FunSing is a high energy fast pace 4 day school holiday personal capacity building program for 5 to 15 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. They will be held during the Summer holidays if Ballina Players’ does not hold its January youth production.
2018 was the 10th year of FunSing and 31 workshops have been held to date.
Introductory/getting to know you activities and eight 40 minute singing, dancing and drama sessions are held each day in a fun setting. The workshops are held for 6 hours each day. Those attending must provide their own lunch and nibbles as well as water bottle. Casual and comfortable dress to be worn, appropriate shoes (no thongs).
The youth are generally placed in groups according to age ie 5 to 8 years, 9 to 11 years and 12 to 15 years.
Each workshop consists of approximately 60 children/youth (about 20 youth per group). It is common for 2, 3 or 4 children from the one family to attend a workshop. There have been 1,800 attendances at FunSing workshops to date.
Approximately 85% are repeat customers. Many have attended more than 10 workshops.
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. Each group performs a song, dance and drama play. It is provided free of charge. Each child is allocated 2 tickets and the remaining tickets are distributed by way of ballot if additional tickets are sought. Seats are not allocated.
A Person of the Workshop award is presented at each workshop. The winner is judged by their attitude, co-operative approach and effort. The winner receives free attendance at another workshop.
FunSing was created by Kim Hernage and she directs and manages each workshop. She employs specialist singing, drama and dance teachers as well as employing youth to assist with workshop delivery. Kim works closely with staff in the selection of songs, plays and dance routines and their delivery.
Working with Children requirements are met. All attending must agree to adhere to strict behaviour codes.
Enrolment form is to be completed online.