Young performers from across Manchester enjoyed a very special experience during October half term when professional actor and singer Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi joined them for an exclusive performing arts masterclass. The Manchester-born performer currently stars as ‘The Poet’ in the UK tour of The Choir of Man, which recently played at The Lowry in Salford.
The workshop took place on Thursday 29 October at Parrs Wood High School in Didsbury, as part of Little Voices Central & South Manchester’s four-day Theatre Camp. Little Voices runs weekly singing and drama classes in both Sale and Didsbury, bringing together young performers from across Manchester through its lessons, workshops and holiday camps.
A Manchester local himself, Nimi took time out of his busy touring schedule to return to his roots and share his professional experience with the young performers, exploring storytelling, vocal projection, dynamics and connecting with an audience.
The workshop went beyond performance skills, encouraging children to embrace their individuality, express themselves with confidence and celebrate what makes each of them unique.
Alison Dickinson, Principal of Little Voices Central & South Manchester, commented:
“We were incredibly lucky to have Nimi join us. He’s a ridiculously talented performer, but what makes him so special is his ability to connect with people and make everyone feel included.
“Watching the children learn from someone who is out there doing what they love professionally was wonderful. They explored how to use their voices, tell stories and connect with an audience, but they also took away something much bigger.
“Our Theatre Camps are about so much more than putting on a show. They’re about confidence, friendships, finding your people and having a space where you can be completely yourself.
“Having someone like Nimi, who grew up here in Manchester and is now performing professionally around the country, share his experience with our children was a fantastic opportunity.”
Student quote: One young participant summed up the experience perfectly, saying: “My cheeks hurt from laughing so much!”
Parent quote: Reflecting on their child’s experience of a Little Voices Theatre Camp, one parent commented:
“Alison and her team put their hearts into Little Voices and it shows! My 6 year old daughter loves attending holiday camps. The kids bond fast and have such a great time putting together their show. I’m so glad my daughter gets to experience Little Voices, a safe space for children to flourish in their very own way!”
Little Voices Central & South Manchester offers small-group singing and drama lessons for children and young people at Sale Leisure Centre and Ivy Church in Didsbury. Alongside weekly classes, children have opportunities to take part in LAMDA examinations, performances and holiday Theatre Camps, developing confidence, communication skills and creativity both on and off the stage.
For further information, visit https://littlevoices.org.uk/location/central-south-manchester/
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