Celebrating Shining Stars ASN Theatre School: A Stellar Beacon of Inclusion and Empowerment

In the heart of Coatbridge, a former steel town in Lanarkshire, Scotland, a remarkable beacon of inclusivity and empowerment shines brightly – Shining Stars ASN Theatre School. This theatre school is not just a stage for performing arts; it’s a sanctuary for people of all ages with a varying range of additional support needs (ASN). With a mission to nurture confidence and help students achieve personal and team goals, Shining Stars is a place where dreams take centre stage.

Shining Stars was opened by Founder, Katie Slavin Trower back in 2015. Katie who grew up in her hometown of Coatbridge, has always lived with a stammer, went through her high school years feeling that social situations presented her with a big personal challenge. She recalls that when she was choosing her options at school, her teacher encouraged her to choose drama as a subject to focus on. Katie says that this was a pivotal moment, and she went on to study drama at the University of Cumbria, completing her placements across many schools for children and young people with additional support needs. Katie went on to receive the Alumni of the Year Award from her university, and like her hometown, Katie has a steely determination to ensure that no one is left behind.

Empowering through the Arts

The power of the arts in transforming lives is undeniable, and Shining Stars embraces this truth wholeheartedly. Through a variety of theatrical activities and performances, students are encouraged to express themselves creatively, enhancing their communication skills and boosting their self-confidence. Whether it’s acting, singing, dancing, or even technical aspects of theatre, the school provides a platform for individuals to discover and hone their talents.

Building Confidence, Reaching Goals

One of the core objectives of Shining Stars is to build confidence in its students. Theatre allows individuals to step out of their comfort zones, face their fears, and develop a sense of self-assurance. As students embark on this theatrical journey, they learn to set and achieve personal and team goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and determination that transcends the stage and enriches their daily lives.

Every year, Katie and her team host the Shining Stars awards ceremony, held at a very prestigious hotel nearby, and with a black-tie dress code, it’s become one of the hottest tickets in town and always sells out. The idea for this inspirational event started with one of the student-parents saying they needed to run and collect their other child from football. Katie said she got to thinking about kids who could go to football and other clubs and how some of her students would miss out on that feeling of achievement. The beauty of this event is that for some of her ‘stars’, this may be the only time that they will receive an award.

As well as the Awards Ceremony and performances, Katie and her team also organise a music festival each year, Shining Stars Fest. “People with additional needs may not always be able to attend a music festival and so we set the wheels in motion to create a music festival experience which would be fully inclusive,” says Katie. The event has grown year on year since the inaugural event back in 2016 and has become a community event that everyone in Coatbridge and beyond looks forward to each year.

Dedicated Family of Volunteers

At the heart of Shining Stars Theatre School is a team of dedicated and passionate local volunteers. These wonderful people, many of whom have been with Katie since the very beginning, love every student like family, and possess the expertise and understanding required to cater to the unique needs of every student. With their guidance and unwavering support, they create a nurturing family atmosphere where students can grow not only as performers but also as individuals.

The efforts and achievements of the Shining Stars family are celebrated with joy and enthusiasm. Regular performances and showcases provide a platform for students to demonstrate their progress and talent, giving them a taste of the spotlight they deserve. These events not only boost their confidence but also foster a sense of camaraderie and community among the students and their families.

Anne Marie, Executive Assistant to our founder Ruth Ibegbuna at Northern Soul, has the privilege of volunteering with Shining Stars and calling Katie and many of the other volunteers’ dear friends. So when her teammates at Northern Soul asked her to write this blog celebrating and amplifying the work of a local community leader, it was an easy choice for her to share the story of Katie and her Shining Stars with everyone.

A Bright Future at the Heart of the Community

Shining Stars sets a stellar example. It’s a place where every person feels welcome, valued, and celebrated for their unique abilities. The inclusivity at Shining Stars goes beyond the spotlight; it’s embedded in the fabric of the place, ensuring that everyone is given an equal opportunity to shine. Shining Stars ASN Theatre School isn’t just a theatre school—it’s a place where dreams come alive, where confidence is built, and where achievements are celebrated. With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, this remarkable charity is setting a shining example for the people of Coatbridge and beyond.