Jennifer Cooke
Music Theatre 4 Youth, Doagh, Ballyclare, Northern Ireland
As Chief Executive and founder of Music Theatre 4 Youth (MT4Uth), Jenny works tirelessly to drive the charity forward and achieve her vision for internationally recognised artistic training in Ireland. She is the inspiration and driving force behind the success of the charity since its humble beginnings in her home in Ballyclare in 2005, where it began as just a concept without any funding. MT4Uth provides training and education in music theatre to young people across all communities and religious divides and provides them with a platform to network, develop, perform and grow in confidence and stature. The charity is now established across Ireland and has a following of over 800 young people. Projects are run regionally and the company now provides a four level structure of training. During 2008-2009 Jenny won the UnItd World Social Entrepreneurship award and the charity was runner up in the National Lottery Awards, as well as winning the Big Ideal Overall awards with Invest NI. Jenny’s energy and drive is truly inspirational. She continues to work as a volunteer Chief Executive and steadfastly refuses to take expenses until the charity is stable. Her many contributions include shaping the organisation’s vision, development, programming, marketing and PR, financial management, fundraising and developing the arts & business contact base. Jenny has also become a mentor to many of the young people who are keen to pursue a career in the performing arts. In addition, she somehow finds time to work as a lay Magistrate, Justice of the Peace and governor of a preparatory school!
“I saw the need to provide young Irish talent with the very best of international training in singing, dance and drama on Irish soil. The charity has since grown in stature and confidence and has become a name on everyone’s lips by offering opportunity, professionalism and excellence. Onwards and upwards!” – Jenny
Photograph by Maureen McDonnell
I have been involved with MT4Uth as a performer since 2005, and loved every minuite of it. I have watched her work every hour of every day to give young people across Ireland the opportunities to access professional international training. Even though she is my mum, she seems to have more time to advise, mentor and be a second mum to half the kids in the company. Its always fun having brothers and sisters but I didnt expect to have that many! Anyway good luck to her and I hope she wins she deserves it more than anything!
You cannot help but be inspired and motivated following a short discussion with Jenny Cooke when she is talking about her favourite subject. Despite her many interests in life, she comes alive with enthusiasm and inspiration as soon as you mention Musical Theatre 4 Youth. It is her drive and determination alone which has gained the Charity the recognition and support it now commands within Ireland, and the work of the charity has been endorsed by politicians, community representatives, business and those working within the performing arts world at the highest level. The success which she has achieved in such a short time is remarkable and is a real credit to her leadership and management skills, and she has also gained the support and respect of everyone who comes in contact with the charity. It is so refreshing to meet with someone who gets such a kick out of making others lives better, whilst putting their own under such pressure. Jenny Cooke is an inspiration to all and I wish her and the charity continued success”.
I have watched the work carried out tirelessly by Jenny Cooke since the inception of MT4Y and have spoken with many of those who have benefitted from it and who consider it has turned their lives around and given them both opportunity and hope. I cannot think of anyone more suitable for this award.
As a Trustee of The Women Caring Trust, I have been privileged to help support Jenny and MT4Uth since its inception with bursaries to enable socially disavantged young people to participate in this excellent company. Jenny has put so much time, energy and dedication into MT4Uth and has been a real inspiration to all those involved, be they professionals, performers or support staff. She has been unswerving in her pursuit of excellence and as a result, all participants rise to the challenge and time after time produce the most breathtaking performances of musical theatre in just a few days of immensely hard work. Jenny has always been determined to seek out talent and give young people who would otherwise not have the opportunity, a chance to shine, and an opening to the world of professional musical theatre. She certainly deseves this award.
Jenny Cooke is quite simply an inspiration. She has worked tirelessly, and I mean tirelessly to set up and develop MT4Uth giving the talented youth of Ireland a platform on which to develop and perform on a parr with their peers not only in say London, but Europewide. From humble beginnings around the kitchen table of her own home MT4Uth has developed into a charity with over 800 members, has performed in theatre venues across Ireland, has brought across Directors and Choreographers of international standing and culminated this year in a quite outstanding revival of Godspell in the Grand Opera House, Belfast where every seat was filled and 52 young performers from North and South blew everyone away with a performance that had the audience quite literally on their feet with a spontaneous standing ovation. None of this would have happened without Jenny. It is her drive, her passion and determination to see young people achieve their potential that has brought Mt4uth to where it is today. However, it is not just about success on the stage, Jenny has such a warm and caring personality – she nurtures young people, encourages and inspires them so that even if they are not destined to grace the stages of the West End, they feel better about themselves and have a confidence that despite life’s setbacks they can succeed and above all they feel valued.
Jenny is truly inspirational. Not only do I count her as being a hard-working, dedicated professional, but also as a staunch, loyal friend. I wish her huge, continued success and commend her to you all.
I have known Jennie all my life and she has always been considered by myself and others as a kind, charitable, lovely person who will do anything to help wherever and whenever she can.
I took part in three MT4UTH productions and it was truly overwhelming how tirelessly Jennie worked, from helping the participants with personal issues to encouraging the most self conscious of children.
