combination of theatre techniques to look at relationships (with themselves and with others) and find positive solutions for problems faced in daily lives. Equally important, was the space the project provided: a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space that prioritised the young people so that they felt listened to and could explore their thoughts and feelings.

Amethyst uses the following techniques:

  • Forum Theatre – using theatre to explore people’s real experiences and stories

  • Image Theatre – using still images to explore our feelings and experiences.

  • Elements of Transactional Analysis – such as Parent/Adult/Child roles and the Drama Triangle; looking at victim, persecutor, and rescuer roles. The way that these affect our thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

  • Elements of neuroscience – understanding our brains and nervous systems.

  • Group Contracting – to provide a safe non-judgemental space.

  • Many fun games – to make us laugh and smile and release endorphins.

Meet the Team.

Deri Morgan

Deri manages and develops all Small World Theatre’s youth programmes, Amethyst, Glow,

Tonau, Ieuenctid Byd Bach (IBB) and Arts Boost.

Hannah Rackham

Hannah is an extremely skilled, experienced facilitator who’s experience is valued across our youth programmes. She facilitates on IBB, Monday group and Tonau and will be leading on our new development in South Pembrokeshire

Faye Brightman

Faye is a graduate with BA hons in Applied Theatre, she develops, coordinates and is lead facilitator with GLOW, our LGBTQIA+ youth group. She is also a key facilitator for our IBB youth theatre groups.

Florence Jackson

Flow is a hugely experienced facilitator and illustrator who works with our Monday Group, on Arts Boost and Clwb Celf and DJ sessions with young people.

Maeve Chandler Blackburn

Maeve is an accomplished artist and jazz musician working with us on Arts Boost and Clwb Celf.

Jess Allen

Jess’ career as an aerial circus performer, trainer and facilitator working with vulnerable young people, makes her perfect to lead Uplifting Aerial sessions at Small World Theatre.

Emma Stevens

Emma is a key teacher for Syrcas Byd Bach, we are really glad she now joins Jess to support our Uplifting Aerial Sessions

Becky Thomas

Becky is a singer/songwriter/guitar player who regularly plays on the local

gig circuit, she co-facilitates our Tonau workshops.

Russ Mould

Russ is an experienced drummer who has been playing in bands locally since

the 80s. Russ plays in The Chalk Outlines and Deadly Lightshade. He co-facilitates

our Tonau workshops.

Steve Parkin

Steve is an experienced bass player/youth worker playing locally since the

80s. Steve plays in The Dappers. He co-facilitates our Tonau workshops

Wez McCreary

Wez is a singer/guitar player who has played in bands locally since the

90s when he attended a similar rock school in Cardigan. Wez plays and sings in The

Chalk Outlines and Bad Bananas. He co-facilitates our Tonau workshops

Associates and advisors

Glenn Newman

Independent Systemic Psychotherapist and Trainer, Glenn facilitates supervisory support meetings for the youth projects team.