About two
months ago I was asked to become patron of "Ariel Company
Theatre". I had never heard of ‘Ariel’. Burgess Hill and East
Grinstead were, as far as I was concerned a very long way away!
I had been
asked to become a patron in the past and had always politely
declined. Citing that I was either "too busy", "it's just not
the right time" and "I wouldn't be patron at this drama school
even if it was the last one on earth.” O.K. so I didn't say that
last one but I wanted to at times, believe me!
So I came to
Ariel one Saturday morning, it wasn't quite raining but the
heavens were getting very dark and this painted an ominous
picture whilst driving down the A23. But to my delight, from the
moment I walked into ‘Ariel Drama Academy’ I knew. Firstly from
the large amount of students ranging from 5 – 20 years of age.
They all so obviously wanted to be there at the Academy. The
staff so professional, attuned, caring, patient and, above all,
challenging the kids and not baby sitting them! By demonstrating
a passion and enabling the students to learn, work and discover,
while never losing sight of their own uniqueness. This is
something some full-time performance schools fail to grasp. Oh,
and they made me a really nice cup of tea with biscuits as well.
How are you going to say NO after that! I could go on,
talking
about the wonderful shows they have staged to such a
professional level, but I'm sure you have, or will, discover all
this for yourselves-Maybe not the nice cup of tea part but most
definitely go see the productions!
On
a broader note I think the lessons you can learn, besides the
obvious technical ones, are the most valuable of all: starting
to get to know yourself; building confidence and self-esteem,
which can be taken out into the wider world; a sense of pride
and achievement; and who knows, if you stay with it, the
beginnings of a long and interesting career.
I am passionate about what I do for a living, and in ‘Ariel’ I
have found a company that equals my passion if not goes beyond
it! It is with all this in mind that I say YES! YES! YES! to
becoming their patron.
