Take2 Performing Arts School

2013 is a milestone year for me as my business ‘Take2 Performing Arts School & Casting Agency’ celebrates its 25th year.

I had been wondering how to mark this occasion, and when the Hope Foundation approached me as an experienced Drama teacher to take part & facilitate in their 'Performance with a Difference' project it seemed like the perfect way.

The 'Performance with a Difference' project is an unique opportunity to bring the benefits of Drama and the Performing Arts to the children in HOPE's Protection Homes.

It is also a way to raise much needed funds for HOPE which is an Irish Charity who work towards getting the children off the streets of Calcutta (now Kolkata) and providing them with a better quality of life.

Currently there are around 250,000 children living on the streets and slums in Kolkata.

These children have very little food or clean water. They beg for a living or rummage in scrap-heaps for materials to eat or sell.

At night they sleep on pavements at the side of the road with barely even a blanket for protection.

Every day they face the very real risk of being abused, trafficked or forced into prostitution.

The Hope Foundation believe it should never hurt to be a child and have worked with street children since 1999 to provide education, healthcare, protection, nutrition and above all a