As part of their first Youth Board session, Ellie and Enkuush, currently shadowing the communications department, interviewed each other about what they’re most looking forward to…
Hey! My name’s Ellie Fulcher and I’m 17 years old. I currently go to the BRIT School in Croydon and study Community Arts Practice. This involves exploring how the arts can be used as a tool for education and development as well as being inclusive. I have an interest in both community and contemporary theatre and how the two interlink. I first discovered a passion for Community Arts after being in a wheelchair and denied access to the Arts and mainstream education at age 13. I didn’t understand why I was being excluded and felt it was wrong. Once I was able to walk, I decided that I didn’t want anyone to be denied access to the arts in the same way I was.
Hiya! My name is Enkuush Mergen and I’m also 17 years old. I go to the Camden School for Girls and I study A-levels in: History, History of Art and English Literature. I’m Deputy Youth MP for Westminster. I’m really passionate about providing opportunities for young people and making sure that young people have a place in society; young people are usually stereotyped and portrayed in a negative manner. This project is really exciting for me and I can’t wait to work with the Royal Court later this year on a festival specifically for young people.
What do you love about theatre?
Ellie: I think it’s what theatre can do for you as a person – everyone’s response to theatre is completely different and it’s down to your personal experience. I think it’s that thing when you see a really good piece of theatre and you completely understand and you’re so brought into the characters and the moment – you become so wrapped into this world that you hadn’t had a clue about two hours ago. I don’t know, it’s just such a tool for expression, not only when you’re performing but when you’re watching. 

What interests you about the Royal Court?
Enkuush: I live close to the area anyway so I’ve always passed by and wondered what goes on inside. The fact that it’s a theatre for new plays and accepts scripts from anyone is really inspiring. All of its work is really fresh and up-and-coming. The fact the theatre does so much for young people and tries to engage young people really makes me want to go to this theatre more. I also really like the way that royal courts sets are so versatile, and how the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs can be totally transformed.
Why did you apply for the Youth Board?
Ellie: I think it was just an opportunity to be involved in something ground-breaking. This is so independent and youth-led and that’s what was attractive about it. I feel like I have a chance to be heard that a lot of people don’t have.
What have you done with us so far that you have enjoyed?
Enkuush: The perks of free tickets! (I’m kidding). I’m really enjoying meeting the departments and the people who work here – it’s such an inspiring environment and I feel like this is the perfect place to broaden myself and my ideas. To have the chance to actually be in a position where I can develop and I’m trusted to be in a position of authority. Also developing new skills, and talking to our mentor, Dion, about her role in the marketing department, which sounds really exciting. To be at the forefront of communications in a place like the Royal Court is a great way to change people’s perceptions and really gain a deeper understanding of the work backstage.
What parts of being on the Youth Board are you most looking forward to?
Ellie: I think being at the point where everyone on the Youth Board knows each other well and we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses so we’re working creatively as a company. I’m really looking forward to Open Court and being given the opportunity to create something that isn’t necessarily restricted by a teacher. It’s an opportunity for us to be us and to create something that is purely from our imaginations and the fact that people trust us enough to create something of quality is what is really special and exciting about this project.