On the face of it, there isn’t much in common between Theatre Royal Stratford East and West Ham United Foundation - bar their Stratford location, of course.
But the two have teamed up to launch a creative programme set to run in two of the borough’s schools.
The scheme, named Creative Words, will see the organisations deliver a creative arts, poetry, drama and spoken word programme at Kingsford Community School and Royal Docks Community School until March next year.
It will work with vulnerable young people to boost their attainment in both English literature and language, as well as providing opportunities to boost their confidence through interactive sessions and a celebratory performance at the theatre.
Artistic director Nadia Fall said “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with West Ham United Foundation to launch the Creative Words programme.
“It’s a unique and vital opportunity that will give young people a platform to share their stories and explore their creativity. This is a chance to help encourage and support local young talent and we are so excited to be part of that.”
The programme will provide a stepping stone for young people looking for a career in the creative industry to then transfer onto West Ham United Foundation’s film school programme once they have finished their GCSEs.
Joe Lyons, chief executive of the Foundation said “Our aim is to ensure our local young people have unique and inspiring opportunities to succeed, and this wonderful new initiative will play a key part in that.
“I am looking forward to seeing the programme develop, and am already looking forward to the celebratory performance.”
The scheme follows a successful pilot at Kingsford Community School, in Kingsford Way, Beckton, last year.
The school’s literacy co-ordinator, Lydia Casey, said: “The Creative Words programme will be a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to develop their creativity, communication and confidence skills.
“We are very much looking forward to seeing the progress that the students have made over the course of the project.”
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