## **Trustees’ Annual Report for the period** **From February 28[th] 2020 Period start date to March 31st 2021 Period end date** **Charity name:** Drama Express **Charity registration number:** 1188250 ## **Objectives and Activities** Drama Express provides opportunities for young people with complex disabilities to access the performing arts within the county of Cornwall. Drama Express recognizes the importance of creating, developing and sustaining peer group friendships through a shared experience of drama. Drama Express aims to end the isolation of many young people with complex disabilities, linking the benefits of drama to maintaining positive mental health. There is a current membership of young people with disabilities including autism and asperser’s syndrome, sensory impairments, cognitive processing deficits, epilepsy, restricted/limited mobility, learning difficulties, genetic disorders, dyspraxia and chronic neurological conditions. Through access to Drama Express there are a wide range of skills and knowledge opportunities available. These are focused on singing, dancing, acting, costume design, script writing, improvisation and technical production. The mental well-being of each young person is stimulated through an active mind, created through engagement in an exciting and fulfilling interest. There are also opportunities to create a greater trust in others and oneself, enhance social skills, better body and voice awareness and the promotion of imagination, play and creativity. Aspects of performing arts, especially improvisation, help young people to understand how to appraise situations, think outside the box and be more confident going into unfamiliar situations. Being creative and learning to make creative choices helps young people to be better at thinking of new ideas, allowing them to view the world around them in new ways. Understanding characters and roles allows young people to relate better to different situations, backgrounds, and cultures. It encourages them to show compassion and tolerance for others. Drama Express provides a sense of ownership and belonging through creating a welcoming and positive environment. Drama Express focusses on the key aim to make the performing arts accessible regardless of individual disabilities and complex support needs, with any barriers to inclusion identified and overcome. ## **Achievements and Performance** Drama Express commenced its pantomime in the February of 2020 with a lively production based around the music of 'Little Mix'. An intense series of January rehearsals ensured the performance was slick and a memorable experience. As ever the feel good factor of Drama Express was replicated during several nights (and matinees) at local theatres. March 2020 brought us all crashing down to earth with the pandemic and cancellations of performances including a weekend at the Lane Theatre, Newquay. Not wanting to sit back and ponder we immediately arranged some on line sessions for the young people. Aside from performance arts based activities these sessions proved crucial to maintaining some sort of regulatory in the disrupted lives of the young people. Over the months of March, April and May, twice weekly zoom sessions enabled the young people to develop their skills through workshops relating to dance, singing, improvisation, theatre production, script writing and musicianship. Our patron Morwenna Banks led sessions on 'creating a character' with the young people developing skills such as impersonation and vocal delivery. Morwenna also kindly read the story of the Mousehole Cat and her partner David read from his new book 'Future Friend'. In June with lockdown restrictions eased Drama Express resumed its workshops, based outdoors at Malpas Park Truro. This was all about reuniting the group and volunteers alike, re-bonding through drama games and fun activities. Indeed, the restart of Drama Express was the focus of a BBC spotlight news feature. This led to more focus from BBC Radio Cornwall who interviewed young people and their parents in a programme about local charities through lockdown and beyond. July saw Drama Express continue outdoors with ideas for the next production circulated between the group. The young people very much wanted to tell their 'Covid Stories' to a wider audience, getting across the message of living through a pandemic as a vulnerable, and often shielded, young person. Taking the idea further a draft of the production was put together during consultation with songs, sketches, dance routines and monologues all on the Covid theme. The film production company, Quintessence films crafted a 'taster' to a potential full length documentary all about the Covid play. August and September saw the development of the Covid play with rehearsals almost acting as a therapeutic approach to the young people's pandemic experiences. Confidence building was so important to restoring positive mental health well-being. October, a brief lockdown again saw the return to virtual activities with rehearsals transferred over to zoom sessions bringing in Lexie our vocal coach and Georgia our dance tutor. During November, with the cold weather, Drama Express had a new base at the Truro Hub community building. The venue was built to ensure it was fully Covid compliant, giving the young people and their parents that added reassurance of safe activities. To end the year, lockdown no 3 gave the young people the opportunity to participate in a showcase talent show. Judges Morwenna Banks and Cornish actor / comedian Kernow King heaped praise on the wonderfully talented participants During the early part of 2021 Drama Express returned to predominately community based activities. This included a series of specialist workshops Workshop themes were suggested by Drama Express members