Description

Volunteering with Dramatic Need is an immensely rewarding experience. We send international professional actors, artists and musicians to South Africa and Rwanda to conduct workshops in schools.

Volunteers can go for a period of between two weeks to six months, either individually or in companies. Workshops are based around the particular expertise of the volunteer, be it drama, visual arts, music, dance or even film.

Volunteers are billeted within the local community and will usually workshop at two different schools during their stay. We encourage volunteers to stay as long as their work/study schedule permits, so both students and volunteers can get as much out of the programme as possible.

Highlights

We send volunteer artists, actors and musicians to some of the most challenged communities in South Africa and Rwanda to help children living through terrible hardships learn artistic skills and find a creative voice. Conducting workshops in schools, teaching things such as art, drama and music, volunteers help radically change the lives of underprivileged children, giving them an outlet to express their emotions in a creative form, and better cope with poverty, malnutrition and disease. Volunteers will get to know new communities and new cultures, essentially participating in a 'cultural exchange', learning as much as the children they are working with.

Qualifications

Creative arts qualification or experience in the creative arts field.

Minimum Education

Diploma/Certification

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

GBP 300 (USD 460) per week; USD 1200 (GBP 1840) a month

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad

Experience Required

yes

Volunteers are required to have a creative arts qualification or relevant experience in this field.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers with Dramatic Need in South Africa and Rwanda, are open minded, artistic and have a passion for their professional area of expertise. They are enthusiastic, can take initiative, and are comfortable hosting and leading workshops with children. Volunteers need either a degree or diploma in any discipline of the creative arts. This includes anyone who has graduated from a recognised drama, arts, dance or music school/college or a performing arts program (such as a circus school) or anyone who has been professionally involved in the arts for an extended period. Most volunteers come from England, Australia or America and are in their 20s or 30s, although all ages above 21 are encouraged to participate. Volunteers must have the ability to work independently although we try and put at least two volunteers together in a programme if we can.

Age Range

21 minimum age, no maximum age

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

One month

Post Services Include

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Dramatic Need's Mission Statement

We are a charitable organization formed and facilitated by creative professionals aiming to empower and inspire underprivileged children through the creative arts. The Dramatic Need program is very much a cultural exchange, with volunteers learning as much as the children they are working with. We are not 'importing' theater, music and art, but simply enabling children who may have very little in life, to utilize and take ownership of their own talents and abilities. In doing so, volunteers will be helping to foster the children's self-confidence and ability to express their emotions.

Year Founded

2006