Children took centre stage at Joseph Rowntree Theatre’s Summer School last week, thanks to funding approved by Heworth Ward’s Labour councillors.
The Summer School provided places for nine children from Heworth communities keen to develop and show off their acting abilities, with this summer’s performance an abridged version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, adapted by writer PDG Harrison.
Heworth Labour Councillor Bob Webb said:
“We’re delighted to agree funding for children from all parts of the ward to attend the summer school and to be inspired by their experiences. Frances Simon, who runs the summer school, is so passionate about the power of performance on developing children and young people and I’m pleased we could find a small way of helping to make this happen. It’s important that children have opportunities over the summer break to get out and take part in activities, and this is an experience that those involved I’m sure will remember for a long time”.
Summer School Programme Director, Frances Simon said:
“It’s been great to have children from the Heworth area involved in our summer school, and I’m keen to hear from anyone interested in the future through my website www.francessimon.com.
“I also want to thank Alan our stage manager and everyone at Joseph Rowntree Theatre for making us so welcome. The theatre is a fantastic community asset and residents can support its future through its ‘buy a tile’ fundraiser campaign on the JoRo Theatre website. As one of the patrons of the Theatre, I urge people to help if they can”.
Councillor Claire Douglas said:
“We allocate our funding based on our three ward priorities of a healthy and active community, a prosperous, connected community and a safer and cleaner environment. The summer school met two of these priorities for children in Heworth so was a straight-forward decision for us.
“It was fantastic to see Frances, a Heworth resident, pass on her exceptional skills and enthusiasm for theatre to our local children during the 5 day experience. Providing them with the opportunity to perform in front of their friends and families. Culture and the arts are so important for all of our health and wellbeing and allow the children to develop new skills and friendships they’ll take with them into adult life”.