Stepping Forward: Explore

Step into the spotlight and master the performing arts.

Jump into our digital series to explore acting, dance, singing and backstage arts with inspiring, artist-led episodes. Whether at home, in school, or at your youth club you can build confidence, boost wellbeing and unlock your creativity along the way!

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Discover the Performing Arts

Learn about the different forms of Performing Arts - including history, impact, and significance in society

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Develop Skills

Participate in practical pre recorded workshops to enhance confidence, teamwork, and self-expression.

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Professional Insights

Gain valuable advice and inspiration from professional artists and explore the different pathways into the arts.

About the Course

Stepping Forward: Explore the Performing Arts

This is a brand-new digital series created to open up the joy and benefits of the performing arts to all young people. This series brings an introduction to acting, singing, dancing and backstage arts, complete with flexible resources for individuals, schools and youth groups.

Designed to support wellbeing, confidence, social skills and creative growth, Stepping Forward: Explore offers a high-quality, one-of-a-kind introduction to the performing arts.

By purchasing the series, parents, schools and youth workers also help fund The Share Foundation’s core Stepping Forward: Performing Arts for Life programme for young people in care.

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Course highlights

This short preview takes you behind the scenes of our digital workshops, showcasing the energy, skill-building, and professional insights that make Stepping Forward: Explore an essential entry point for the performance arts.

Course stages

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1. Introduction to Performing Arts

An introduction to the performing arts and what they're all about.

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2. Forms of Performing Arts

Delve deeper into the origins of our four performing arts of focus: dance, drama, singing and backstage.

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3. Specialist Art Forms

Gain hands on experience through workshops with industry professionals, as well as an in depth discussion on backstage roles.

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4. In Conversation With...

Join Mo Jamil, Anais Houillet, Max Westwell and Macey Rhianne as they discuss their journeys to becoming performing arts professionals.

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5. Get Involved

How to get involved in the arts performing arts in your local community or professionally, including discussions on funding options!

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6. Moving Forward

Advice on how you can move forward with the performing arts, including setting goals and building transferable skills.

Meet the Instructors

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Zoë Lister

Zoë Lister is a British actor and voice artist best known for playing Zoe Carpenter in the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Zoë also a talented voice artist, her voice became widely known from Jet2 holiday adverts, which went viral on social media in 2025. Beyond acting, Zoë writes for TV (including children’s and teen drama series) and performs on stage, showing young people there are lots of ways to be creative in the industry.
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Emeka Sesay

Emeka Sesay is a British actor whose work you might recognise from TV and film. On screen he’s played Dami Ojo in The Power (a sci-fi series) and had roles in popular shows like Doctors and Top Boy. He’s also appeared in films including Pretty Red Dress and The Personal History of David Copperfield and London theatre shows including Red Pitch. From TV, cinema and stage, Emeka brings depth and energy to a wide range of characters - perfect for young people curious about acting and storytelling on screen.

The Team Behind the Scenes

Stepping Forward is a collaborative programme, delivered by The Share Foundation and development supported by Tring Park School for the Performing Arts, The Rothschild Foundation and Particle6 Productions.

Hosted by the wonderful Zoë Lister and Emeka Sesay, with workshops, discussions and content delivered by a range of inspiring and talented industry professionals. Stepping Forward: Explore is here to give YOU a great introduction into the Performing Arts, a space to develop transferable life skills and plan for future pathways.

Stepping Forward: Explore Team

Student Testimonials

Discover how this course is transforming the lives of young performers.

“Completing Stepping Forward has taught me a lot of skills and knowledge that I can use now and in the future. For example, I’ve learned about collaboration, communication, and teamwork, which are important in performing arts but also in everyday life. I’ve also gained confidence and self-expression through trying different activities like acting, singing, or dance. ”

“Don't let your own doubts limit you. We often build invisible walls around ourselves based on fear, preventing us from trying new things or pursuing our goals. True growth happens when we step beyond whats comfortable. Challenge yourself to explore new possibilities, learn new skills and embrace your unknown. The only one real limits are the ones you choose to accept.”

“I have learnt many useful skills from the Stepping Forward course. I improved my confidence, communication, teamwork and creativity. These skills will help me now in school and in the future in any career I choose. I also learned about the importance of practice and trying new things outside my comfort zone. This programme has really motivated me to keep learning and growing.”

“This course has given me a great insight into the world of performing arts. I could use this knowledge if I decide to go into a performing arts career”

“I think that Stepping Forward shows how to be confident, not afraid to try new things and to not give up. It has taught me a lot about the Performing Arts and the backstage roles that really interest me.”

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Stepping Forward: Explore is designed to be flexible and easy to use for individuals, schools and youth groups. Schools and organisations can also get in touch with us for extra lesson ideas, delivery guidance and support resources to help you get the most out of the series. All you need to get started is...

  • A device & internet connection (Laptop, tablet or phone will work)

  • A bit of time to explore - Dip in when it suits you, at your own pace

  • An open mind! You don’t need experience, just a willingness to give things a go

Ready to Step Forward?

Unlock your potential in the performing arts and embark on a journey of creativity and self-discovery.