Inspired Stages hosted their first Inspired Mentors programme from the 21 to 24
March at the GrandWest Casino. Ninety-two youngsters between the ages of 17 and
25 and who had previously been involved in Inspired Stages workshops, were
trained up as mentors.

“Young adults from within the community with a passion and talent for music,
dance, singing and performing were carefully sourced and identified through
schools, colleges, community centres, youth groups and churches,’ explained Karen
Burt, founder and facilitator of Inspired Stages. “They were nominated by teachers
and peers as individuals who showed potential as both a performer and role model
and who would be best suited to the mentorship opportunity.’

“The program was intensive,’ says Burt. “We went further than natural talent and
passion. We trained the mentors in a fully comprehensive programme including all
the business aspects of the industry. The intension was to empower young people
with the skills to develop their own sustainable business in the performing arts. It
was also to take all they had learnt back to their communities to help other young
people there.’ The top students at the workshop were also selected to work on like-
minded community projects.’

Besides daily workshops, life coaching and leadership challenges, the group were
split up into four teams. Each team had to put up their own themed “show’ to be
hosted on the last evening at the GrandWest Roxy Theatre. Each team was also
responsible to sell tickets and raise money for their nominated charity. With this
highly motivated group of youngsters, the Roxy Theatre was sold out for this
anticipated performance.

Letters of thanks from students who attended have poured in. Karen Burt, Gavin
Taylor and the rest of the Inspired Stages team will continue with workshops and
mentor programmes throughout the year. For more information visit their facebook
page.

According to DWR Distribution, they are delighted to play a small part in the regular
workshops hosted by Inspired Stages throughout the year, by sponsoring each
delegate with a t-shirt or cap.