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About us

Newbury YoungStars is a long-running, multi-award-winning youth musical theatre charity based in Newbury. For over 30 years, we have been proud to offer young people aged 9–16 the opportunity to take part in high-quality musical theatre in a supportive, inclusive and encouraging environment.

We focus on providing structured training in performance while giving every member the chance to take part in live productions. Through rehearsals, workshops and performances, our young people develop confidence, teamwork and creative skills, while experiencing the excitement and discipline of putting on a full theatrical production.

Alongside our core programme, we also run an alumni scheme for members who have outgrown the cast but wish to remain involved. This enables former YoungStars to continue building experience in the arts through roles in production, technical theatre, creative support and mentoring, helping to develop skills both on and off the stage.

Creative team

Meet the creatives

Musical Director

JJ Eiø

Trained at the Royal Academy of Music, Jonathan is a versatile Musical Director and West End performer with credits including Spring Awakening and Into the Woods. His extensive vocal work spans the Cats movie soundtrack to global tours with The Rockafellas and Walk Like a Man. Beyond the stage, he has appeared on The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent, and is currently preparing for his third album release in 2026. Recent MD highlights include Jesus Christ Superstar, Hadestown, and Annie.

Director

Louise Travis

Louise is an accomplished Director and Choreographer with a wealth of experience in theatre and performance. Her passion for the arts began at a young age, leading her to an extensive career that spans directing, choreographing, and performing in productions across the UK and internationally. Louise has directed and choreographed numerous shows, including Sweet Charity, Elf, Sweeney Todd, Sister Act, and Little Shop of Horrors. Alongside her directorial credits, Louise’s professional performing career includes appearances on Off-Broadway and in national productions like Grease, Some Like It Hot, and Little Shop of Horrors. Louise brings her creative vision and commitment to fostering inclusivity in the arts, working with performers of all ages and abilities.

Choreographer

Luannsa Goodman

With a career rooted in bold and dynamic movement, Luannsa is a well established choreographer, dancer, and performer with over eight years of experience in musical theatre. A graduate of Redroofs Theatre School, she spent several years touring the UK with a professional dance company, appearing in music videos, celebrity events, and live shows. This performance-led background is the cornerstone of her choreographic style, which blends technical precision with character-driven storytelling. Creative credits include Hades Town, Kinky Boots, Shrek, and Joseph, alongside stage roles in Sister Act, West Side Story, and Rent and various screen roles in film and television. Luannsa takes great pride in her work with NYS, where she enjoys mentoring young performers and helping them flourish with confidence on stage.