I want all children in the East End, regardless of any financial, physical or learning difficulties, to have access to professional training normally only available to more affluent families. To keep young people away from gun and knife crime in the East End we must develop life skills and encourage dreams and aspirations.
Anna Fiorentini
The not for profit Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School opened in 2001 as a Prince’s Trust Business. Since then it has won three Business of London awards, a social Investor award and a Highly Commended Diversity in Business.
Unique to the East End of London, the school has proved a great success, attracting children from many diverse cultural backgrounds and is fast becoming one of the most talked about ventures in London. With its dedication to providing the kind of first class education normally only found in more affluent areas and its all inclusive policy, the school has attracted the attention of the media and celebrities alike:
"I am so pleased I am not starting again in showbiz! The talent I saw from this school was superb." Barbara Windsor
"Anna, thank you for all your hard work in getting me funding for a place at your school.....Thank you too for getting me the audition for EastEnders and for believing in me." Belinda Owusu (Libby Fox, EastEnders)
Three years ago in partnership with Equator Media, Anna Fiorentini set up City Academy, aimed at City Professionals who wish to use the performing arts as a creative outlet; a percentage of profits from this sister school go towards bursaries for children at the AF school.
City Academy now holds classes at Sadler’s Wells, Urdang, Dominion Theatre and the Royal Opera House.
And if you would like to try one of their many classes (but you miss out on prize of a city academy course of your choice in the auction) you can get 10% of any of the courses by quoting ‘Quiz’
For more information about City Academy please visit www.city-academy.com
Each year the school produce a highly professional Variety Performance at the Hackney Empire which attracts an audience of 1500 including casting directors and TV / film producers.
A number of people from BLM were lucky enough to attend the 2010 show and were treated to a fantastic array of talent and the school were very quickly signed up to perform at our quiz!
Every week students aged 7 – 18 follow a part-time time-table of Drama, Singing, Dance, Film and Set/Costume O:\PERSONAL FOLDERS\JHQ\SUMMIT TO SEA CHALLENGE!\2010 QUIZ\POST Design under the guidance of top industry professionals. EVENT NEWSLETTER\4. LONDON\AF SCHOOL INFORMATION.DOC
The school also has an agency attached for those that wish to audition for professional TV, Theatre, Film and Radio work. Two students that received financial assistance to attend our school are now regulars on EastEnders and one is performing in Oliver in the West End!
The guiding principle of the school is to provide a safe, supportive environment for young people to explore the performing arts, whether they have dreams of entering the profession or simply wish to use the classes to learn some valuable life enhancing skills and develop confidence and self-esteem.
“Unlike other professional stage schools we make our fees accessible by providing an instalment policy and invest time organising fund-raising events to raise money for bursaries and our yearly show. “
If you’re as impressed with the young stars and the wonderful work this school does there are many ways you can show your support.
Next year the Anna Fiorentini Theatre & Film School will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary.
To celebrate this with the lead up to the Gala Performance there will be numerous sponsorship and partnership opportunities including:
• Title sponsor of the 2011 showcase (West End theatre location under discussion)
• Main partner of our education outreach programme
• Presenting partner of the 2010 and / or 2011 Oscar Night
Please e-mail [email protected] or phone 020 7682 1403 for further information about the corporate sponsorship packages.
For more information about the school please visit www.annafiorentini.com.