I believe Jennie should win this award as I have seen first hand what a considerate and wonderful women she is and I really do think she deserves it.
I have watched this company grow and Ros and I Know Jenny well, and feel strongly that she deserves every sort of recognition for all her hard work ,innovative ideas, and complete dedication ………
Linda Titterington and Rosamunde Pilcher,.
As a young person who has been involved with MT4Uth since its inception, I can personally say that Jenny Cooke is an absolute inspiration. By providing me with opportunities not only in training, but also as Young People’s Representative, I have experienced what it’s like to work in a professional atmosphere. Jenny is hugely driven and works to the best of her ability to cater for the needs of every young person, no matter how specific or seemingly demanding. Without Jenny’s hard work and perseverance, i can honestly say that I wouldn’t have had the confidence or indeed the experience and training to apply for drama school. Jenny is thoroughly deserving of an award and I wish her the best of luck. Thank you Jenny.
I have only been with MT4UTH for a year so far but already I can see how hard Jenny Cooke works. She is always so enthusiastic when you talk about MT4UTH with her. You can see straight away it is her passion. She is always coming up with new ideas and (most importantly in my opinion) asking people how MT4UTH can be improved so it can sustain the high standard it is at at the moment. MT4UTH is a fantastic organization because it brings people from all ages and all over Ireland together. You not only get the highest possible training available without being in the west end but you make friends for life. I really hope she wins the Volunteering Ireland Award because she deserves it for all her hard work and perseverance over the years!
Jenny does music theatre for youth and it is amazing the start she’s given some yougsters across Ireland.
You only have to see a few seconds of the video of MT4uth’s last production, GODSPEL, to realize that what Jenny Cooke has brought together is quite miraculous/dumbfounding/inspiring and heart-warming. She started the company some years ago to do her bit to help heal the wounds and distrust left by the sectarian troubles, understanding that the best time to do this was in ‘catching them young’. And what better way of doing it than through music and dance. She used her contacts, pulled strings that would have saved the Titanic, to bring to Belfast the top theatre production team from London’s West End, and my word do those kids react! I have seen for myself what they can achieve in the short time they have to stage their production and I came away feeling both humbled and emotionally drained. From MT4uTH, there have been those who have gone on to great things, even onto the West End stage. But the real star is Jenny. She is strong-willed, determined, but will never accept praise or brag about what she has really achieved. I know no other person who would deserve this distinction more.
I would like to send my good wishes and highest support for Jenny Cooke. Her energy, drive and enthusiasm for the Mt4uth company is an inspiration to us all. Every young person who has come into contact with this company gain so much and come away with something extremely special. We all wish her well with this truly deserved nomination.
I have been involved with MT4UTH and known Jenny for 3 years now. She has taught me alot about the musical theatre business in more ways than one. She is a truly inspriational and motivating person. The project, business and platform she has set up for young people in Northern Ireland is of the highest calibre. I think its worth mentioning the level of professionalism that Jenny instills into us as young people. And it is this work ethic that I am now accustomed to in my further training in musical theatre. So much as how to hold yourself and behave infront of a panel of professionals and one thing she always told me was to never give up and be yourself. Advice I will carry with me throughout my career as a performing artist. I am now training at Laine Theatre Arts in London and without the support, training and sound advice from Jenny and the team she leads at MT4UTH I wouldn’t be where I am today. People like this need to be recognized. Thank you Jenny!
This was my first year being involved with MT4Uth, and it was the best experience I’ve ever had. The amount of thought and thorough organisation that went into the whole project was out of this world. Jenny Cooke spent hours not only planning but incorporating everybody’s interests into the project itself. Jenny was not only a hard working organiser but she also cared for those who came a distance from home and needed a motherly figure, she was always there for support. She also provided us with an opportunity to meet new people with different interests and perspectives, various ages and from an assortment of counties all of Ireland. In the space of ten days these people resembled a family who all grew together as a group. Without Jenny we would have never had that opportunity. Jenny provided us with many great experiences, cared for us and most importantly set an example for us as a role model in her remarkable work. Best of luck to Jenny!
Without Jenny Cooke there would be no MT4Uth and the talented young people of Ireland would be without an organisation that as well as helping their personal development, allows them to enter the international world of music, theatre and dance on an equal footing with the best from any other country.
Her vision was and is still amazing. Her energy and commitment have been vital to the creation and growth of this dream. Her warm and enthusiastic personality has inspired all around her to travel with her on the journey.
Those of us who have jointed her on the journey still marvel at how she makes the impossible happen, time after time.
Jenny is a truly amazing and inspiring person.
Jenny Cooke has been a true inspiration to me. The hard work, effort and enthusiasm that she puts in to everything shines through in the success of MT4Uth. i am privileged to have been a member of MT4Uth from the beginning and it is through the training that I gained the confidence to enter BBC’s I’d Do Anything and am now currently starring as Sophie in the West End production of “Mamma Mia!” This shows that success and that dreams can happen in the arts in Northern Ireland. Jenny is a wonderful, kind and giving person who deserves to be recognised for all of her hard work which has made the charity MT4Uth so successful.
