Our Committee

Artistic Director

Joe Shuter

I’m Joe, I’ve been part of NOYT since 1994, joining as an actor when I was 10 years old and I've been part of NOYT ever since, that’s 30 years of being involved. My first show was Ragged School in the summer of 1994 and my final show was a musical version of Our Day Out in the winter of 2001. Once I became too old to act i started directing and since then I’ve directed nearly 50 shows for NOYT (I should probably do a count so i know when we hit that milestone)

NOYT was a huge help to me when growing up helping build my confidence and social skills, NOYT teaches far more than just the acting skills. That’s why I volunteer for NOYT, because I wouldn’t be the man I am today without NOYT and I want to make sure that is available for future generations.

Committee member

Rosa Conard

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Committee member

Kate Mohideen

Both of my children were members of NOYT, and they enjoyed it enormously, had great fun, gained confidence and skills and had a wonderful opportunity to mix with other young people of all ages. I was so impressed with what NOYT offers that I wanted to give back to the organization once my children had left NOYT, and so became a member of the committee. NOYT is a unique and very special group. It is open to all comers, and very inclusive. All members are encouraged to explore their skills and to take responsibility. It is very heartening to see the older members supporting and helping the younger ones, and to watch all members progress over the years. Personally I love helping at NOYT and supporting such a great group to continue to grow from strength to strength.

Committee member

Robbie Scott

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Committee member

Abi Pooler

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Chair & Tresurer

Paul Shuter

I’ve been a teacher, a publisher, and worked in the education team at Shakespeare’s Globe. Now retired, I’m a trustee of national education charity and Treasurer of NOYT. My first contact with NOYT was when Joe joined in the summer of 1994. I took over as treasurer from the long-serving Roger Prince in 2020, and one of my ambitions is to do less time in the job than he did. My favourite moments at NOYT are when the natural egos and exuberance of our young members suddenly blend into a performance where they support one another and the communal becomes more important than the individual.

Youth Director & DSL

Lysander Hagmann-Smith

I was a member of NOYT growing up, but it was only after I left that I realised how much NOYT has done for me. As well as giving me the tools to speak in public, I met some of my closest friends at NOYT and also learned to work with and appreciate people with different experiences, people I wouldn't necessarily have spent time with otherwise.

As such, I was delighted to be able to come back to NOYT 4 years after graduating. NOYT is my happy place: the young people we have are so incredibly talented and I love working with them at every rehearsal. Rehearsals are never dull and at NOYT the team effort that enables young people to contribute to the performances just as much as the adults. NOYT is a unique and truly special place.

Committe member

Bridget Hopwood

I have been involved with NOYT for over 40 years now - I was an actor in the group myself from 1984, along with my 3 siblings, and I have such fond memories from this time that I ensured that my children were on the waiting list from birth. All 3 of my children have been members, and it has been lovely to see them enjoying it as much as I did, along with all the traditions that have kept going through the years. 

I joined the committee around 10 years ago as I felt I wanted to give something back and to help to ensure that the group keeps on going - it's hard work but very rewarding. I love helping out with the shows in any way I can and I even produced my first summer play in 2023. 

Committee member

Stephanie Stansbie

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Committee member

Louis Hopwood

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Committee member

Rowan Diamond

Being involved in NOYT is a privilege. Across the whole NOYT team, including our amazing young people, young leaders and adult volunteers, is a real can do attitude. It is a place where everyone’s unique personalities and skills are valued and celebrated. Watching young people grow in their stagecraft skills is a treat but even more so is watching them bloom in their confidence, personalities and their support of one another. Feeling a sense of belonging is an important psychological need, and what better way to build this than working together to put on a great show!

When we moved into the area with our two young children the first thing we were told was to get our children on the waiting list for NOYT, and I’m very glad we did!

Committee member

Marc Bloch

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