A grassroots theatre project in Southend has marked a major milestone after a decade of inspiring young performers.
Take the Stage is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a showcase at the Cliffs Pavilion, featuring more than 700 performers.
The event highlights the success of an idea first developed by a young performer determined to create opportunities.
Founder Amy Burrows launched the initiative in 2016 after recognising barriers facing theatre schools.
She began the project from her parents’ kitchen table, contacting schools with a vision to bring large-scale performances to a professional stage.
Amy said: “I invested everything I had into an idea that only existed on paper. At the time nobody knew me.
"I had no website, no photographs, no marketing material and no guarantee that anybody would sign up.”
Her persistence paid off, with ten principals supporting the first event and helping establish the foundations for future success.
Since then, more than 5,000 young people have taken part, gaining experience performing in a major theatre environment.
Demand has grown rapidly, with places now selling out within 24 hours and schools travelling from across the region to take part.
The initiative has also expanded beyond Southend, with a second programme launched in Wycombe in 2024.
Amy’s aim has remained consistent throughout, focusing on building confidence, resilience and teamwork through performance.
The anniversary event brings together performers aged between five and 21 from leading performing arts schools across Essex.
Amy said: "Some of my happiest childhood memories were made through performing and I know first-hand just how much those experiences can shape a young person's life.
"Every child appearing on the Cliffs Pavilion stage should feel immensely proud.
"Behind every performance are months of hard work, commitment and dedication.
"For many of these young people, this will be a moment they remember for the rest of their lives, and every single one of them has earned their place in the spotlight.
"What began as a conversation around a kitchen table has grown into a movement that has inspired more than 5,000 young performers.”
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