When my parents first suggested theatre, I thought they where insane.
I was probably the shiest kid in my grade. I barely spoke to anyone other than my small group of “nerdy” friends and NEVER spoke to large groups of people, or properly did presentation.
However, I decided to give it a go, why not?
My first session was improv, with miss Lucy. I was so extremely worried. I kept my head down and kept asking myself why I even bothered to go. When miss Lucy called us up on the stage to do warm ups, I was so extremely worried. Just being there in front of 7 people was extremely stressful.
However, they all urged me to join in. They were all so incredibly supportive. Especially miss Lucy.
We played games like: Splat, 21 and up, virus, werewolf, I am a tree…
Something amazing happened that afternoon. I can’t exactly describe it, but I feel like something in me clicked. I…liked it. Heck, I LOVED it!
I went back to my second, third, fourth lessons, always learning something new all about acting.
Then came my first showcase. And, my God, that was the most fun I’ve ever had.
We did scenes, and skits all improvised on the spot, something I never even DREAMT of doing before.
That was in 2020.
Ever since then, I tried a whole bunch of new acting techniques:
Improv: Taught me failure is okay, and to just move on with it (Yes, and!)
Drama: How to deliver lines, no matter how dull in any emotion I liked! This helped me so much in the futur.
Musical Theatre: All of the above-while singing and dancing!💃
I even went on shows like Toilette monster, Bestest Drawings and theatre sports!
It’s now 2025, and all of these skills have helped me so much, not just acting wise, but in my life as well!
I’m now class president, in the student council and feeling great! All thanks to this Amazing place!
So, adults, kids, if you want to truly make a difference in your life, then join these classes. I highly recommend improv, as this was what helped me the most, but you guys do whatever makes you happy!
Shoutout to all the amazing teachers: Lucy, James, Kyle, Rushdi, Alana, Ash and sooooo many more!
I’m now doing advanced drama, and am still learning and improving.
Thank you so much Courtyard Playhouse!
Peace!
Mostafa Shoukry
Mostafa is an Egyptian teenager who has called Dubai home for the past six years. A passionate performer, he’s been part of the Courtyard Playhouse for five years, diving into improv, drama, and musical theatre. Improv, in particular, has been life-changing, helping him break out of his shell and embrace confidence on and off the stage. He attends LFIGP, a French school, and owes his love of theatre to his supportive parents—though his football-loving brother remains unconvinced! With a big heart and an even bigger passion for making people smile, he hopes to spread joy wherever he goes.
