Arts Ambassadors recruited to boost youth audiences

Arts Ambassadors recruited to boost youth audiences

Secondary school students in Nelson, Blenheim and Ashburton are being offered free seats to shows and the chance to meet stars like the Kids of 88 as part of a programme aimed at encouraging young people to go to the theatre.

The Top of the South Arts Touring Consortium has introduced the Arts Ambassadors Programme under the Creative New Zealand funding it received earlier this year to promote New Zealand artists in the regions.

The Theatre Royal Nelson, Nelson School of Music, the Ashburton Events Centre and Marlborough Civic Theatre are the consortium partners, and spokeswoman Janice Marthen of Nelson¹s Theatre Royal says this fantastic opportunity¹ is being offered throughout the regions¹ secondary schools right now.

³There¹s a generation out there that doesn¹t know a world without Facebook ¬ there¹s just loads of stuff competing for their time and attention,² Janice said.

³We¹d like to open them up to the difference between watching something on YouTube and being in a darkened room with a group of strangers watching while something magic is created right in front of you.²

The consortium is looking for students with a strong interest in the arts, though they don¹t need previous experience. They will receive complimentary tickets to this year¹s four touring shows and some help to develop theatre reviewing skills through writing reviews that will go on the venue websites.

It¹s also hoped ambassadors will share their experiences with their school peers in class presentations, and they will also have the opportunity to attend workshops where they can speak with leading industry professionals.

Each school can nominate one ambassador from Year 11 to 13, and the selected ambassador will be able to buy a ticket for a friend at a discounted rate.

The four shows being toured by the consortium this year are the Kids of 88 (March), Black Grace (May), Improv The Musical (August) and Station to Station (September).

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