A Drama and Theatre Arts graduate from St Mary’s University, Twickenham has set up a music school for young people and adults with learning disabilities with hopes to expand his venture to other areas of the UK, Ireland and India.
Aaron Evans, who graduated in 2013, delivers the arts programme for the residents of Barnet in conjunction with a major London theatre company, an up-coming dance company, and government youth services.
He was inspired to open the music school after undertaking a youth theatre work placement during his final semester at St Mary’s. He said, “I spent two weeks working as technical support in a youth theatre in North London. During my time I got involved with lots of different projects and even started volunteering at two weekly sessions as part of the young people’s art programme. From this I saw the necessity of arts programmes for young people with special needs, and was inspired by a theatre company who are residents in the centre to set up my own company.”
Aaron recognises that working with people with disabilities brings new challenges everyday but feels that drama and music provides an escape to everyday life. He adds, “Drama and music is expressive by nature; it allows young people to free themselves from the shackles of everyday school life and share how they're feeling in a safe environment. It's always difficult working with vulnerable young people, as you begin to get a real understanding of how different two lives can be.
“In addition to this, as part of our agreement with the council, we take on young offenders and offer free places on our courses to vulnerable young people. I strongly believe that supporting the community in this way will change the lives of young people and offer them opportunities that may not necessarily be readily available to them.”
Some of the work that Aaron has done with his students includes performing 12 shows within the year, from showcasing work to family and friends to full scale productions including opportunities to take part in workshops and short courses.
Speaking of his time at University, Aaron said, “St Mary’s Drama and Theatre Arts programme gave me all round training in a theatre; from acting to stage management, to lighting and, my preferred discipline, sound and music.
“I felt that this course would offer me the most opportunity for work once I graduated as it would equip me with all the basic skills necessary to venture out into the world of work and then really begin to master working in a theatre.”
Aaron was also influenced by the community spirit of St Mary’s small campus, something which stood out to him along with being located near to London and great transport links to visit friends and family around the country.
He added, “St Mary's offered me so many wonderful opportunities as part of my course. My fondest memories are those spent working on productions. My favourite would have to be the first I worked on Oh What a Lovely War, back in 2010. It was such an eye opener to how music and theatre can be combined and I honestly think I owe the work I do now to the Programme Director Patsy Burn.
“I would advise current students to get involved as much as you can. Never say no to any work you are given; paid or otherwise. Spend as much time in the theatre as possible and if you want to learn something new, don't be afraid to ask and just give it a go.”
He was inspired to open the music school after undertaking a youth theatre work placement during his final semester at St Mary’s. He said, “I spent two weeks working as technical support in a youth theatre in North London. During my time I got involved with lots of different projects and even started volunteering at two weekly sessions as part of the young people’s art programme. From this I saw the necessity of arts programmes for young people with special needs, and was inspired by a theatre company who are residents in the centre to set up my own company.”
Aaron recognises that working with people with disabilities brings new challenges everyday but feels that drama and music provides an escape to everyday life. He adds, “Drama and music is expressive by nature; it allows young people to free themselves from the shackles of everyday school life and share how they're feeling in a safe environment. It's always difficult working with vulnerable young people, as you begin to get a real understanding of how different two lives can be.
“In addition to this, as part of our agreement with the council, we take on young offenders and offer free places on our courses to vulnerable young people. I strongly believe that supporting the community in this way will change the lives of young people and offer them opportunities that may not necessarily be readily available to them.”
Some of the work that Aaron has done with his students includes performing 12 shows within the year, from showcasing work to family and friends to full scale productions including opportunities to take part in workshops and short courses.
Speaking of his time at University, Aaron said, “St Mary’s Drama and Theatre Arts programme gave me all round training in a theatre; from acting to stage management, to lighting and, my preferred discipline, sound and music.
“I felt that this course would offer me the most opportunity for work once I graduated as it would equip me with all the basic skills necessary to venture out into the world of work and then really begin to master working in a theatre.”
Aaron was also influenced by the community spirit of St Mary’s small campus, something which stood out to him along with being located near to London and great transport links to visit friends and family around the country.
He added, “St Mary's offered me so many wonderful opportunities as part of my course. My fondest memories are those spent working on productions. My favourite would have to be the first I worked on Oh What a Lovely War, back in 2010. It was such an eye opener to how music and theatre can be combined and I honestly think I owe the work I do now to the Programme Director Patsy Burn.
“I would advise current students to get involved as much as you can. Never say no to any work you are given; paid or otherwise. Spend as much time in the theatre as possible and if you want to learn something new, don't be afraid to ask and just give it a go.”Media enquiries
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