Ariel Drama Academies in line for top award

Over the past 20 years, Ariel Drama Academies have provided inclusive performing arts lessons for children and young adults with special and additional needs throughout Sussex. The academies have dedicated teams of specialist tutors who work with the special needs group, The Othellos, every week providing a creative safe-space for more 300 students – work which could be about to find its rewards.

From 64,000 applicants, Ariel Drama Academies have been shortlisted to the final eight in the prestigious National Diversity Awards in the Community Age Category. The nomination is in recognition of the “fully inclusive nature of Ariel’s academies, the opportunities given to students to learn life-skills to ensure brighter futures, the sense of community and the high standard of theatrical training every individual receives.”

Nicci Hopson, Ariel’s artistic director, said: “Receiving this nomination has been really overwhelming. We love working with our students each week, seeing them grow in confidence, forming friendships and learning new skills, so for us to be recognised at a national level for the work we do is very special indeed. It is events such as this that show the importance of shining a light on all areas of our community. There is still so much to be done to promote the need for positive inclusion for all children, young adults and all individuals with additional needs and disabilities.”

The National Diversity Awards arose when The Diversity Group sought to promote and encourage positive role models who aim to empower and inspire communities across the UK. The annual ceremony celebrates the life-changing work charities, role models and community heroes do and recognises their outstanding devotion to enhancing equality, diversity and inclusion.

The awards ceremony will be early next year at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral.

Ariel Drama Academies continue to welcome new students: http://www.arielct.com or call 01444 250407.