Organisers of the Bermuda Festival have created a new school outreach programme to show the younger generation that entertainment can be more than video games and television.

The introduction of the new programme coincides with the 2005 Bermuda Festival of the Performing Arts.

Students who take part in the programme will be treated to a series of shows given by performers in the Bermuda Festival.

?Throughout the past 30 years we have tried to offer something cultural to our younger viewers, but this is the second year that we have offered a formal programme to school-age children,? says Karen Pollard, Artistic Administrator for the Bermuda Festival. ?It is very important for us to foster a young audience.

?First and foremost we want to excite youngsters with music, theatre and dance, thereby adding another dimension to their education. The young students of today will one day hopefully become our audience members, benefactors and supporters, and maybe even performers, which will ensure that the cultural life of Bermuda continues to thrive. ?

Information packages have been delivered to all primary, middle and senior schools on the island, and teachers are encouraged to consider reserving space for their students.

?The Festival office received very favourable feedback from teachers last year who arranged for their students to participate in the programme,? says Ms Pollard.

Mandy Oatley Wells, a music teacher at Francis Patton Primary said: ?The school outreach programme is fantastic. There is no better way to motivate and inspire the imagination of a child than through live performance.

?The outreach programme is particularly designed for students within a certain age range and take place during the school day, so I can ensure that all of my students attend. For music educators, this has to be one of Bermuda?s best resources.?

Tickets to the Bermuda Festival 2005 shows are going fast, but are still available.

?Tickets to any of the performances would make a lovely gift this Christmas,? says Christine Barnes, General Manager of the Bermuda Festival.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.bermudafestival.com or from the Box Office.

The performances will be held at the Ruth Seaton James Centre and at City Hall Theatre. The Box Office opens on November 29th from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Monday to Saturday and is located next to the Ferry Terminal on Front Street in Hamilton.

The Box Office closes on December 11th and re-opens on January 10th, 2005.

@EDITRULE:

? On January 26th, students in middle or senior schools have the opportunity to listen to a lecture and demonstration on contemporary dance by this San Francisco-based contemporary dance company, who redefines classical ballet through innovative collaborations with musicians from diverse backgrounds and traditions. On January 28th, a few students currently following a structured dance programme within their school may attend a master class with the performers. ? On February 4th, primary students, aged seven to 11, will be regaled with a fun-filled demonstration of the art of juggling by this visionary juggler who turns circus art into mesmerising theatre, incorporating art, science, physics and mathematics. ? On February 15th, students aged ten and up, who play an instrument or who have interest in music, but may not have had the opportunity to attend a live orchestral concert, may attend part of the rehearsal for the evening?s concert. This is an opportunity to witness first-hand how the conductor directs the orchestra to play his interpretation of the music. ? On February 18th, primary students aged seven to 11 may watch part of a dress/technical rehearsal for the evening?s performance. MOMIX captivated Bermuda?s audiences at the 2003 Festival. This year?s performance combines illusion and dance, and is inspired by the flora, fauna and magic of America?s Southwest.