Blaize's theatre arts workshop for all children

Hi, I’m Blaize and I am currently a fourth-year vocal studies student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

For my final major project at university, I have planned to organise and run a weekly music and theatre workshop during the spring term of 2024, for key stage 2 children; aimed primarily at those children who do not usually have the opportunity to access workshops like this.

Aimed at Key stage 2 children, from 7 to 11 years old, these workshops will offer experience in all areas of music theatre and performance; including dance, mime, drama, and singing. Children will also be given the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience at the end of the process; working with professional musicians.

Music will include medleys from well-known West-End musicals but will also include an opera medley, arranged specifically for the children to perform at this workshop; using music from children’s opera choruses and well-known opera ‘classics’.

I passionately believe that music and the performing arts are an equaliser for all and that they give every child, whatever their background, the opportunity to explore and develop their identity, whilst growing in confidence and self-worth.

Why I need your help

I am setting up this crowdfunder to help raise money to pay for the relevant elements and people that are needed to make this workshop happen.

Although I will be supported by some volunteer staff too (all DBS checked of course), there will be some professional musician expenses to cover – along with the cost of all resources and materials and of course, the venue hire. This has all been collated into a budget spreadsheet to inform my fundraising goal of £2,800.

I need your generous help with funding to enable me to carry out this worthwhile project in a safe and positive learning environment.

Objectives

• To give all children, whatever their background, the opportunity to experience music theatre and performance arts classes, which they may not otherwise be able to do.

• To provide a fully inclusive programme of study in a safe, healthy and professional learning environment, that enthuses children and instils a sense of self-confidence within them.

• To give children the opportunity to explore different genres of music theatre, develop creative and performance skills and a knowledge and understanding for working with others in rehearsal and performance.

• To give children the exhilarating experience of live performance with professional musicians.

My Background

At the age of 10, I was offered a place with the Royal Opera House Youth Opera Company; taking part in numerous productions including Bizet’s Carmen on the main-stage at the Royal Opera House. This inspired me to continue my journey to one day become a professional opera singer and so, when I continued my classical vocal training at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, every Saturday, from the age of 14 until I reached 18.

As well as my classical training on Saturdays, I also received 3 years of Musical Theatre training at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and studied drama for two years at Tring Park Performing Arts School, before starting as a full-time vocal studies student at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

This summer I worked as trainee Director and Musical Director with the Garsington Youth Opera, who pride themselves on delivering musical experience to children who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity.

I saw first-hand how music empowers children from all backgrounds; as they come together to create inclusive, moving theatre.

My fourth-year project has been inspired by my recent work with the Garsington Youth Opera.

Please help me to achieve my goal.

Thank you,

Blaize x