By Isle of Wight Observer
Apollo Youth Theatre is preparing an intergenerational production for the summer, after receiving a £750 donation from Southern Vectis.
The Newport-based group, which welcomes young people aged seven to 23, says the funding will help pay for a professional choreographer for a special show in August.
Director, Mish Whitmore, said the production would bring young performers together, with a local older people’s choir, in a piece exploring intergenerational mental health.
She said the show would look at issues affecting both age groups, including isolation and loneliness, and would combine the choir’s music with physical theatre and dance from youth theatre members.
Miss Whitmore said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our young members to become part of a real community collaboration, learning new dance skills in the process.
“In order to produce such an ambitious piece of theatre, we rely on donations from local people and businesses.
“We’re delighted that Southern Vectis has stepped in with £750, which has allowed us to bring in a skilful choreographer. We can’t wait to bring this production to life in August.”
Apollo Youth Theatre runs weekly sessions from 10am to 12noon on Saturdays, with extra rehearsals on Saturday afternoons and Sundays.
Membership costs £2 a week.
Southern Vectis operations manager, Simon Moye, said the group was exactly the kind of organisation the company’s community fund was designed to support.
Anyone wishing to donate or join can do so via the Apollo Youth Theatre Facebook page.