Jenny is remarkable for her passion, energy and commitment to the MT4UTH initiative. The calibre of the work the company produces is truly remarkable. One can already see the impact it is having on young performers careers, something which can only increase in magnitude over the coming years as more and more progress through the company and into professional theatre.
Jenny Cooke is a woman with a clear, strong and dedicated vision. She is goal orientated. Jenny is selfless and tireless in her work. Her talent and vision undoubtedly has opened up opportunities, and in many cases dreams, for young people who otherwise would not have had the platform to perform through the arts.
I salute such charitable work.
Jenny Cooke is an inspiration. She is a force of nature. Musical Theatre would not be the success it is today without her – in fact she is MT4Uth. She has a passion for the young people that she has introduced to the world of Musical Theatre and only the best will do. She has talked her way into hearts of leading lights the length and breadth of the West End. Directors and Choreographers coming to Ireland to work with the young people. Their continued support of MT4Uth confirms that the talent is here – Niamh Perry and Jayne Wiesner but two of Jenny’s proteges. After meeting Jenny I too found myself willingly giving of my time to support the charity. And the proof of the pudding…..the packed Grand Opera House in Belfast on the 16th of August when MT4Uth performed Godspell – WOW!!!!!!
In the few short years that MT4Uth has been in existence, Jenny has taken it from its humble beginnings in her own home, to the very top of its game, providing the highest quality training for young people from all Ireland in Musical Theatre. Without Jenny’s commitment, drive, energy and enthusiam MT4uth would not exist. Jenny is totally inspirational in the work that she does with and for the company, engaging with people at the highest levels within the business, community and artistic communities, gaining their respect and support for the work of the company, as well as providing motiviation, support and encouragement to the young people seeking to ‘make it’ in the world of performing arts, as well as equipping those individuals not destined to ‘make it’ to grow in confidence and self esteem. Jenny fully deserves the recognition that goes with this award and I wish her and MT4Uth continued success in the future.
There is perhaps something of the “Lady Gregory meets Riverdance” about Jenny Cooke, and she is a tremendous ambassador for Irish talent and contemporary culture in its broadest sense. She richly deserves all the accolades given here by those who know her well, friends, colleagues and especially the youth who have been fortunate enough to benefit from her vision, commitment and hard won success with MT4Y. She needs all the support and help available to continue her quest.
Good luck!
&
Adh mór ort!
I have just recently joined the Board (now as Chairman) of MT4Uth and have been amazed at the vision, enthusiasm and committment of Jenny. What she has achieved for young people in such a short time has to be seen to be believed, and to be nominated for this award is I feel a due reward for a very oustanding person.
Jenny is an inspirational indivudual with lots of drive and passion for her work. She has put so much energy and time into developing MT4Uth because she knows that it really makes a difference to young people in Northern Ireland. Having supported Jenny through an UnLtd Level 2 Award, I have seen her commitment I too have witnessed the impact of MT4Uth on young peoples lives accross NI and more recently ROI. Jenny has stuck with it when times got tough and is showed her leadership qualities in directing the charity forward. She is a true social entrepreneur, a change maker and positive role model in todays society.
Jenny is the most commited and enthusiastic person. Completely dedicated to helping the young people in pursuing and living a dream with performimg arts. She has a wonderful way with young people of all ages, warm,careing,cheerful, and very funny, you always have fun with her.
Jenny is a very special person who has made a huge difference to alot of young, giving them confidence, self asteem, and a sense of belonging and achievement, with a great deal of fun .
I got to know Jenny in 2005 when my eldest daughter joined to company. Although Jayne went off to drama school she kept coming back every opportunity she had to take part in the musicals in a weekend. She received such great training from professionals. My other 2 children joined and are still in it today. Jenny deserves recognition for the hard work and her dedication to the company. Jenny has such a desire for the young people all over Ireland to get the best possible training in musical theatre. Every time i speak to Jenny she is always working to make the company bigger and better and none of it is for her own personnal or financail gain. I have never meet a woman who has given so much, I as a parent am so grateful for all she has done to put Ireland on the map as having talent. Jenny deserves recognition for her work and commitment she is a true star.
Jenny Cooke is one of the most inspirational people I have ever met and is the lady I consider to be my mentor. She is an incredibly positive advocate for the arts and has an unshakable belief in the creative talent of this country. She always acts within the best interests of the arts community and has a special passion for developing the raw talent that exists in the young people of Ireland. She is caring and driven, dedicated and passionate and I couldn’t think of anyone better to be recognised for their tireless efforts in promoting local talent and culture. She has always been, and will always continue to be my inspiration.
Jenny is a fantastic organiser, motivator, inspiration, ambassador, and friend to thousands, and thoroughly deserves to win this award. She is tireless and selfless, and has devoted most of the last few years to MT4Uth.
Jenny asked us to set up MT4Uth with her and we continue to direct and choreograph productions for it as part of a busy artistic life. The reason why I do is because Jenny is so totally driven to make the company a success, constantly full of ideas for the companies development and seeking more funding. Without her MT4Uth would not have happened and would not be here today. I certainly would not be involved. Time after time I marvel at the energy she devotes and the results she achieves to provide young people with opportunities to perform and learn that would otherwise not exist in Ireland.