When I was at school I wasn't very confident and my self-esteem wasn't great. Drama wasn't available at my school, but when my A-level English group when to Stratford we did a workshop with the RSC.
To be honest, I was terrified of being asked to do something embarrassing, of looking foolish and of people laughing at me. However, I was fascinated and kicked myself for not giving it a go. A few months later we did another workshop, but this time I threw myself at it and I loved it! I felt so confident and free.
I've worked in theatre ever since and I set up Theatre Workout to give other young people that same positive theatre experience I had all those years ago.
I see the effect drama has on kids every day and I see them grow, gain confidence and play.
I did two workshops yesterday: the first for a French secondary school group who spoke very little English and had no drama experience; the second a primary school group who had loads of drama experience. Both groups were brilliant, but the confidence and enthusiasm of the second group was apparent as soon as they walked through the door.
Drama makes such a difference to all aspects of kids education. That's why I do what I do and why we need your support to stay in Virgin's Voom competition, and why we need your vote!
If you haven't already done so, please vote for us now - the deadline is 23rd May and we need to stay in the top 80 to get shortlisted.
Go to https://www.vmbvoom.com/pitches/theatre-workout-the-next-ten-years to cast your vote.
Tell your friends, family, colleagues and students, get them to vote too.
The link again is https://www.vmbvoom.com/pitches/theatre-workout-the-next-ten-years.
Thank you,
Adam