To many, Leah O’Rourke is better known as school prefect Jenny Joyce in the award winning Derry Girls series.

But for the time being she will be working with the Fermanagh School of Music and Performing Arts to inspire the youth of the county to follow their dreams and hopefully be the next big name in acting.

Having moved to Fermanagh, Leah who is originally from Newry, Co. Down has been impressed with the school and the young people who attend.

The 32 year old heard about the school through her boyfriend’s family and sent her CV in before meeting with Ciara O’Flanagan who runs the school.

“Ciara showed me around the school and I loved it.

“I really admired all that she had achieved. That same week I began shadowing Ciara and helping out in lessons and I really enjoyed it.

“The young people at the school are so talented and passionate about drama- they’re a great bunch to be around.”

Leah has been surrounded by drama her whole life with many in her family having some connection to the arts.

The 32 year old joined drama groups when she was younger and became “obsessed with acting”. Even setting up a one woman show in her kitchen using tea towels as costumes and wooden spoons as props.

“My aunt and uncle on my mum’s side of the family are both actors and my mum’s other sister is Head of Drama in a secondary school. Then on my dad’s side of the family I have a cousin who is an actress.

“At the age of four I was sent to the Fèis to recite poetry; being quite a shy person I think my parents thought it would be a good way to get me out of my shell.

“I was interested in the opportunity to experience life as other people, I am a very empathetic person and I was keen to understand the world from another person’s perspective.

“I love the escapism of the imagined worlds created on set or on stage as I have always had a vivid imagination. I also enjoy making people happy and a big part of acting is entertaining people.

“The adrenalin rush before you step into the audition room, step on set, step on stage really gives you such a high that I don’t get from anything else.

“Performing arts is a wonderful way to spread awareness of darker issues and often dramatic pieces can leave audience members feeling moved or motivated to change their outlook.”

After leaving Drama School, Leah was signed up by an acting agent who put her forward for the roll of Jenny Joyce in Derry Girls.

“It was a long process and I had four auditions in total before I got the role of Jenny Joyce.

“I remember laughing out loud reading the script and relating to so much of it as I had gone to an all girl’s convent school too.

“I’ll never forget the day I was told I got the part my mum and I physically jumped up and down in the kitchen for about 15 minutes solid.

“It was the most surreal thing being part of such a successful show. It was a dream come true for me.”

And now she will be helping budding young actors in Fermanagh to fulfill their ambitions and dreams.

“If it’s your dream follow it. You only get one life. You have to do what you love doing. Don’t take rejection personally just keep going.

“If I listed all the acting jobs I’ve been rejected from it would be longer that the Bayeux tapestry.

“I am hoping to encourage the student’s confidence and self-belief.

“I want them all to know that a career in drama is possible if that’s what they want to do. I want them to feel comfortable and safe coming to lessons and know that I am on their side.

“I really want to bring lots of fun and laughs. I have really enjoyed coming up with creative ideas for lessons.

“I want to show the people of Fermanagh the talent this school has and when it’s safe to do so entertain them with some top class performances.”

With Derry Girls due to start filming series three next year and the coronavirus pandemic having a massive impact on the arts industry, more or less bringing it to a standstill, auditions and roles are limited for Leah.

So she is looking forward to her new role as a drama tutor.

“I am really looking forward to it, I can’t wait. I am a little bit nervous too.

“I have worked as a SEN classroom assistant for many years so it is a big change for me to lead the lessons. Ciara has been really encouraging.

“As the old saying goes everything you want to achieve is at the other side of fear.

“The students have been so welcoming to me. I am truly grateful for this wonderful opportunity,” added Leah.