SYPA Is Leading the Way: A New Standard for Culture in the Performing Arts
9 Months of Magic: Our House, Their Home
Nine months ago, a group of young performers began a journey with SYPA. Today, they're in the middle of a sold-out six-show run of Our House: The Musical. And what they've created together is nothing short of extraordinary.
Tonight marks Day 4 of 6, and the energy is electric. Having seen the product from both backstage and the audience, I'm still in awe of the talent, teamwork, and sheer heart. It's impossible not to be moved.
The cast is bold, brilliant, and deeply supportive of one another. Watching them shine, grow, and celebrate their friendships is genuinely inspiring.
The backstage crew—often unseen—is focused, committed, and quietly making the magic happen, one cue at a time.
The leaders - The creative direction, guidance, recognition and motivation - You are the change society needs.
The volunteers are warm, encouraging, and emotionally intelligent—the kind of adults every young person deserves to be led by.
A Culture That Builds, Not Breaks
SYPA's strength goes far beyond what happens on stage. What sets them apart is their culture—a culture built on respect, patience, inclusion, and emotional awareness.
SYPA takes its responsibilities seriously, from health and safety to Diversity and inclusion to support and inspiration.
Every young person is seen, supported, and celebrated. There's no shouting, shaming, or belittling in the name of "high standards." Instead, there is belief, encouragement, space to grow, and permission to be human. - whatever that is! To be the best of who you are!
SYPA proves that excellence doesn't come from fear—it comes from belonging.
A Message to the Industry:
The Future Is Here
For too long, parts of the creative and performing arts world have been steeped in harsh, outdated leadership. Some colleges and universities still rely on fear and control, speaking to young people with disdain, pushing them beyond healthy limits, and calling it "discipline."
It's not your job to "prepare them for the toxic industry of performing arts."
It's your job to change the industry!!!!! These are your future leaders!!!!
Complaints to these types of organisations go unheard, fear of career limitations create a culture of no psychological safety
we’ve already seen the impact of the ‘ME TOO MOVEMENT’ Leaders Push your Ego aside!!! There is enough Drama on stage!
To those institutions: this is your wake-up call.
The world has changed, and leadership must evolve. You have a responsibility not just to teach but also to inspire, support, nurture, and engage the next generation. SYPA is showing you how to do this.
SYPA: More Than a Stage
For the young people at SYPA, this experience isn't just about learning lines or hitting notes—it's about confidence, character, and connection. It's about growing up in a space that values who you are as much as what you can do. It's about understanding that respect comes from giving respect. It's about treating people the way you want to be treated. It's about recognising equitable opportunity for all.
Emotional intelligence, kindness, and mutual respect from all involved define SYPA's culture and make its success possible—not just in this show but in every future performance, audition, and moment of life.
