Saturday, March 28, 2015

Interview with Sarah Boulos on SPAN@10 by Tamo Iruene


When a web search is conducted of organizations that support youth, dozens of websites will lead you to resources for enterprise, entrepreneurship and even football.  But what of the youth whose experience in sports leads them to feelings of failure? Or those that can never create anything with their hands to save their lives?
Do the same web search of organizations in the performing arts and find…. very, very little. 
  
A vibrant Theatre Arts presence in a community brings other benefits as well.  It can bring in tourism  - and a steady cash flow to business owners.

The Society for The Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), a performing arts institution that combines Nigerian cultural traditions with world-class training, creating a platform to nurture and release creative potential in art, dance and music has been in existence for 10 years.

10 years that have not been without their challenges, their highs and their memorable moments.

Sarah Boulos in her capacity as Founder and Chairman of The Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria has trained and or contributed to over five hundred individuals in the professional field. SPAN has showcased and partnered with over 100 NGO’s and Mission work as well as provided on a yearly basis over thirty jobs in the entertainment industry.

In a No Holds Barred interview with Mrs. Boulos, she had this to say

Why did SPAN start?
Because it was needed and I was ready to serve and today the industry is soaring with professional performing artists hired and owning private businesses. SPAN, BORN OUT of a GOD GIVEN VISION IS PURPOSE DRIVEN AND PURPOSE DRIVEN MISSION are ignited because of a need and the need is to educate and present performing artists  to provide them with job opportunities and present their art and for children to develop themselves in an area of education that is missing in Nigeria.

Was it difficult being accepted by Nigerians?
It was when we first started but not as much now because the Nigerian community can now see the benefits of the performing arts and what it brings to the community, like new job opportunities , a better and healthier lifestyle, a creative energy in the economy, a positive outlook on our city and A reduction in the poverty line.

What challenges did you face?
To build awareness and educate the audience that this project is very much needed in our society and industry.
At the beginning, banks did not take me seriously and now they are hiring and sponsoring my student programs. Fundraising was also a major challenge and now it’s a lot easier, people are considering sponsoring the arts!!

What is different now…from 10 yrs ago?
Because the industry has opened partly due to our work there is more hope to see a performing art center built and a place for young people to learn and develop themselves and pursue their career in the performing arts because of our success stories in the Industry.

THE STIGMA, THOUGH STILL PRESENT IS NOT AS STRONG!

Do you regret any of the decisions you made then?
No, only when I get tired and desire to quit then a young child gives me a flower or I receive an encouraging word from one of my students then I know how precious and needed my services are.

What would you do things differently if you had the chance?
Yes I would, in certain areas of communication and who I partner with but in general the journey is necessary in every dream as we must learn lessons in order to grow

What does SPAN @ 10 mean to you in a nutshell?
A place where our citizens are educated , entertained and inspired for more through the performing arts .

What do you expect the show to accomplish?
The show will reinforce our vision and the need to develop more educational programs and to build a place to accommodate students and citizens to explore the wonders of the performing arts.


Wednesday, March 25, 2015

OUR PICTURE STORY by Tamo Iruene


Helen O'Grady, a time of learning, friendship, communion and definitely fun
Role playing, dramatizing, practice… the order of the day
   
 Our dedicated groomers not only ensure that your children have fun learning but that they are also kept safe when away from home
  
The theatre is not just about acting, a lot of work goes into making a production…like the scenes and props
   



Discipline can never be underrated...
    
  ...if the best is to emerge
Diction and elocution classes
   
The PROUD class of 2014

   
Nature walk at the Lekki Conservation Centre


  An avenue for the children to get more in tune with their environs

  




Swimming, a form exercise that is isn't seen as work

    
Your children shouldn't miss the experience

We are gearing up for an even better experience this year, don’t be left out!

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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

DRAMA CLASSES...

The learning and fun never ends at Helen O'Grady...
be a part of this movement, enroll your children today

It is possible for a student to enroll with the Academy and attend classes for 15 years without ever repeating a lesson! 



The sliding scale of language development, built into the curriculum, enables students of different ages and abilities to relate readily to the program and to progress at the rate most suitable to their present needs.