Budding young performers from Birmingham have been learning the tricks of the trade thanks to a grant of almost £25,000 from the Arts Council awarded to Focus, part of Midland Heart Housing Group.
Young people aged 8-16 years old from the Handsworth, Kingstanding, Bordesley Green, Moseley, Sheldon, and Ladywood areas of the city were given the chance to attend ten free performing arts workshops in drama, dance and music.
The ‘Keepin’ it Real’ project, which began in August, was set up to challenge the negative stereotypes of young people as well as help improve self esteem by promoting their talents.
As the workshops reach a close, each group is now preparing a creative piece that they will showcase in front of friends and family at the Midland Arts Centre in Cannon Hill Park on the 30th and 31st of October.
Lauren Woodley aged 8 said: “It’s the first time I’ve done anything like this and I’m really enjoying it. I’m looking forward to when we do our final performance because my family are all coming to see what I’ve been working on.”
Tyler Blaire-Thompson aged 7 said: “I’m really enjoying the ‘Keepin’ it Real’ workshops. It’s been great fun and it’s helped me to learn not to be so shy.”
Judith Rowe, Focus Resident Involvement Officer, Said: The aim of this unique project is to engage young people to explore and improve hidden talents through performing arts. In addition, we would like to challenge the negative stereotypes so many of us have of young people and recognise that most youths have aspirations and desires to succeed in education, in work and in their communities”
The youngsters worked with professional artists from ArtSites which has considerable experience in delivering arts programmes across Birmingham.
Professional theatre practitioner Paul Edwards said: “We have such a range of races and personalities in the group and it’s really interesting to watch the different ideas the young people come up with for their work. I hope everyone who has been taking part in the project has learned how to express their opinions and get their voice heard but, most importantly, had fun!”