Award-Winning Performance Organisation Hits Wellington Shores

StarJam is riding a wave of local enthusiasm all the way into Wellington’s performing arts scene. Sir Peter Jackson is supporting the launch of this award-winning organisation, which provides performance opportunities for young people with disabilities, by filming a special video of congratulations for the event hosted by Simon Dallow.

Wellington resident Emily Thompson is excited her enthusiasm for performance will be encouraged, without the usual awkward stares, now StarJam has hit Wellington shores.

The 17-year-old Newlands College pupil is StarJam’s first official “Jammer” (young person with disabilities) to sign up to one of six weekly performance workshop programmes in, and around, Wellington including the Hutt Valley from 16th May 2011.

Thompson’s Downs Syndrome, moderate deafness, Celiac disease and Scoliosis are no barrier to her love of music and any type of movement. She has performed in school musicals and spends many hours grooving to music channel videos.

“My daughter is really passionate about dance and music, and to have an outlet where she can be herself and perform her own way without people staring is great. I know there will be acceptance of her performance at StarJam,” says Thompson’s mother, Emily Hertzig.

Initially providing workshop places for up to sixty young people with disabilities in dance, drumming, singing and guitar, StarJam will produce its first-ever Wellington show involving up to one hundred young people at the St James Theatre in November 2011.

Julie Bartlett, StarJam CEO and Founder, is delighted to be able to provide performance programmes in Wellington, particularly for all the Wellingtonians who have phoned and emailed her asking for them for so many years.

“When StarJam was first launched from my spare bedroom in 2002 I never thought there would be more than a dozen kids involved and now there are hundreds. I am thrilled to finally bring StarJam to the Capital,” says Bartlett.

Founded in Auckland in 2002 and launched in Hamilton in 2010, StarJam has made a real difference in the lives of many young people with disabilities. They gain respect, confidence, empowerment, new friends, new hope and new purpose within a fun and inclusive atmosphere. Wildly positive change affects not just them and their families but their peer groups and the wider “able-bodied” community.

“I always wanted to walk but since I’ve been in StarJam I’m glad I’m in a wheelchair,” says Auckland Jammer Olivia Shivas.

ENDS

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