Theatre group helps make a difference

Boathouse Theatre Arts Company has now expanded to offer services to younger children.

Based at Pett Village Hall, students meet on Sunday mornings to learn drama, dance, singing/signing and theatre arts.

Kevin Barry, chairman of Boathouse, said, “In April we put on our first showcase, Carnival Around the World after just ten weeks of holding our first session.

“The students loved it, the word spread and we have been growing in numbers each week. After the first showcase our sponsor, Ward and Partners, paid for 35 students, staff and volunteers to go and see the Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Everybody had a fabulous time and the students were inspired to work towards their next performance, All you need is Love, which will be held on November 13 at Pett Village Hall. A limited amount of tickets are available for this show.

“The success of Boathouse for young adults has enabled us to start Boathouse for Children which is held in Bexhill at Glyne Gap School on Saturday mornings.

“We offer sessions to two groups: 5 to 12 year olds from 10.30 to 11.30 and ages 13 to 19 from 11.30 to 12.30. This project is for children with special needs and their siblings, and offers the Saturday Stage School experience which often our youngsters are unable to access.

“Boathouse is also working with Parchment Trust Co-operative as a service provider on a Wednesday afternoon, at Pett village hall, offering drama workshops. These sessions have been so successful that we are hoping to teach Performing Arts at an accredited level in 2012.

“These are very exciting times for us and all those involved in Boathouse across the three projects.

If you know of any young adult in supported education or training, or children with special needs who you think would like to join Boathouse or would like a ticket for the performance on November 13th please ring Kim Barry on 01424 815046 or email [email protected] More information can be found on our website www.boathousetheatre.co.uk.