level when they perform at an international festival to be held later this year.

The charity group has been invited to participate in the Cambridge River Festival in Massachusetts on September 11, and the company has a whole summer of performance planned to help raise funds for the trip.

Ms Spence said the group will be performing highlights from their musical play entitled "A Figure of Speech, Hallelujah'', which is based on the true-life story of a recovering drug addict struggling to rebuild a relationship with her daughter after abandoning her as a baby.

In order to participate in the River Festival, the group had to be affiliated with a television network -- and Ms Spence said they were able to go under the auspices of the Bermuda Broadcasting Company since they did a telethon for cancer patient Rodericka Pitcher.

"We had a great response from the community, and the network seemed impressed with our talent so they approached us about performing in the festival,'' she said.

"We've put together a programme of dance and drama set to Kirk Franklin's music for the Festival, and we'll also be performing at the hospital in Boston where Rodericka was staying,'' she added.

In preparation for the trip, the company will be holding their annual summer workshops during the month of July to raise funds.

And they'll be performing highlights from the Boston showcase at the Concert in the Park on September 5.

"We're trying to create an "Up With People'' sort of thing to prepare our kids, with ongoing performances leading up to the actual event,'' said Ms Spence.

"We're trying to raise funds, because although some of the talent that comes out of grassroots efforts are just as good, they just don't have finances.'' Anyone interested in donating or sponsoring a child can contact Ms Spence on 292-3945 or 295-5982.