Actor's theatre group is taking centre stage

Oct 12 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal

AN ACTOR and freelance teacher has turned his hobby of running a voluntary theatre group into a full-time business.

Dan Brookes is now using his talents to provide tuition in dance, singing and drama for young people from Middlesbrough-based Crash Bang Wallop.

In its first year in business, the theatre group has worked with 75 youngsters aged between seven and 17 and has staged two major productions.

It is also working on a mini-drama programme with four to six-year-olds and Mr Brookes is continuing to provide voluntary workshops in dance, drama and singing to schools in Teesside and North Yorkshire.

He said: “The ultimate goal of Crash Bang Wallop is to be able to give every child in the region the opportunity to enjoy performing arts – and not just the ones who can afford to pay.

“I didn’t have that chance when I was growing up, which is why I had the vision to set up my own theatre company.

“I could have set up a franchise of another commercial theatre company but that would have tied me to their price structure, which would have meant that many children wouldn’t have been able to participate due to the cost.”

Although he already had the skills and experience in performing arts, Mr Brookes attended a Start Your Business event run by Business Link to source guidance on practicalities such as budgeting and financial planning.

He said: “I was put in touch with one of the exhibitors, Enterprise Made Simple, which provided me with some invaluable advice and support.

“When you start a business there is a temptation to invest more and more money out of a desire to make it work, regardless of whether or not what you’re doing is the right strategy. The planning and budgeting that I have been able to put in place has enabled me to avoid over-investing.

“The company is now developing well and is already turning a profit.”

Start Your Business events will be held at Newcastle Civic Centre on October 17, the Radisson SAS Hotel in Durham on November 7 and at The Alnwick Garden in Northumberland on November 14.

Places can be reserved by calling (0191) 281-5777 or emailing Business Link at businesslink@btob.co.uk