An 11-year-old performer from St Albans has landed a place on a prestigious performing arts weekend.
Olivia Jordan-Caws, who is profoundly deaf, entered a competition run by the National Deaf Children’s Society.
Actress Genevieve Barr, who launched the competition, said: “I’ve always loved acting, but when I was younger I worried my deafness meant I wouldn’t be able to succeed in it.
“Teachers, family and friends encouraged me to keep working towards my dream, but sadly not everyone gets this support.”
Olivia won the place on the weekend, run by the National Deaf Children’s Society, after impressing a panel of professionals.
Now, she and 29 other deaf child performers will spend Saturday, April 22 to Sunday, April 23 honing their craft.
Genevieve said: “Every deaf child should have the same opportunities as any other child, so I’m thrilled to support Raising the Bar, and help shine a spotlight on talented deaf young people.”
The weekend will feature masterclasses by groups such as Deafinitely Theatre, Deaf Man Dancing, and Deaffest.
After they have developed their skills, the trope will hold a live performance in Birmingham in front of a crowd of hundreds of their family and friends.
National Deaf Children’s Society spokesperson, Bryony Parkes, said: “With the right support, deaf children and young people can do anything their friends can.
“Raising the Bar is all about making the performing arts more inclusive, and having high expectations of deaf children, not just so they can participate, but so they can thrive and achieve their dreams.”
For more information, visit ndcs.org.uk/raisingthebar
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