Empowering teen cultural ambassadors

TEENAGE musicians, performers, singers, dancers and aspiring cultural ambassadors are invited to participate in the Inspired Stages holiday programme at GrandWest from December 14 to 18, from 10am to 4pm.

Founded by Karen Burt and Gavin Taylor, the programme will see 150 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 attend a series of music and performance focussed workshops.

The young participants will have access to world-class facilities, venues, stages, and equipment, as well as local and international artists and performers, who will share their knowledge.

Inspired Stages does more than look to grow tomorrow’s cultural diplomats’ artistic ability though, it also develops self-esteem, self-worth and selfdiscovery in the participants, who come from different cultural backgrounds, but are united by their common passion for the performing arts.

Everyone is encouraged to join in, and no performance experience is required.

While guided and mentored by Burt and Taylor, Inspired Stages is actually run by the teenagers themselves. Teenage directors drawn from previous workshops head up the four sections – dance, vocals, band and production.

Together, they will choreograph and produce the finale – which will be staged at GrandWest on December 18 at 7pm. Entry to the showcase is free.