The Stage

Hands on arts

Published Friday 29 September 2006 at 17:15

We at Polka Theatre have followed with great interest the recent debate about the nature of modern childhood and its effects on the mental health and general wellbeing of today’s children and young people. We share many of the concerns, and indeed we strive to relieve the pressures put on young people by offering them inspiring theatre and hands on arts activities.

Many studies have shown the strong positive effects of participation in the arts on the mental health of children and young people. Drama, art, craft, dance - they are all ways for children to express thoughts and feelings, learn social and communication skills without the aid of a mobile phone, and ‘unplug’ from the world of iPods, computers and games consoles. Experienced workshop leaders and facilitators, sign language interpreters, special needs experts and many other talented staff bring stories, ideas and images to life, and encourage self-expression, self-confidence, imagination and creativity.

While participation is certainly powerful, so too is attending arts events as an audience member. Going to the theatre as a family is not just a chance to spend quality time together. Sharing in laughter and sadness, discovering history, or just being drawn into a story together creates memories which will be treasured, forms a powerful shared emotional experience between parents and children, teachers and students. It can open the heart, make you think, wonder, feel.

We think Polka is special but there are of course many other fantastic companies across the UK who create wonderful child-centred arts experiences. All of us struggle for sufficient funding to continue to extend our work, making it available and accessible to more children and for profile in the national press. What could be more of a priority than positive creative experiences for our children and young people? One visit may not change their lives completely but it is a magical place to start. Who knows what five, ten, 50 or 100 more visits could do.

Paul Windsor

Chairman

Polka Theatre

The Broadway

Wimbledon

London

SW19