August 11, 2022

Nostalgia Series: Sheena Janssen’s Theatretrain Story in Braintree

Today we hear from Sheena Janssen who brings us her Theatretrain story, one that brought her right back to become a Centre Director herself and open Theatretrain Huntingdon!

I started at Theatretrain Braintree at age 5 and half and went right the way up to 15 years old before I went to full-time performing arts school. When I first started I was stronger at dance and drama but I still loved singing, even if it wasn’t always in tune at first. 

I still remember the first London show at The Royal Albert Hall, I remember thinking “this is the biggest place I have ever been!” I got to perform a solo dance performance. I was so excited to be chosen and loved every moment. Beyond that though, my happiest memories are making lifelong friends, some of which I’m still in touch with today. 

The teachers and centre director at Theatretrain Braintree influenced me so much and helped me become the performer and now centre director I am today.  They helped build my confidence, created a safe space I could come to every Saturday full of love and support. Theatretrain made me a hard worker and completely changed my life. I went on to perform worldwide in many countries including India, Brazil, Argentina  and Greece. It was the best thing I ever did and if you’re considering enrolling your child or young adult, I would say go for it!Theatretrain meant so much to me, that’s why I decided to open my own centre! I wanted to bring the power of performing arts to many young people and be able to give them opportunities that I know Theatretrain provide. And now, I get to inspire others and help them create their own Theatretrain story as the centre director at Theatretrain Huntingdon at Stukeley Meadows Primary School. And I plan to enjoy every second of it when we return for the summer term in September.

To get started and enrol at your local centre, just find your nearest Theatretrain. You can also read more Theatretrain stories from our nostalgia series. We’d love to share more Theatretrain stories! Send your story and photos to contentmanager@theatretrain.co.uk.

Theatretrain, a nationwide provider of weekend theatre schools for young people aged 4-18, specialises in weekly classes in acting, singing, and dancing. An emphasis is placed on learning valuable life skills such as confidence, empathy, courage, and resilience. If you know a child who loves to dance, act and sing or could do with a little confidence boost why not visit to find out what our performing arts classes can offer your child at one of our 80 locations across the UK.

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