Kez contributes sincere input to the Future Proof group, often inspiring others with personal reflections and a proactive mindset. As we share ideas for the board to assess and critique, Kez will inspire confidence in the group by leading discussions that help shape Zests’ work.
Kez has contributed to the following projects:
Youthquake (2019/20)
Never Was A Normal (2021)
Refresh Medway (2023/24)
Future Proof (2020-present)
From Kent and currently studying at the Central Lancashire University, Kez spoke with Adam Perkins on Tuesday, October 29th, and Tuesday, November 5th, to explore and share their journey with Zest. They highlighted how they got involved and how the experiences have developed them professionally and personally while reflecting on their achievements.
What motivated you to join the Future Proof team with Zest Theatre?
’Zest Theatre came to Canterbury College in 2018, where Toby and the team introduced themselves and explained what Zest Theatre does. After playing some games, Toby started asking us questions about Canterbury, our backgrounds, and how we relate to the issues that we felt were important in Kent and beyond.
‘From there, we went on to perform Youthquake. Toby then invited me to join Future Proof in 2020, and I’m glad I decided to. It was a decision that has given me a lot, including a boost in confidence when talking online and meeting people, skills I now take away for other situations.’
What motivated you to join the Future Proof team with Zest Theatre?
‘After we had finished Youthquake, I felt inspired by Zests' work with young people.
It was a tumultuous time for me then, with the lockdown and mental health while stepping back from university, but being invited to join Future Proof gave me purpose and helped take my mind off things.
When Toby invited me to join Future Proof and become a part of Zest, helping to focus young people's thoughts and creativity in the spotlight gave me a purpose. Before this, I never knew or thought about being part of a youth board could influence a company's performance. The board ensures that Zest remains grounded and works for young people.’
In what ways has your involvement with Zest Theatre influenced your career path?
‘After leaving a university course in 2020 and feeling unsure about enrolling again, Zest assured me that I could return, and I am now studying filmmaking.’
Kez is currently studying Film Making at – Futureworks, Central Lancashire University.
‘Working on Refresh Medway benefited me financially and provided a different experience as I’d never facilitated workshops with young people. I felt anxious beforehand, but I learned on the job how to speak publicly, to speak with kids and teenagers, and with these skills, I could access my next job as a Project Assistant for Icon, a theatre company local to me. As with this role, Zest helped connect me with other theatre companies that are local to me. On the last day of Refresh Medway, when we took the young people to see the artworks, it was a joy to see their eyes light up when they saw their own or their friends’ words displayed. I felt the innocence return to my heart; it was a great experience.’
Kez worked twice with Zest Theatre on the Refresh Medway Project in May 2023 and April 2024.'
How have your experiences with Zest Theatre benefited you personally?
‘I’ve gained confidence when I speak to others, sharing my words, opinions, and feelings about my social background. Before working with Zest, I never had the chance to talk publicly about me, about my town, and how I am treated as a young person of colour and as a queer person. Zest gave me the space to speak about myself.
‘When I was part of Youthquake, I initially struggled to engage in discussions, but later that first day, I spoke up as Zest created an open space to talk. I shared my thoughts and feelings regarding my hometown and my relationship with race. I also knew that when I spoke, notes were taken that would later be used for my monologue for Youthquake. Zest gave me a chance to work with Harris, another black performer, who helped me get my words across in the monologue. With this character in Youthquake, I could adapt their role to suit me, ensuring they remained relevant within the performance while allowing the character to represent me personally.
‘We’re all from different backgrounds within the Future Proof group, and the group has inspired me to speak about myself as Zest. The group is empathetic, sympathetic, and compassionate about what we all have to say.’
Could you share any standout moments, stories or achievements with Zest Theatre?
‘During Youthquake, there was one moment when the whole class was hanging out during rehearsals, and Toby shouted, in a playful manner, ‘Shut up, and get on stage!’ This created a shocking and funny moment, and we had many moments like this throughout Youthquake.
‘When I worked on the Refresh Medway project, teachers reflected that they’d never heard some kids talk so much about deep issues and hadn’t considered how insightful children can be. Seeing how children can open up about their thoughts, but also seeing how teachers and adults can inspired by children, was a standout moment with Zest.
‘A kid in Gillingham spoke up about feminism, stating that our current society needs to improve how we treat women. I saw a teacher smiling as the kid spoke, and we agreed that this kid was 100% right. It was so nice to hear a child express their thoughts and complex ideas. Children are very aware of the world around them. Children see the world move past them, and having these spaces gives them a moment to unwind.’
