For many years Westcliff Rotary has supported the students of The Mushroom Theatre Company who are supporters of their sister organisation EPPA (Charity No 1116649). The aim of the group is to promote the benefits of the performing arts, coupled with the aim of creating a fully inclusive Theatre Company for the community. They integrate disabled and able bodied children in all classes and performances. This approach is beneficial for everyone and helps to break down barriers that might exist .
After 14 years of hard work the charity has realised their dream of a purpose built studio theatre but Covid 19 has jeopardised all this hard work as funding opportunities have dried up. It is critical that the studio is fitted out to a deserving standard and offers a professional ambience which will boost the achievement potential of the students. We need to raise money for Lighting, Audio Equipment, Backdrops, Drapes and Curtains to complete the theatre and provide an opportunity for everyone
By completing this project, the theatre will be able to provide a long lasting, sustainable facility which will serve the community as a whole, both disabled and able bodied performers and technicians. A place for everyone. Facilities such as this are very rare so the positive benefits to all young people working in this kind of environment cannot be over estimated.
It is anticipated that the increase engagement and therefore the benefits of this kind of interaction could be as much as 50 - 90%. Children's self esteem can only be enhanced and this will come with being included rather than excluded as is so often the case in most theatre settings.
