Ariel Drama Academies expand in Shoreham

Over the past 20 years, Ariel Drama Academies have provided life-enhancing theatrical training to thousands of children and young adults across Sussex.

With academies in Burgess Hill, Crawley, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Horsham, Ariel are now excited to have opened their doors in Shoreham at The Shoreham Centre.

Classes in dance, drama and singing are already up and running for students aged four to 19 every Saturday morning.

Having delivered hundreds of students access to bespoke online lessons during lockdown, free of charge, Ariel are delighted to be back in person with their academies, with all Government guidelines in place.

The move reflects Ariel Company Theatre’s nomination at the National Diversity Awards in recognition of the work Ariel also does for inclusion and theatrical training for children and adults with special and additional needs.

Ariel Company Theatre have previously won the Lady Diana Award of Excellence for their drama inclusion work and their buddying initiative, in which students from the mainstream academies volunteer as one-to-one support within the Othellos group.

On October 31, Ariel’s Shoreham Academy will be opening their own class for special needs students. The Othellos class will run at The Shoreham Centre from 2.15-3.15pm every Saturday morning.

Ariel Shoreham Academy principal Beth Gavin said: “Starting an Othellos class at my academy has always been a goal of mine and now in our fantastic, fully accessible new venue, this can be achieved.

“There is so much more to be done for children with special and additional needs, and I feel running this class weekly will be another step in the right direction in providing these individuals an opportunity to be in a safe and supportive environment where they can express themselves, learn new skills and be amongst like-minded people. We can’t wait to welcome our Othellos to our academy.”

Nicci Hopson, Ariel’s artistic director and founder, started The Othellos class in Burgess Hill more than 13 years ago, after seeing that not enough was being done in the arts for children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities.

“From that moment, the Othellos group was created to give these individuals the same opportunities as students across Ariel’s academies.

“The Othellos now run in four other venues across Sussex, working with 300 students each week.”

Nicci added: “Being nationally recognised for the work we do is very special indeed, and I am so proud of the dedicated tutors, buddies and students that are part of our Ariel community.

“Starting a new Othellos class in another venue is the perfect way to celebrate this nomination, and we all look forward to continuing the important work in promoting the need for positive inclusion for all children, young adults and all individuals with additional needs and disabilities.”

Ariel Drama Academies continues to welcome new students. Contact www.arielct.com or call 01444 250407 if you would like to join the community and enjoy a free trial.