PRESS RELEASE
AECC DELEGATES EXPERIENCE UNCOMFORTABLE SHOES!
(Aberdeen, 4 th November 2005) A musical treat was in store for delegates at the AECC on 4 th November 2005 when Aberdeen Theatre in Education company, Live Wire Productions, put a group of local schoolchildren on stage to introduce 'Uncomfortable Shoes', a new musical resource for schools, written and composed by Sharon Marsh and supported by Shell U.K Limited.
Delegates at the 'Alcohol Recovery - A Natural Progression?' conference gave the 14 young performers, aged from 8 to 17, a warm reception as they sang and danced their way through the upbeat and original score. Their performance was interspersed with narration by Jonathan Vickers of Hazlehead Academy and Torry Academy's James Morrison, urging the audience to imagine what life might be like in someone else's shoes rather than pass judgement.
Shell's Deirdre Michie t hanked the children afterwards before presenting them with their Certificates of Achievement. Deirdre said, "We are delighted to support 'Uncomfortable Shoes' for schools in the hope that it will improve the lives of disadvantaged young people. We believe that 'Uncomfortable Shoes' will be a valuable resource for every P6 to S2 classroom in Scotland."
'Uncomfortable Shoes' is a curricula linked, musical resource for children, sensitively addressing important social issues, including drug and alcohol misuse, bullying, depression and young carers. The resource was commissioned by Aberdeen's JADAT (Joint Alcohol & Drugs Action Team) in 2003 to let children know that they are not alone and encourage those affected to speak out about their concerns, need for support, understanding and practical help.
This Shell supported resource includes a publication containing scripts and sheet music, CD backing track, vocal track and all the information that schools require to stage a musical that can be performed to parents, peers and the wider community.
Also included is a DVD presenting the issues in an entertaining yet thought-provoking manner, plus an interactive CD-ROM containing games, fact sheets and curricula-linked activity suggestions for the classroom. Primary schools will also receive an additional, shorter script, ideal for assemblies, ensuring an extremely flexible resource.
Vanessa Chew, Managing Director of Live Wire Productions, said, "We are extremely grateful to Shell for supporting 'Uncomfortable Shoes'. The programme will undoubtedly make a difference to the wellbeing and emotional development of young people."
Ends
For more information contact Lavinia Carr on 0790 000 6208.
Email: lavinia@laviniacarr.com
or Vanessa Chew, Live Wire Productions, on 01224 592777.
Email: vanessa@livewireproductions.org.uk .
Notes to Editors:
1. Live Wire Productions (est 1994), an award winning Aberdeen based Theatre in Education company, is a unique resource for schools, the community and organisations seeking to improve understanding and assist in changing attitudes through drama, reaching audiences of over 15,000 last year alone.
2. Supported by Shell, 'Uncomfortable Shoes' is a curricula linked musical resource for children, sensitively addressing important social issues, including drug and alcohol misuse, bullying, depression and young carers.
3. The issues surrounding problematic drug and alcohol use for adults have been recognised both locally and nationally for some time. However, it is only recently that we have begun to acknowledge the impact that this can have on children.
We are increasingly trying to think of more creative ways to engage with children, and also how to best support those children who are most in need in an integrated and non-stigmatising manner.
'Uncomfortable Shoes', as a play that can be supported within the mainstream curriculum, meets all of the above. The play encourages children to consider what it might be like to grow up where parents/carers have problems with their drug/alcohol use, and also offers those children who are growing up in these environments an opportunity to think about the impact this has on their lives, and hopefully speak with others about any difficulties they may be experiencing.
The resource pack for teachers that supports the play, offers teachers the opportunity to consider the possible impact of problematic substance use on children, and hopefully educates, encourages and supports teachers in responding to the needs of children who may be affected."
Stephanie Nisbet
JADAT Development Officer - Children & Young People
4. The children taking part in the performance of 'Uncomfortable Shoes' were:
Matthew Adam, Kendal Adebowale, Paloma Gray, Laura Main, Natalie Mair, Carly McPherson, Rebecca Morrice, James Morrison, Eilidh O'Carroll, Emily Pirie, Jonathan Vickers, Rhuairidh Walker, Shona Wass and Amy Wilson