Overview
FunSing was created by Kim Hernage in 2009 and she directed and managed each workshop. In July 2019 Kim passed the FunSing program to Kristen Lodge and she is looking forward to continuing the traditions as the new Director and Manager of your FunSing workshop.
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 5 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. They will be held during the Summer holidays if Ballina Players’ does not hold its January youth production.
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.
Program
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. Appropriate casual and comfortable clothes to be worn,(no mini shorts) 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. 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.
Who Attend
The youth are generally placed in groups according to age ie 5 to 8 years, 9 to 11 years and 12 to 17 years. Children/youth from approx. 18 schools in the area attend each workshop.
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 over 1,800 attendances at FunSing workshops to date.
Approximately 85% are repeat customers. Many have attended more than 10 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. The fee is non refundable unless special circumstances warrant it (eg cancellation of workshop, sudden illness or injury, serious family issue etc).
Note – Bookings for the Sept – Oct workshop opens 1 September.