Stepping Forward
Performing Arts for Life
An introduction into the Performing Arts for young people in care
The performing arts are a great way to express yourself, try new things, and connect with other people. Whether it’s acting, singing, dancing, or working behind the scenes, you can build confidence, creativity and communication skills - all while having fun and trying something new. The skills you gain can also help you in everyday life, future jobs, and lots of different career paths.
Stepping Forward is an incentivised online programme for young people aged 13-17 years, who are currently in care and have been for at least 12 months consecutively.
Earn as you learn
Stepping Forward will bring you an experience of different performing arts activities, the understanding of what it feels like to be an artist and offer you lots of opportunities to explore further studies or training. With each stage adding towards the £200 total financial reward that will go into your Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund for completing the programme.
Here’s a taste of what to expect in Stepping Forward
Here’s how it works: there are a series of brilliantly engaging short videos lead by industry professionals, followed by quizzes and opinion-seeking questions to help you develop ideas and lots of resources for reference, including how to take things further for your future.
There are six stages, completion of each of which earns you £25 with a bonus of £50 for completion of the whole course. The six stages are:
STAGE 1
Introduction to Performing Arts
Find out what performing arts is all about.
STAGE 2
Forms of Performing Arts
Delve deeper into four performing arts forms; Acting, Dancing, Singing & Backstage Arts!
STAGE 3
Specialist Art Forms
Gain hands-on experience through workshops as well as an in-depth discussion on backstage roles.
STAGE 4
In Conversation with..
Industry professionals as they discuss their journeys to becoming performing arts professionals.
STAGE 5
Get Involved
How to connect with performing arts in your local community or professionally, including discussions on funding options!
STAGE 6
Moving Forward
Advice on how you can progress with the performing arts, including setting goals and building transferable skills.
Learn more
How do I get started?
Download our step by step PDF guide.
Check your eligibility
If you are a young person, aged 13-17, are currently in care (and have been for 12 months or more) then you are eligible for Stepping Forward!
1
Register
If you want to take part, register with your personal email address and details at steppingforward.sharefound.org.
2
Approval
We, that is The Share Foundation, check your eligibility. Once confirmed, you’re ready to get started!
3
Stepping Forward: Explore
Find out more about our public version of the programme, available to purchase for individuals, schools, home educators and youth organisations.
Your Questions, Answered
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Not at all! Stepping Forward is an introduction to the performing arts, so no prior knowledge or experience required. Stepping Forward is for those who want to learn more, but can also be enjoyed by young people who already have a interest or passion for the arts
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You can sign up and start Stepping Forward once you have turned 13.
You will have until your 18th birthday to complete. You can not continue with the programme after you have turned 18, so try and get as many stages completed before you turn 18. This makes sure you can benefit from the whole programme, and earn incentives into your Junior ISA or Child Trust Fund!
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Yes, we require all young people to sign up to the programmes themselves using a personal email address – this is so we can contact you when you turn 18 to discuss savings accounts and incentive payments!
Need help?
You are welcome to contact Josie, the programme manager, on 020 45913617 or email josie.rylance@sharefound.org.