Established in 2022, Luminaires Charitable Trust has directly involved more than 300 young people on the stage and behind-the-scenes of four large scale theatre events, in addition to running weekly skills development workshops. To date, Luminaires has produced: “Spamalot Young@Part”, “Heathers The Musical Teen Edition”, “Beauty Within the Beast" and "Fine Dining on Fleet Street”. We provide complimentary tickets to charitable groups and families who otherwise may not attend live theatre.

Luminaires provides a platform for tamariki and rangatahi to expand their skills in the performing arts and participate in professional quality productions, with an emphasis on seeking, supporting and sponsoring those who otherwise may not have the opportunity due to financial constraints, accessibility issues and other social or personal barriers.

It has been researched that there are many benefits to young people being involved in the performing arts. Studies have shown that children who have access to the arts do better across-the-board academically and they also become more active and engaged citizens.

Whether as a participant or an audience member, the performing arts bolsters creativity and self-confidence, cultivate compassion and appreciation for others, and strengthen self-discipline. Unfortunately, it is often those who could most benefit from being involved who also face the greatest barriers to participation. We actively seek to break down those barriers.

Confidence, clarity of communication and presentation is enhanced as all work together in a team towards a combined goal. Compassion and appreciation for others is cultivated. Self discipline is strengthened.

The social interaction of young people within this setting improves significantly as they form the bonds of friendship and discover like-minded peers. A huge benefit to their ongoing mental health and self worth, as they foster a strong sense of identity and self confidence. 

We find ways to fully embrace the greater whanau for all involved, building community enrichment among families of differing backgrounds in activities where they work together as equals.

Some comments from families:

“Working with Franc creating the props and being hands on backstage was such an experience, she was so caring of every single child! She got to know them all personally and made them all feel so special!! This was my daughter's first production, so the experience has truly got her hooked!  Franc helped boost her confidence, where she had started to doubt herself, the cast and crew strengthened her and made her confidence grow and her doubts fall away. I left there with life long friends and my daughter left with friends that she will stay in contact with for years to come!! We are so excited for the next production adventure.” Krissy Tupou

“As a Behavioural Psychologist, I think that the current  social climate is quite overwhelming for adults, let alone children who have to live with situations that we as adults did not, e.g. Earthquakes, Terrorist Attacks, Covid and now war. This production offered a way for children and adults to embrace a safe environment in which to express themselves as well as receive and offer emotional support within a kind and non judgemental peer group.” Simone Templeton

“Franc gave my daughter (18 years) the opportunity to choreograph this production. Giving young people opportunities to be involved with this kind of community develops leadership and collaboration skills. Her skills were valued and enhanced during the rehearsal process, building her self esteem and confidence in leading her peers. I also worked voluntarily backstage and again the community spirit and sense of purpose in this show was evident. Our young people and our communities need experiences like this to support their development of skills and also more importantly to support their mental and physical wellbeing.” Annette Thomson, Vice President Drama NZ, NZ Theatre Federation Adjudicator

“Socially and economically disadvantaged children and teenagers who have high levels of arts engagement or arts learning show more positive outcomes in a variety of areas than their low-arts-engaged peers.” 

https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/Arts-At-Risk-Youth.pdf