as they wished to pursue a particular interest of their choice. The workshops were led by specialist providers who shared their knowledge and experience with the young people. Workshops included the following themes. Creative writing, voice coaching, street dance, improvisation, film production, puppetry, developing a character, monologues, drumming and percussion. Workshops encouraged each young person to be active throughout the session including warm up activities that stimulate both mind and body. The structure of each workshop followed a specific plan that motivated the young people to actively participate. The tasks set out in the workshops were at a level suitable to the capabilities of each young person ensuring all outcomes were positive and rewarding. Volunteers worked with each young person providing specialist intervention between the workshop leader and those they are working with. To enable successful monitoring of personal development, a range of measurable aims were devised. The outcomes were gained through observation and direct consultation with the young people. There was also the opportunity for each young person to record their workshop experiences with volunteer key workers building up a personal portfolio. These were used by the young people as evidence as to how the project has benefited their confidence and emotional well-being Drama Express has responded well to the financial challenges of the pandemic, sourcing opportunities where funders provided specific pots of money for innovative covid response activities. Drama Express has an established relationship with several trusts and foundations thus their continued support and understanding through the pandemic has meant that funding has continued, be it at slightly reduced amounts Within Drama Express we are very proactive in raising monies to sustain the running of the charity. Both committee members and young people recognise the responsibility to continually source opportunities to obtain funds. Drama Express has its own fundraising committee which also plans events in the local Cornish community. The fundraising committee has held events locally including holding a coffee morning, auction, pub quiz and barn dance. Fundraising collection tins can be located at various locations in the local area. The young people from Drama Express have also raised funds from incentives such as a supermarket bag packs, car wash, flash mob dance and cake sale within their own school / college councils. Drama Express also generates a small amount of income through charging a subscription from the young people who attend the activities. ## **Feedback from Drama Express parents, carers and volunteers** _“We can’t thank Drama Express enough; it came just at the right time for our son. He was beginning to struggle to feel where he belonged and Drama Express welcomed him and made him feel valued. He felt immediately that this was a safe space where he could be himself without being judged and where his talents were nurtured._ _The Zoom sessions that S and E have organised during the Covid 19 pandemic have allowed W to maintain contact with his new friends and to feel a sense of belonging. He looks forward to the online sessions all week._ _Thank you Drama Express!_ ” (Parent) _“J has been going to Drama Express for 3 years or so. From the very first session he attended he has thoroughly enjoyed the activities and performances. I don't think he has missed any since the start. More importantly as parents J is accepted by the group as himself, he doesn't have to be anything other than who he is. This is a breath of fresh air as in many situations he is different from others and it's heart-breaking to watch him try to fit in to no avail. He really classes everybody at Drama Express as a second family. His confidence and self-worth has grown. Throughout the last few weeks with the coronavirus pandemic, the online zoom sessions have kept everyone in touch and interested it's something for him to look forward to during the week beforehand. Thankyou Drama Express for all that you do”_ (Parent) _“Drama Express has continued via weekly Zoom sessions which have been very important for the members to remain in contact with each other and have something to look forward to each week. To see and hear_ _the laughter it brings to my daughter A is wonderful and takes her mind off of the current situation we all find ourselves in. Thank you to Drama Express for keeping spirits raised”_ (Parent) _“R loves Drama Express. It’s the perfect drama group for children like R. It gives her and her friends the opportunity to escape into wonderful imaginary worlds and they are free to be so creative together. It’s incredible to see the happiness in her face as she is free to express herself. It brings much joy. These zoom sessions have been a real lifeline for us as they have given R an amazing focus and excitement to share creative time with her friends. It’s invaluable to our families and even more so during these times. Thank you Drama Express for being there for us”_ (Parent) _“I've been working with Drama Express as a volunteer for a number of years. It's been such a rewarding experience for me working with the young people and seeing them develop confidence and socialising skills. With Covid-19 lockdown, these past few weeks have been difficult for everyone so the Zoom sessions have been so special to watch the young students interacting and to see the joy they get from singing and dancing together. I can't thank S and E enough for what they've done organising these sessions. I really hope they will continue through this difficult period and look forward to seeing the group when the workshop sessions start again when things get back to normal_ ” (Volunteer) _“For me I see the confidence the