FEATURE ARTICLE
Touchstone – Volume 31
The perks of performi
It’s no secret performing arts can do
wonders for building confidence and
allowing self-expression, but we wanted
to explore the other benefits that may
not be quite so obvious.
We spoke to some fantastic people
involved in a range of performing arts
about the perks from their perspective,
and how it can impact the lives of people
with and without disabilities. So, as they
say in show business; sit back, relax and
enjoy!
Tim Brown is the Arts Manager for Access
Arts, an organisation that offers a range of
performing arts workshops to people
living with disability or disadvantage.
Coming from a ballet and professional
dance background, Tim says there is a lot
to gain from getting involved in dance,
drama, singing and music.
“People want to be as independent and
expressive as they can be, so we just
provide the support for them to do that,”
he said.
Tanya
Julie
Tim said practice and discipline are
essential and rewarding, and this applies
to everyone.
“The arts do demand discipline; they
demand that you do something at least
every day. Whether that’s working on your
fine motor skills, or stretching out, or
warming up your vocal chords, you have
to do it often otherwise it’s too hard,” he
said.
But your discipline and practice always
pays off… and not just in your art form.
“Working on these skills can translate to
other areas of your life as well, like
studying or travelling or doing something
out of your comfort zone; anything that
requires discipline or mobility,” said Tim.
“Then there’s the benefit of learning. You
are always learning new techniques,
learning what you like and don’t like, and
learning about all the amazing things you
can accomplish.
Tim
“People want a safe and inclusive space
where they can feel comfortable and
confident, and really focus on their art.”
4
“I always look forward to seeing what
everyone comes up with in the workshops
– we have some really imaginative people
in our Access Arts community!”
Tanya McCabe is part of the Access Arts
Singers group and the Screech Arts Activ8
group. Tanya has been involved in creative
and performing arts for as long as she can