Theatre school’s 25 years celebrated in trip to Oz

THE performing arts school StageWorks is putting on its 25th anniversary show next month.

The Wizard of Oz will be performed at the Kenton Theatre from Monday to Saturday, November 17 to 22.

Its founder, Emma-Jane Taylor, says: “I opened StageWorks in 2000 to give children an opportunity to enjoy something I did as a child, performing. “Performing gave me hope during my younger years and I will always be grateful to have had that opportunity.

“We have taught thousands of children at the performing arts school since we opened and have seen a huge increase in children wanting to take part in our activities across the Thames Valley.

“We’re now back at the theatre to celebrate our 25 years with The Wizard of Oz.

“It’s directed by Lloyd White and choreographed by Caitlin Stevens and Nicky Jaggar-Ryan and our musical director is Caroline Webb.

“We are just thrilled to be back in the theatre working with our community with children from four to 18.

“We work so hard with these kids to give them an experience and it’s not just about going on to be performers. It’s about bringing confidence, determination and self-belief to these young people and helping them understand that they can achieve anything they want to achieve with the right mindset.

“It’s a really exciting time and we’re encouraging all of Henley to come and support the children and the young talent, because we’ve got some incredible talents at StageWorks.”

StageWorks alumni have won Olivier awards and been to Hollywood, adds Emma-Jane.

“A lot of our students have gone on to perform on Broadway, in the West End, in film and television, some have got the red carpet, some are global rockstars.”

The school’s headquarters are in Henley and it has locations in Benson, Caversham, Marlow and Spencers Wood.

Emma-Jane has extensively researched children’s development to ensure the StageWorks team fully aligns when it comes to expanding their confidence, self-belief and determination in the performing arts arena.

“Putting children into the spotlight comes with great responsibility and not all children will take to performing. Our job is to make sure every age safely develops through their years to not over-stimulate and damage their growth, but to enhance the development of their young minds.

“Having done extensive research on brain development in young people, I better understand the damage that can be done by overstimulating young brains. It is why we continue to work very sensitively with the different age groups and abilities at StageWorks, encouraging children gently with the training we offer.”

The team, cast and creatives at StageWorks are all thrilled to be back in Henley and can’t wait to see their fans and help young people to pursue their dreams.

The cast of The Wizard of Oz ranges from the age of four up to the more senior academy students, aged 18 or 19. Every student is an important part of the cast.

It is the classic story of Dorothy Gale and her friends, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion, as they travel through the magical land of Oz to meet the all-powerful Wizard. They want him to grant their dearest wishes — a brain for the Scarecrow, a heart for the Tin Man, courage for the Lion and a way home to Kansas for Dorothy.

Featuring all the beloved songs and characters, the team at StageWorks are looking forward to welcoming audiences back to the Kenton theatre. Following its recent affiliation with Henley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, lots of plans are in place for expansion and collaboration.

“We are thrilled to be back at the Kenton,” says Emma-Jane, “and can’t wait to continue our journey.

“We’re looking at changing things around, doing more shows, giving children more experiences and just stepping up another gear for the next 25 years really. We’re obviously back in the theatre and rebuilding everything is just really exciting for us. It’s a continued growth for StageWorks in that we’re going to start introducing new, more productions and more opportunities for children and will be launching more of that at the end of this year.

“Like every business StageWorks has struggled but we’re back, we’re excited and we’re bigger and better than ever.”

l StageWorks performing arts school presents its 25th anniversary show, The Wizard of Oz, at the Kenton Theatre in New Street, Henley, from Monday, November 17 to Saturday, November 22 at 7pm. There is a Saturday matinée show at 1pm. Tickets cost £20.75 adults, £17.75 seniors, £14.75 students and under-16s. For more information, call the box office on (01491) 525050 or visit thekenton.org.uk