Photo: Heike Meyer-Netscher
Photo: Katrin Schander
 

#5 Sticking to it


One thing has become clear over the years of running the project: Sticking to it is the key to success! Without perseverance, persistence, consistent evaluation and adaptation of the planned projects, none of the many magical moments with the Junior Crew groups would have happened. Only through repeatedly reaching out to young people, with consistent commitment to keeping the participants together, the patient organisation and accompaniment by project leaders, was it possible to see young people grow and develop as personalities over a long-term project such as the Junior Crew. It was worth it - on all levels.

For children and young people to continue to enjoy the project over the years and to really identify with the Junior Crew, the following points should be considered right from the start.

Junior Crew is a feeling

In order to inspire and retain participants over a relatively long project period, ‘group spirit’ is a very important building block.

Regular meetings (e.g. in the form of an club) contribute to strengthening this feeling and help to identify as a ‘Junior Crew’ member.

The project aims to give easy access to art and culture to children and young people, who do not automatically have it and whose desire and interest in theatre may still need to be awakened. The importance of providing support and encouragement within the group are not to be underestimated.

Participants should be addressed by people they trust such as teachers (in the school context) or educators/carers (in the out-of-school context).

It needs the dedicated cooperation of those involved in the project to establish good communication with the participants and the parents/guardians.

Participation and creative freedom are the pillars of the project. Each group decides on its own contents and focus. In order for this to succeed, all the sensitivities and wishes of the participants must naturally be given space and heard.

The openness of this concept can pose many challenges for the group leaders, but it is an essential part of creating a project at eye level.

The effort is worth it! So stick with it.