A fundraising appeal to ensure more young
people with autism can reap the benefits from
the transformational power of the performing
arts was the subject of a visit to Prior's Court by
a TV news crew.
ITV Meridian News visited us in May to film a report on our
campaign to fundraise for the build of an innovative and
ground-breaking performing arts centre
on our site.
The Let Me Shine Performing Arts Centre
will feature adapted facilities to support
young people with complex autism to
access opportunities in music, dance and
drama and the life-enriching benefits
these provides.
The filming of the news piece featured a
drumming session which young people
Kayleigh, Peter, Brandon and Zak took
part in. Kayleigh was also interviewed for
the news item, as was Autism Practitioner
and musician Tomson
TV visit to raise awareness
of arts centre appeal
Chauke and our Director of Young People's Learning Sue Piper.
The appeal has also featured in local newspapers and on local
radio to raise awareness.
Individuals with autism face many barriers to accessing the
arts - from light and noise sensitivities, to understanding
of social rules - and one aim of the centre is to mimic
theatre environments to prepare young people to
access arts venues in the community successfully.
This is in addition to having the opportunity dayto-day
to express themselves creatively in a
dedicated, bespoke space.
Tailored facilities at the centre, the conversion
of our existing "school hall"-style space, will
include:
l An area for drama and theatre work, ideal for
hosting touring companies and groups, with
specialised acoustics and light control controls
to better support inclusion.
l Two music rooms for large instrument work
and music therapy space.
l A dance studio featuring retracting hidden
mirrors and a sprung floor.
l An outdoor learning area and a breakout
room, both to suit individual learning
needs.
l Foyer and reception area to support
vocational learning.
For more information, see the
"appeals" section of our website.
For donation queries, see Prior's
Court's website or contact