young people gain through the nurturing encouragement given by S and all the volunteers. Each young person has their own special place in the group and the care they receive from the leaders is reflected in how they support each other. For my Daughter E she says drama express is fun and she enjoys doing new things and seeing her friends. The group makes her happy”_ (E-Parent) _“Drama Express does wonders for the young people's self-esteem and feeling of well-being. They are given opportunities to be brave, to be creative and to express themselves physically, vocally and mentally in a safe social setting. It is obvious from their happy faces that they gain satisfaction and joy from dancing, singing and acting as well as playing games and sharing in warm-up drama exercises. The young people encourage each other and become close friends which boosts their confidence. This is enhanced by the affirmation they receive from friends, family, carers and other acquaintances who cheer them on and applaud their performances. It is a lifeline for them to be able to use Zoom meetings during lock down, to see and hear their friends, to wave, to_ _chat, to show their moves and sing their songs, play their instruments and keep in touch” (Volunteer)_ _“In the couple of years that I have been with Drama Express I have seen so many of our young people come out of their shells and really grow in confidence. I am always amazed at the many talents they have to offer, their sense of humour and their enthusiasm for whatever you ask them to try. I can go into a Drama Express session feeling a bit tired or fed up but within minutes I am lifted up and carried along by these young people who are determined to not let life get them down. The friendships formed there, for the young people and us volunteers too, are wonderful. All the youngsters look out for one another and I think it gives them all the opportunity to be just be teenagers, able to get away from their parents for a couple of hours and just do what all teenagers do. I always return home with a big smile on my face and look forward to the next meeting”_ (Volunteer) _“I love the group and the volunteers, its genuinely the best group of people I've ever had the privilege to be involved with. I'm honestly very proud to be a part of Drama Express. C just absolutely loves it! The group is honestly the only thing that she gets up and ready for without prompting, or help! She loves the friends she has made there and above all else, has said on so many occasions, she feels that this is the only place where she feels like she fits in and is comfortable. Knowing she is safe and cared for, gently encouraged to join in, and to see her confidence soar is just incredible. Drama Express, it is more than just another drama group - it is a lifeline, and one we hope to be a part of for a long time”_ . (Parent) **----- Start of picture text -----**
Drama Express CIO Charity No 1188250
Company No
Period
To Period end
start date
02/28/2020 date
**----- End of picture text -----**
|**Section A Statement**
**Recommended**
**categories by**
**activity**|Guidance Note
**of fnancial activities (including summary income an**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**income funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**|Guidance Note
**of fnancial activities (including summary income an**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**income funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**|Guidance Note
**of fnancial activities (including summary income an**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**income funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**|Guidance Note
**of fnancial activities (including summary income an**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**income funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**|Guidance Note
**of fnancial activities (including summary income an**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**income funds**
**Endowment**
**funds**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |||**£**||**£**|**£**| |**Income (Note 3)**
**Income and**||F01||F02|F03| |Charitable activities
**endowments from:**
Donations and
legacies
Other trading
activities|S01
S02
S03|

|46,950
-
-|16,250
-
-|-
-
-| |Investments
Separate material
item of income|S04
S05|
|-
-|-
-|-
-| |Other|S06||-|-|-| |**_Total_**|S07||46,950|16,250|-| |**Expenditure (Notes 6)**|||||| |**Expendit**|||||| |**ure on:**|||||| |Raising funds|S08||402|-|-| |Charitable activities
Other
Separate material
expense item|S09
S10
S11|

|13,556
295
-|-
-|-
-| |**_Total_**|S12||14,253|-|-| |**before tax for the**|||||| |**reporting period**|S13||32,697|16,250|-| |Tax|||||| |payable
**investment gains/**|S14||-|-|-| |**(losses)**|S15||32,697|16,250|-| |Net gains/|||||| |(losses)|||||| |on|||||| |investme|||||| |nts
**Net income/**|S16||-|-|-| |**(expenditure)**|S17||32,697|16,250|-| |**Extraordi**|||||| |**nary**|S18||||| |**items**
**Transfers between**|||-|-|-| |**funds**|S19||-|-|-| |S20
- - -
S21
- - -
S22
32,697 16,250 -
S23
- - -
S24
32,697 16,250 -
**Other recognised**
**gains/(losses):**
assets for the
charity’s own use
Other
gains/
(losses)
**_Net movement in_**
**_funds_**
**_Reconcili_**
**_ation of_**
**_funds:_**
Total funds brought
forward
**_Total funds carried_**
**_forward_**|S20
- - -
S21
- - -
S22
32,697 16,250 -
S23
- - -
S24
32,697 16,250 -
**Other recognised**
**gains/(losses):**
assets for the
charity’s own use
Other
gains/
(losses)
**_Net movement in_**
**_funds_**
**_Reconcili_**
**_ation of_**
**_funds:_**
Total funds brought
forward
**_Total funds carried_**
**_forward_**|S20
- - -
S21
- - -
S22
32,697 16,250 -
S23
- - -
S24
32,697 16,250 -
**Other recognised**
**gains/(losses):**
assets for the
charity’s own use
Other
gains/
