We have been running a Performing Arts group for local kids aged 7 to 12 years for the past three years. Unfortunately, due to spending cuts we can't get the usual grants to keep going. We are a small group of volunteers who care about children. We allow any child to come along totally free of charge, realising that many families struggle with finances these days and simply can't afford subscriptions for their kids to attend. We hire a church hall and pay a professional tutor on a session fee basis. Up to now we have managed to 'limp along' paying out money from previous fund raising activities but we're now at a stage where this has dried up.
The kids who come are great. They have gelled together and really support each other. They have learned so much over such a short time. Performing Arts isn't just about drama and voice and dance. It helps shy, quiet children to gain confidence; it allows those with physical difficulties to control movement and it helps children to transfer skills into everyday life. We have seen children blossom as they perform newly acquired skills and gain so much from the process. It would be really sad to see the group finish. We are all volunteers who strongly believe that children from all walks of life should be able to benefit from this kind of activity. The bulk of the money will be spent on paying room hire costs and the session fees for the professional tutor for a period of 12 months. We will also use some of the money raised to buy essentials for performances; make-up, props; scenery etc.