About Theatretrain Welwyn-Hatfield
Building confidence & training the next generation of performers…
Hi, I'm Jess!
I’m the Company Director here at Theatretrain Welwyn-Hatfield, where my job is to ensure your children are enjoying their professional theatre training in a fun and creative way.
I started dancing as a shy three year old, and went on to train at Urdang (London) under a full scholarship, graduating with a Professional Diploma in Dance (MT).
I was lucky enough to travel around the UK and the world whilst working as both a performer and choreographer for many years. I have also taught at a number of part-time and professional schools and colleges.
I started at Theatretrain with my Welwyn-Hatfield branch in 2013, opening my Royston branch in my hometown, at the dance school I trained at as a child, in 2017.
It is a joy to work with the children every week, and to see them grow both as performers and as individuals.
Learn genuine theatre principles while you make friends at theatretrain Welwyn-Hatfield.
The Theatretrain Way puts theatre back into the performing arts. Along with technical performance skills in acting, singing and dancing, young people get the chance to release their creativity in a safe and friendly place. Here, in an environment nurturing confidence and empathy, our students can expand to be more than they ever thought they could be. Our aim isn’t just to create better performers, but to help your children reach their full potential.
We create the welcoming environment where aspiring performers thrive.
Gain skills for all aspects of life, not just the big stage.
Meet the Theatretrain Welwyn-Hatfield team
Learn more about our team and get to know what we’re all about.
Lydia Barker
Director of Acting
Lydia grew up in Hertfordshire and found her purpose and passion for theatre at a young age.
She later became a graduate of Performers College where she gained four years of high quality training in musical and dance theatre, leaving as a professional performer.
She has a real passion for making an impact on young performers lives through her way of teaching and hopes to be an inspiration to many. She joined us in 2024.
Hayley Crawford
Musical Director
Hayley is a singer/songwriter, trained in performing arts at Bodyworks (Cambridge), with a Professional Diploma in Song Writing. She has also toured from England to America performing.
Hayley joined us in 2021 and loves to help people find their singing voice as she feels that music is the food of the soul. What better way to feel the music, than to sing it yourself?
Tia Curtis-Smith
Choreographer
Tia trained at Performers College, graduating with a degree in Musical Theatre (Dance). She has worked with world class choreographers and agencies performing in a host of events.
Teaching since 2015, Tia is thrilled to share her knowledge with the next generation of dancers at Theatretrain and watch them grow.
Izzy Delaney
Junior Company Director
Izzy is currently training at The Urdang Academy in London for her undergraduate degree in Professional dance and Musical Theatre. Beginning her Theatre journey at a local Theatretrain at age 6, she is an enthusiastic performer and enjoys sharing her passion with the younger generations. Joining us in 2026, she is so excited to watch our Theatretrain students grow and develop into confident young performers.
Cameron Harries
Junior Company Assistant
Cameron has always loved the performing arts, whether he’s dancing, acting or singing! More recently, his focus has shifted to backstage work and he’s been the Stage Manager on several large school shows including Les Misérables and The Addams Family. Cameron has just started studying Stage Management and Technical Theatre at the prestigious RADA in London.
Cameron joined us in 2025 as our Junior Company Assistant and as our show back stage manager.
The Theatretrain Story
Theatretrain was founded on the belief that the performing arts should be accessible to everyone, no matter their age, skill or ability. Our large-scale productions are unique to Theatretrain and invite our students to enjoy the learning experience and be a part of something bigger than themselves.
The world’s your stage at Theatretrain Welwyn-Hatfield!
See our session times and book your initial taster below…
