Our next charity is Yn Draamey (Charity 1312), a youth theatre project which aims to advance the performing arts in the Isle of Man.

The group is in the process of relaunching after the first Covid-19 lockdown forced them to cancel their production of ’The Witches’ - the night before the first performance in March 2020.

As Susannah put it: ’This was a big blow for us but more so for the young performers.

’We had spent our entire budget on the production, only to discover our event insurance would not cover us in the event of a pandemic.

’To say they were devastated is an understatement!’

why did you form?

Yn Draamey formed in 2020 to address the inequity which currently exists across the sector regarding theatre training for young people.

Training is expensive; and so many are excluded from accessing this powerful life tool.

The trustees of Yn Draamey Youth Theatre Project wished to provide life enhancing opportunities for all young people on the Isle of Man regardless of race, creed, colour or status.

Our aim is to provide theatre training and performance opportunities for all aspiring actors, with or without previous training.

The advantages of theatre training are proven and well documented; a person who has received this type of training is disciplined, confident and positive.

The advantages are beautifully described by Bruce Harpham, chief executive of Project Management Hacks, [who said of] theatre trained employees:

1. They Know When to Improvise

Success on the stage requires the ability to respond to unexpected developments. As the old saying goes, "The show must go on."

Bringing that attitude to the business world means that you will be highly adaptable and able to overcome problems.

2. They Know the Importance of Deadlines

When you perform on stage as an actor, musician or someone else, you quickly learn the importance of deadlines.

In the professional world, showing up for meetings and meeting deadlines day after day are important skills.

3. They Know How to Present

On stage, you are in full view of the audience and your fellow performers.

The confidence to stand in front of people and deliver value is important.

Once you build up your foundation of confidence, you can work to develop the other habits of highly effective communicators.

4. They Make the Most of What They Have

As a performer, you sometimes have to make do with limited support and equipment.

A committed performer finds an alternative solution so that they can deliver a great performance.

In the corporate world, this same attitude is highly valuable.

5. They Know How to Wear Multiple Hats

Delivering a successful stage performance requires contributions from many different people.

The ability to be flexible and take on multiple responsibilities makes a big difference.

Successful people rarely say, "that’s not in my job description."

6. They Know How to Work Long Hours to Achieve a Goal

As you work on a show, long hours are often needed.

In fact, you may be working almost around the clock as opening night approaches.

The mindset to keep working in order to reach a result is valuable when you perform.

It also makes a major difference in the professional world.

You may be working to land a sale or ship a new product. The ability to put in long hours to achieve a goal is a vital success trait.

7. They Know How to Celebrate a Success (Cast Parties!)

Many actors and performers throw a party when they successfully complete opening night.

It’s a long tradition in the performing world.

Organizing a party where you recognize others is an important skill.

8. They Know How to Read Other People

As a performer, you are part of a team that creates a show.

This principle holds true even if you are a solo performer - you have to observe and notice how the audience reacts. Truly outstanding performers observe others and the audience and adjust as they perform.

These observation skills make a difference outside the performing world. With keen observation, you can pick and choose when to raise questions, when to ask for the sale and when to offer help.

What has been your biggest achievement since forming?

Our biggest achievement so far is in securing award winning director, Scott le Crass, to direct our forthcoming show ’The Witches’ by Roald Dahl in May 2022.

Scott has an outstanding track record, particularly in theatre for young people.

We are also particularly pleased and proud that local performer, writer and director David Artus is our official patron.

What is your biggest goal?

Our biggest aim for the future is that Yn Draamey provides performance opportunities for young Manx students who would otherwise not have the chance to experience the benefits of performance training.

A century from now we would like hundreds of young performers to have benefitted from their training and experiences with Yn Draamey.

How can people get involved?

We are currently looking for young Manx performers aged eight to 25 years to sign up for productions.

They will not be charged anything to take part, and previous experience is not necessary.

We are [also] keen for all local performing arts practitioners to get involved, and for members of the public to support our projects.

We are staging a variety show - ’Showtime’ - at the Peel Centenary Centre on March 26 to raise funds.

Please come along and support us and meet the committee and trustees, Dan Palmer, Ruth Barnes, Chris Griffiths, Lynn Dawson, Fiona Helleur, Chris and Susannah Maybury.

where can PEOPLE FIND YOU AND donate?

We are fundraising for Yn Draamey through offering memberships to anyone who wishes to support us.

This will entitle subscribers to discounts on tickets for Yn Draamey performances and advanced information regarding future projects.

We are also appealing to local businesses to support our young people via donations of any size.

We are also thrilled to be the chosen charity of Thalloo Events this year. This has proved invaluable in helping to get our name into the public domain.

If you feel you would like to volunteer your skills or time, please call for a chat.

We particularly need help with website and media, costumes, and make-up, as well as fundraising. If you feel you can help in any way at all, please get in touch.

Tel: Susannah Maybury 431380

Website: www.yndraamey.org.im

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