Stagewise, the resident performing arts school at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, has launched the term in the same week that Lighthouse revealed it may not survive beyond the summer without additional funding.

“This is Mental Health Awareness Week, and at Stagewise we are passionate about the value of the arts to the wellbeing of young people,” explain the school’s principal, Ally Cox. “With Lighthouse and other theatres around the country closed for the foreseeable future it is vital that we continue to provide an opportunity to experience and join in with the performing arts. Singing, dancing and acting are all great stress busters, and they inspire creativity and confidence. If we cannot go to the West End – we’ll bring the West End to you.”

The 10-week term for 6-14 year olds features an action-packed 90-minute Zoom workshop every Saturday led by the Stagewise team of industry professionals, who will be joined by a series of  guests from the world of stage and screen. Various aspects of the performing arts will be covered, including drama games and exercises, character work, acting for film and TV, script and monologue work, vocal training, song writing and choreography including musical theatre, street dance and hip hop.

Ally continues, “We are extremely conscious that parents may be experiencing very different and varying financial circumstances. To reflect the challenging and unprecedented situation we are all currently facing, we are therefore offering our entire summer term at a reduced rate and we hope this will enable many more children to experience and benefit from the performing arts.”

To book call Ally Cox on 07702 309 486 or email info@stagewise.co.uk