A Lanarkshire theatre school are on song after receiving funding from the Ross and Liddell Community Bursary Scheme.
Encore Stars Academy is a recipient of the property management company’s fifth funding programme, which provides support to organisations all over Scotland.
The academy was set up in 2013 to allow children from the ages of four and fourteen to participate in musical theatre and give young people an opportunity to enjoy acting, dancing and singing.
The funding received from Ross and Liddell will contribute towards their performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which is taking place in March this year. It will also allow the organisation to buy a projector for the show and future productions. The rest of the funds will go towards props for the set of their show.
Founding member, Allen Hannah said:
“The academy is great for kids who are interested in all aspects of performance, we have around seventy members at the moment and we are continually growing.
“This funding will allow us to grow the academy and accommodate more members as well as improve our shows by buying a projector.
“Our production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is our main priority at the moment however we are also aiming to perform in Orlando in 2017, so this will help us on our way.”
The academy was founded by brother and sister duo, Allen and Kimberley Hannah to give children in the community somewhere to perform. The aim of the academy is to promote enjoyment and help youngsters enjoy performing without the stress of competition.
Classes take place on Tuesdays at Blantyre, Wednesdays in East Kilbride and in Cambuslang on Thursdays.
Ross and Liddell specialises in property management and maintenance, as well as providing a comprehensive range of residential and commercial services, including sales, lettings, surveying and insurance.
Now in its fifth year, the Community Bursary Scheme was launched to provide support to organisations that make a vital difference in their community.
Encore Stars Academy is one of 31 groups to receive funding in this bursary year.
Irene Devenny, managing director of Ross and Liddell, said:
“The bursary has really gone from strength to strength and the number of entries that we received for the 2015 scheme was fantastic.
“It’s so important that organisations like Encore Stars Academy have access to funding sources to ensure young people get the chance to perform and reach their full potential.
“We are thrilled to offer our support and know that the funding will be put to good use.”
60 St Enoch Square