There’s something extraordinary about the performing arts that is hard to find in any other discipline.
The sheer enjoyment of working together, the bubbling enthusiasm and optimism that increase personal confidence, resilience and communication skills – these are skills that are eminently transferable into other fields and walks of life.
This is why we have launched ‘Stepping Forward: Performing Arts for Life’ with Tring Park School for the Performing Arts and the Rothschild Foundation, to offer an incredible opportunity for some of the UK’s most disadvantaged people.
It is a first-of-its-kind online performing arts video course, to provide young people in care, aged 13-17, with an accessible introduction to the performing arts.
The programme delves into four disciplines – dance, acting, singing and backstage technical skills – with those taking part gaining hands-on experience through workshops and an in-depth discussion on backstage roles.
Participants will also be able to earn up to £200, with £25 on offer for each stage completed and a bonus of £50 for full completion of all six steps.
Incentivised learning has been shown to provide real attitudinal transformation – and this will not only provide financial benefits for these young people, but it will also support their skills, knowledge and understanding of what is required by employers now and in the future.
Local authorities with an interest in expanding their performing arts initiatives can sign up to offer Stepping Forward. Already, 49 are set to offer the programme across England, Scotland and Wales.
Local authorities will find that the new course complements well the Share Foundation’s Stepladder Plus programme.
Whereas Stepladder Plus is focused on financial awareness and life skills that support independence, Stepping Forward offers the opportunity to increase self-confidence and communication skills through the performing arts.
The course is accessible to young people in care for free through the local authorities that sign up.
- If you are a local authority that would like to get involved or find out further information, visit the Share Foundation website or contact the Stepping Forward programme coordinator, [email protected]