From joining us on work experience to becoming a board member, Megan Crew shares her inspiring journey with Frân Wen.

How it all began

My journey with Frân Wen started back in 2021 with a week of work experience. It was such a good intro to the creative industries — I got a taste of loads of different things, and I loved everything about it: the work, the people, and the atmosphere.

Joining Cwmni Ifanc

At the time, I was studying Drama at school, so joining Cwmni Ifanc Frân Wen felt like the perfect next step. I wanted to experience performing outside the school environment, especially since I was thinking about studying Drama at university.

I remember walking into the first session feeling nervous - I didn’t know anyone and had never done anything like this before. But those nerves disappeared straight away. Everyone was so friendly, and the vibe was just… welcoming. It felt like a space where you could totally be yourself.

What makes Cwmni Ifanc so special is how led it is by the young people involved. Everything we created came from us - our passions, our worries, our ideas. Nia Hâf and Buddug (our brilliant facilitators) used creative tasks and chats to shape the work we made together.

One of those projects was our end-of-year show, 15ish. The inspiration came from our own experiences: thinking about the future, dealing with the pressure of school, choosing GCSEs or A Levels… just trying to figure things out as teenagers. Being part of that process - from workshops and scriptwriting to the final performance - confirmed for me that this is what I love. Drama is my thing, and it reassured me that I was on the right path by going on to study at the University of Exeter.

👉More about 15ish here

A Young Ambassador for Croendena and Imrie

Fast forward to 2023, and I got the chance to be a Young Ambassador for two incredible Frân Wen productions: Croendena by Mared Llywelyn and Imrie by Nia Morais.

I jumped at the opportunity — I got to support the marketing campaigns and work front of house during the tour. What I loved most was the creative freedom we had in how we shared the productions with people. I put posters up in my school’s drama department and around Caernarfon, but I also knew social media would be key.

For Imrie, I got to see the set being installed — a perfect behind-the-scenes moment for content. I used community Facebook pages, posted on my own profile, and just tried to reach as many people as possible. I even had someone tell me, while I was working front of house on Croendena, that they came to the show because of my post. That was a seriously cool moment.

The whole thing gave me insight into how theatre is made and promoted — and honestly, it gave me a taste of what it’s like to be a bit of an ‘influencer’ too!

Becoming a Board Member

Not long after, I got an email from Nia (Frân Wen’s Executive Director) asking if I wanted to join the Board. I read it once, then again… then ran to tell Mum and Dad.

I couldn’t believe it - and I felt so honoured.

I’ve now been on the Board for over two years, and I’ve learned loads. At first, it was a bit intimidating — I was 18 and didn’t know much about how a theatre company is run. But over time, my confidence grew, and I started to understand more and more.

What’s amazing is that I’ve been able to take what I’ve learned at Frân Wen into my university work, especially during my production modules. Board meetings are something I genuinely look forward to — hearing how the company sets goals, plans projects, and makes things happen is fascinating. I'm so grateful they trusted me with this role.

What’s next?

Now that I’m away at uni during term time, I always make sure to get in touch when I’m home to see what’s happening and how I can help. After two years at university, I feel like I’ve come back to Nyth (Frân Wen's home) more curious, full of questions, and excited to be involved.

I’ve just joined the Young Company’s latest project, Carreg Ateb. It’s still in its early days - but keep an eye out. It’s going to be something special.

Diolch Frân Wen for all the opportunities so far — and for believing in me from the very beginning. I can’t wait to see what’s next.