A dynamic celebration of young talent will take centre stage next month as students from Aureus School present their annual Creative and Expressive Arts Showcase at Didcot’s Cornerstone Arts Centre.
Taking place on Friday, March 13, the showcase brings together a vibrant programme of performance from students in years 7 to 11, highlighting the creativity, discipline and imagination developed through the school’s performing arts curriculum.
Now in its sixth consecutive year at the venue, the event has become a key fixture in the school’s creative calendar.
Students have been preparing intensively for the performance, rehearsing both solo and group pieces across a range of styles. According to Amy King, Head of Creative and Expressive Arts, the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre environment is invaluable.
“Students have been rehearsing with real commitment, pushing their skills and supporting one another as they prepare for the stage. A professional setting is a significant milestone for them and it builds confidence, raises expectations and gives them a genuine sense of what it means to present their work to a wider audience,” she said.
This year’s programme has been further enriched by workshops with the Step in Time School of Performing Arts, which have played a key role in strengthening students’ confidence, musicality and technique. Miss King praised the collaboration, highlighting the impact of tutor Grace Clarke.
“Their tutor, Grace Clarke, brings a warm, encouraging approach that helps students push themselves while still enjoying the process. They also run classes at Aureus School, so it has been fantastic to strengthen that connection and work more closely with their community of performers,” she added.
The evening will open with a special performance by former Aureus student Maddie Grisbrooke, who now runs her own dance classes and leads ML7. Her return marks a full-circle moment for the showcase, demonstrating the lasting influence of creative education.
Audiences can expect a broad mix of genres, including street tap, contemporary and jazz, reflecting the diversity of students’ interests and abilities. While anticipation is already building for the school’s next major production, details remain under wraps until the summer term.
Tickets for the Creative and Expressive Arts Showcase are available via www.cornerstone-arts.org.
