Wokingham

Young people from the Wokingham district have organised a performing arts group called Rising Talent and they are looking for new talent to join the group!

The Wokingham project is aimed at young people aged between 11 and 16 years who are interested in taking part and producing various events such as singing, drama and dancing. The project is being co-ordinated by Wokingham youth club member Hayley Smith, aged 15, from Bracknell.

Rising Talent meets every Wednesday between 7pm and 9pm at Wokingham Youth and Community Centre, Reading Road, Wokingham. Young people wishing to join the group must become members of Wokingham youth club, which costs £1.50 for yearly membership and 50 pence for each session thereafter.

Wokingham District council youth worker Cyril Sansum, who is supporting the group, said: “We have a number of regular events which take place throughout the year involving talented young people from all over the Wokingham district, such as the recent Academy Showcase at Bearwood College and the ever popular Pop Idol contest.

“The idea behind the Rising Talent performing arts project allows young people to continue improving their skills and improves their self confidence by participating and managing events on a regular basis. There’s a great number of talented youngsters in the district and with additional professional coaching, there’s every chance we could be looking at the stars of tomorrow.”

South Hill Park Arts Centre will also be offering its services to young people joining the workshop. Gail Babb, education and outreach officer for South Hill Park Arts Centre, said: “The arts has always been used as a vehicle for reflecting, exploring and commenting on society. I am particularly interested in using the arts with young people because I believe that they can benefit greatly from having a platform to explore and discuss issues that are important to them.

“An involvement in the arts helps develop good team work, communication and problem solving skills. It also increases confidence, raises self-esteem and is a lot of fun. It's a shame we're not all doing it!”

Any young people wishing to join the group, should simply drop in to the youth centre on a Wednesday evening or contact Wokingham district council youth worker Cyril Sansum on (0118) 978 3610 for more information.

Wokingham District Council