Overview
FunSing was created in 2009. The Director and Manager of the FunSing program is Kristen Lodge. Kristen oversee’s ever workshop that is held in Ballina.
Specialist singing, drama and dance teachers are employed to professionally assist the children. We also employ teachers assistants. We draw on these assistants from the talent base of previous FunSing mentors, Ballina Players youth performers and Arts University students. Working with Children requirements are met.
FunSing is a high energy fast pace 4 day school holiday personal capacity building program for 6 to 17 year olds held in Ballina NSW.
Those attending experience dance routines, sing songs and learn drama plays to performance level. They develop new skills, make new friends and have lots of fun. Developing young people’s self esteem, confidence and social interaction skills are core outcomes of the program.
Workshops are held regularly during the Autumn, Winter and Spring school holidays at the Ballina Players’ Theatre.
Ballina Players’ produce a Junior Production during the Summer school Holidays. In the past, many children that have attended the FunSing workshops have gone onto to receive major and minor roles for these spectacular, professional theatre productions.
Program
Introductory/getting to know you, activities and sessions in singing, dancing and drama are held each day in a fun environment.
The workshops are held for 6 hours each day. Those attending must provide their own lunch and nibbles as well as water bottle. Appropriate casual and comfortable clothes to be worn,(no mini shorts or mid drifts) and appropriate comfortable sport shoes (no thongs, sandals or boots).
A concert on stage under lights is provided on the last day of the workshop at 5:00pm. It is an opportunity for the children to showcase what they have learnt over the 4 days. Therefore, it is importannt that children must attend all 4 days of the workshop. Each group performs a song, dance and drama play. It is provided free of charge. Each family is allocated 1 ticket at present due to COVID seating numbers.
Who Attend
The youth are generally placed in the 3 groups according to age ie 6 to 17 years. Groups are age specific depending on the number of enrolments applicable to their ages. Children/youth from approx. 21 schools in the area attend each workshop.
Each workshop consists of approximately 60 children/youth (about 20 youth per group), group numbers at present smaller due to restrictions. It is common for 2, 3 or 4 children from the one family to attend a workshop. There have been over 3100+ attendances at FunSing Workshop to date:
Approximately 90% are repeat customers. Many have attended more than 18+ workshops.
How to Book
Enrolment form is to be completed online. All attending must agree to adhere to strict behaviour codes.
Payment of fee is by direct deposit.
Children are required to attend all for days of the workshop including the concert as this is does affect the outcome of the show should they not attend.
The fee is non refundable unless special circumstances warrant it (eg cancellation of workshop, injury, serious family issue). Refunds are only given when notification is given 4 days prior to the commencement of the workshop.