In our latest guest blog, ex-Vamos Young People's Theatre member Laura Jackson tells us about life after Vamos

Hello! My name is Laura Jackson, I am 19 and a year ago I was a member of Vamos Youth Theatre.

Before Vamos, I had worked with Trestle masks and had fallen in love with this type of theatre then, so when i joined Vamos, nothing excited me more than knowing I would be back in mask and performing at The Hereford Courtyard Theatre. Vamos and Trestle masks are performed very differently so I loved the challenge of adjusting what I'd already learnt. We performed The Projectionist in the summer of 2014 and I can honestly say it is my favourite production I have been in. Working together back stage to quick change-both costume and mask, you could really feel the cast working as an ensemble.

To further my ensemble and actor training, I am now studying in London with Fourth Monkey Repertory Theatre Company. It is a fantastic company that focuses on ensemble and the actor's body. So far we have touched on two mask forms. To my delight, on the first day we worked with Vamos/Strangeface masks and then we began working with the Neutral Mask. It was very strange hearing the practitioner talk about "Vamos Theatre Company" because all I could think about was "You're holding my character!!".

Vamos truly gave me the grounding that I needed to further my learning in mask. It taught me the techniques that are needed to be a good team player, the discipline and focus needed in a mask and simply the enjoyment of truly being someone else! Although I had worked with Trestle masks, there was something about the full Vamos/Strangeface masks, complete with wigs and costume that ignited my passion for this kind of theatre. As a performer, and person in general, I use my face a lot in comedy and day to day life to express myself. Therefore, to have this completely taken away from me scared me, but also excited me! In life and especially theatre, I love to be challenged and that was exactly what I got! I fully intend to continue to take everything I've learnt from Vamos with me into my training at Fourth Monkey and onwards into the rest of my acting career.

With every best wish and love for Vamos from Fourth Monkey,

Laura Jackson xx