A WOKINGHAM group that loves learning has shown its support for young people’s education by donating a gift to Wokingham Youth Theatre.
David Canning and Anne Haycocks from The Arts Society Wokingham met Wokingham Youth Theatre director Diane Hogg and Wokingham Theatre chair Claire Lawrence in the theatre foyer.
And because they arrived on a Thursday evening, they were able to meet some of the young people about to start their Wokingham Youth Theatre Intermediate class.
The society gifted a cheque for £500, will be used to support less advantaged youngsters who would otherwise be unable to access youth theatre sessions.
David Canning said: “At our meetings adults are able to enjoy learning through the lectures we provide.
But we also like to contribute to the community at large, and especially look for ways to support children in education.
“So it’s a great pleasure to be able to support Wokingham Youth Theatre which provides learning opportunities for young people.”
Anne Haycocks is passionate about children’s arts education, and is keenly involved with WASMA, which gives youngsters an opportunity to perform annually at The Hexagon Theatre.
She said: “We’ve contributed money this year to four local primary schools and two secondary schools already, to support a variety of dance, drama, theatre and photography projects across the arts.
“So when we were thinking about another local youth group to support, I remembered how I myself had once benefited from being a member of a youth theatre group in Bristol.
“Donating to Wokingham Youth Theatre seemed to be an inspired choice.”
Diane Hogg said: “We’re very grateful to The Arts Society Wokingham.
“With this gift we will be able to support youngsters with a desire to learn, who might not otherwise have that opportunity to benefit from our drama classes.”
Wokingham Youth Theatre classes enable young people to practice improvisational decision-making, and to come up with creative ideas and stories.
And through the fun (and challenges) of drama, they learn to trust each and to recognise that everyone’s contribution has value.
Weekly classes during term times lead to showcase performances at Christmas and in the summer, and a major production for senior students in February half term – all on the theatre’s main stage.
The Arts Society Wokingham meets monthly to hear from knowledgeable and entertaining experts about all aspects of the arts, including; painting, sculpture, literature, theatre and the art and culture of ancient civilisations.
Its members meet on the third Monday of every month (except August and December) at King’s Academy, Binfield.
For information, visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk and theartssocietywokingham.org.uk
