Dance, drama and song

24th April 2008

AFTER being created to give youngsters the chance to take part in drama, dance and singing, The Rising Stars Performing Arts Group’s last show was such a success all the tickets sold out.

‘Twas The Night Before Christmas, put on at The Blakehay Theatre in Wadham Street, Weston, in December, featured youngsters of many different abilities who went along to the weekly sessions to learn more about expressing themselves and performing on stage.

The drama and dance sessions are run by Anne-Marie Holyoake of Locking Road, Weston, and have recently involved youngsters writing and acting out poems.

Other sessions have included practicing voice projection and learning to interact with the other people on stage.

Anne-Marie, who has various drama qualifications, is also a street-dance coach and passes on her knowledge to the children in her classes.

The 25-year-old, who also works for the charity Barnardos, said: “I think this group gives children a wonderful opportunity to learn about the arts at a young age.

“When I was a child there was no group that I could have joined and I wish there had been.

“The sessions aren’t just about putting on shows three times a year, they are also fun and give the kids a lot of confidence to stand up in front of people to talk and perform.”

Shows performed by the group are planned by a committee, which is made up of Anne-Marie and singing coach Rachel Cooper, along with Ian Parker as the chairman, plus a number of the members’ parents.

Anne-Marie added: “The parents help out during the classes, which I think makes the children behave better and also gives them a chance to interact more.”

The next show to be put on by the group at The Blakehay Theatre will be Bugsy Malone on October 4, during Weston Arts Festival. The club is currently looking for more members aged between 10 and 14 years old.

THE FACTS:
• Name of club: The Rising Stars Performing Arts Group.
• Membership: Any children that are interested in the performing arts aged between six and 14.
• Who the club caters for: Any children that are interested in the performing arts aged between six and 14.
• Meeting place and time: Every Thursday at the For All Healthy Living Centre in Lonsdale Avenue, Weston, from 6-7.30pm. Singing group sessions are held every Monday at Windwhistle Primary School in Kingsley Road, Weston, from 6-7pm.
• Who to contact for more details: Anne-Marie Holyoake on 07843 248174 or Ian Parker on 07867 873349.