KEY+ Group: Pose 28

Pose 28 – a group name inspired by a specific Roblox pose – began their KEY+ journey with a Halloween movie night, bringing their peers together for a relaxed, fun evening. But for Stage 2, the group chose to challenge themselves and step into an entirely new role: performers and playwrights.

None of the girls had previously shown an interest in writing or acting, but that changed when they decided to create a production that would shine a light on the real issues faced by young people today. Their idea was both imaginative and powerful – a live performance exploring healthy and unhealthy behaviours in relationships, written and acted entirely by the group.

When asked what inspired them to choose this theme, the girls said they wanted to help the community and explore how “the princesses really felt” or how they could’ve felt. They explained how each princess represented something different, choosing themes such as insecurity, coercion, pressure and consent.

To make the topic engaging and relatable, the girls modelled their characters on classic Disney princesses, reimagined for the modern world. Snow White became Whitney Snow, and other familiar characters were given fresh names and stories that reflected real-life challenges. By using these recognisable figures, the group made serious themes more accessible, especially for younger audiences.

They worked closely with a professional actress who helped them develop their confidence, refine their ideas, and shape their original script. But it was the group who drove the heart of the project from writing the story to rehearsing scenes, designing the costumes, and thinking through how to bring each other to life on stage.

When reflecting on what it was like acting in a play for the first time, Melissa said that it was “stressful to find the time,” and others in the group described it as “hard.” There were also practical challenges to overcome, such as some of the costumes not fitting and having to be replaced and, as Amelia put it, “going over the script over and over.”

With support from KEY+, they were able to get costumes, props and backdrops, making their vision a reality. On performance day, they invited not just fellow students but also hoped to welcome residents from local care homes and young people from the wider community. It was important to them that their message reached as many people as possible.

The performance was a huge success – bold, thoughtful and creative. For the group, it was more than just a show. It was a chance to express themselves, speak up about important topics, and discover new talents. In the process, they grew in confidence, strengthened their friendships, and proved to themselves that stepping outside of their comfort zones could lead to something unforgettable.

Looking back, the girls felt they had built valuable skills along the way, including negotiation, resilience and teamwork. They were also proud of what they achieved on stage, particularly “the acting” and “not stumbling on words.”

Finally, when asked what advice they would give to other young people who might want to get involved in the KEY+ Challenge, Ruby’s message was simple: “Just do it!” Melissa said, “Give yourself more time” and Amelia encouraged others to “be yourself, be confident [and] don’t give up if it doesn’t go as expected.”