Two actors to lead children's creativity workshops

Two of the finest actors and most creative artists in their field have teamed up for The Fun Factory, a development programme for children using craft and drama.

With Alan Montanaro and Isabel Warrington behind The Fun Factory, the sessions are set to be packed with fun, laughter and creativity.

The two-hour workshops will run for a fortnight and are open to children between five and 12.

The first hour will be spent with Ms Warrington building props, sets and accessories that will then be used during the second hour of drama with Mr Montanaro. For example, if Mr Montanaro is working on a pirate-themed play, Ms Warrington will show the children how to create their own eye-patches, hats and cuffs to use in the play. Apart from her memorable performances on stage, UK-trained Ms Warrington is also a fine artist in her own right.

The fun-filled and energetic programme involves a huge array of creative crafts and developmental theatre activities using the acclaimed technique of Helen O'Grady Academy, of which Mr Montanaro is the Malta principal.

Both segments are designed to tap into the child's inherent creativity while increasing vocabulary and verbal skills, as well as their confidence and self-esteem.

"Children are inherently creative, but technology and the style of life nowadays quells that creativity. We need to nurture it as much as possible," Mr Montanaro said.

"A creative child is a happy child, and that's the aim of our workshop."

The dates of the workshops are July 4 to July 15, July 18 to July 29, and September 5 to September 16. The July workshops will be held centrally at Tal-Ibragg church hall, while the September sessions will take place at the Pembroke church hall.

For more information call 7964 2739 or 7933 2845.