Young performers shine at HAC drama showcase
Posted on 9 Aug 2024
Youth Services returned to the Harbour Arts Centre this week for a week-long drama workshop.
This year, the North Ayrshire Drama for Wellbeing sessions were attended by 35 young performers aged between 6 to 15 years old.
Following a series of workshops throughout the week with a mental health and wellbeing focus, the hard work of the children and young people was celebrated today, Friday, August 9, with a show-stopping on-stage performance to the Provost, special guests and family members.
Some of the young performers have already been used to the stage, starring in amateur drama and local dance school productions, however, for others this was their first time in the spotlight.
Youth Worker Vicki Andrew led the workshops throughout the week supported by drama facilitators working in the industry. She said: “I am incredibly proud of our talented performers.
“The free workshops were fully booked. We were really amazed how well-received the uptake was. It’s been great to welcome performers who were with us last summer too, they’ve grown so much!
“In our performance we wanted to convey the power of confidence and resilience and demonstrate the how drama can help build a positive mindset through expression, self-esteem and encouraging self-belief.
“The transferable skills gained through this drama experience means that our young people can carry this with them through life supporting communication, teamwork and leadership, listening and responding, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving alongside time management and research. These skills can help with school, relationships and beyond. Well done to each and every one of our performers, the team are so proud of you all!”
One proud parent said: “My daughter is about to start primary 7 and I noticed just before the summer that her confidence had taken a real dip.
“We agreed together that she could try out Drama for Wellbeing and wow! I see such a difference. I’m delighted we managed to get a place. Being in the audience and watching her shine is something that really took me aback.
“I hadn't realised that she could be so confident. She bounded home each night this week and it's so lovely that she has been able to make new friends along the way. As a family, we feel positive now about starting back after the summer. I'm so proud of her. Thank you to Vicki, Greg the drama tutor and everyone involved. This experience has been really amazing!”
Rhonda Leith, Head of Information and Culture shared: “Well done to the colleagues across Youth Services who have been back on the road this summer to support our communities with a host of youth work activities over the school holidays.
“The youth work delivered at Drama for Wellbeing demonstrates how the Council is dedicated to providing safe and supportive environments for children and young people to thrive, be themselves, have their say on what matters to them, and most importantly have fun across various local venues.
“It was incredible that the performance at the Harbour Arts Centre was so well-received as our young students experienced what it is like to be on the stage at one of North Ayrshire's most prominent venues for arts and culture.”
Other free youth work programmes this summer have included a cyber roadshow delivered via North Ayrshire Libraries and an outdoors for wellbeing camp at Eglinton Country Park.
There are still a few weeks left before school’s return. Look out over the next week via social media to find out what else is happening near you…
Drama for Wellbeing is a brilliant example of how the Council continues to champion children and young people’s rights – building their confidence and encouraging them to learn new skills beyond the classroom. It also centres around the Council’s ongoing work around The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - an important, legally binding agreement which outlines the fundamental rights of every child, regardless of their race, religion or abilities.
In this case, the workshop focusses on Article 13 – freedom of expression and Article 31 – the right to relax, play, learn and develop.