(losses)
**_Net movement in_**
**_funds_**
**_Reconcili_**
**_ation of_**
**_funds:_**
Total funds brought
forward
**_Total funds carried_**
**_forward_**|S20
- - -
S21
- - -
S22
32,697 16,250 -
S23
- - -
S24
32,697 16,250 -
**Other recognised**
**gains/(losses):**
assets for the
charity’s own use
Other
gains/
(losses)
**_Net movement in_**
**_funds_**
**_Reconcili_**
**_ation of_**
**_funds:_**
Total funds brought
forward
**_Total funds carried_**
**_forward_**| |---|---|---|---| ||-|-|-| ||-|-|-| ||32,697|16,250|-| ||||| ||-|-|-| ||32,697|16,250|-| **----- Start of picture text -----**
03/31/2021
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **nd expenditure** |**Total funds**
**£**
**£**
F04
F05
**Prior**
**year**
**funds**|**Total funds**
**£**
**£**
F04
F05
**Prior**
**year**
**funds**| |---|---| |63,200|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |-|-| |63,200|-| 402 - 13,556 - 295 - - 14,253 - 48,947 - - - 48,947 - - - 48,947 - - - - - - - - 48,947 - - - 48,947 - INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THETRUSTEES OF DRAMA EXPRESS CIO We report on the accounts of the charity forthe period 28 February 2020 to 31 March 2021 which are appended. RESPE￿1vE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRu￿EE5 AND EXAMINERS As the charitVs trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) does not apply. It is our responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145151{bl of the Art. whether particular matters have come to our attention. BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the account5 presented with those records. It also includes consideration of anv unusual items or disclosure in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedure5 undertaken do not provide all the evidence required by an audit and consequently, we do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the account5. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS STATEMENT In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention; l. Which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirement . to keeping accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Art, and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met. or: 2. To which, in our opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. EG Chartered Accountants 13-15 Commercial Road Hayle Cornwall TR27 4DE 21" May 2021 Drama Express CIO 31st March 2021 Balance Sheet Restricted Unrestricted Flxed Assets Current Assets Cash in bank at hand 16.250 32,697 Creditor5: amount falling due within l year Creditors: amount falling due after l year Totsl net assets or liabilities Funds of the Charity Endowment Funds Restricted incorne funds Unrestrirted funds 16.250 32.697 Total Funds 48,947 The Company wa5 entÉtitled to exemption from audFt under $477 ofthe Companies Art 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtsin an audit in accordance with settion 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The director's acknowledge their responsibilitiesfor complying with the requirements of the Companies Att with respect to accounting records and the preparatioll of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provision5 applicable to amall companies Subject to the small companies regime and in accordance with FRS102SORP. Signed by one or knvo trusteesldirectors on behalf of all the trusteesld1￿rtorS Print Name Date Signature of director authenticating accounts being sent to Companies House Print Name Date Charity Number- 1188250 Drama Express CIO Chariiv No Company INO 1188250 Period start date Period end date 2810212020 3110312021 Section A Statement of financial activities (including summary income and expenditure Recommended categories by activity Restricted income funds Prior year funds Unrestricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Income {Note 3) Income and Donations and Charitable aGtivities Other trading Investments Separate material Other Total F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 S06 S07 46,950 16,250 63,200 46,950 16,250 63,200 Expenditure {Notos 6} Expendit ure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Separale material Other Total S08 S09 S10 S11 S12 402 13,556 295 402 13,556 295 14.253 14.253 incomel(expenditu Tax payable Net Net gainsl(los ses) on investme nts Net Extraord inary items Transfers between Other recognised Gains and losses S13 32.697 16.250 48,947 S14 S15 32.697 16.250 48,947 S16 S17 32.697 16.250 ' 48,947 S18 S19 S20 Other gainslllos sesl Net movement in S21 S22 32.697 16,250 48,947 Reconci liation funds.. forward carried forward S23 S24 32.697 16.250 48.947 Drama Expre55 CIO Accounting Policies Income Recognition of Income These are included in the Statementof Financial ActNities when- the charity becomesentttle tothe resources 'tt is MO￿ likety than not that the tru5teeswill receive the resources- *the monetaryvalue can be measured with suffiaent reliability. Offsetting There has been no offsettingof assets and liabilitEs, or income and expenses, unlessrequredorpem)itted bythe FR5102 SORPor FRSIO2. Grants and Donations Grantsand donationsare On￿ induded in the SOFA when thegeneral income recoEnfcion criteria are metl5.10 to 5.12 FRS102 SORPI. Govemmerttgrants The charty has re￿Ned nogovernmentgrants in the reporting period. Supportcosts The charity has notincurred expenditure on supportcosts. Volunteerhelp The value of anyvolunteerhelp receNed is not included in the accounts but is described in theTrustee'sannual report. Expenditure and liabilities Deferred income No material item of deferred income has been included in the accounts. Creditors The charity has nocreditors. Assets Tangible Fixed assets The chartty has no tangible fixed a5setsatpresent. Intangiblefixed assets The charity has no intsn8ible fixed assets.