Children's Theatre Thrives in Dubai

Theatre Works! has now opened to offer Dubai's young inhabitants a creative outlet with the aim of developing each student's individuality and unique potential at the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre (DUCTAC).

The immense growth of Dubai in recent years has not only seen an abundance of opportunities develop on a professional level, but it also seen Dubai become the epicentre of exciting leisure time pursuits.

The influx of young professional expatriates and the subsequent baby boom means that Dubai's demographics are changing and the increasing numbers of kids are looking for more to do than strolling around the local malls.

DUCTAC is a not-for-profit cross community centre funded by the local business community who recognised the need for an educational centre for the community and future generations of Dubai situated at Mall of the Emirates.

Emily Madghachian, who founded Kids' Theatre Works! in 2002, is one of the increasing number of people who have recognised that there exists a wealth of talent here in Dubai and particularly within our children.

As Emily explains "it is so important within a community to offer a creative outlet, especially for children. It is also so important to offer children extra and diverse activities in order to stimulate their growth and, ultimately, their creative and personal potential. At Kids' Theatre Works we concentrate on the power of play and offer a safe environment for children to express themselves as well as teaching young people more about drama and the arts. Through taking part in the classes, children and young adults are given an opportunity to channel their energies in a positive way and to develop their confidence and general life skills."

Kids' Theatre Works! offers a diverse range of workshops for children from age four up to young adults of 18 which all have a distinct focus. Workshops range from 'Child's Play' for the youngest children (which focusses on a collection of fun dramatic activities with participation as the goal) to 'Teen Theatre Works!' for older children who are craving an outlet for their creative abilities. Performance is a key component of the courses for the older age groups and the kids work together to produce powerful workshop pieces that are performed at the end of the term.