"There's a concept in the Bahá'í faith," says theatre education officer Jessica Naish, "where it says we should consider man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value...that's the basis of this project." This project is Acting Out Cardiff, a new educational and performance initiative between Cardiff Council's Schools Service and the Sherman Theatre. Its aim - to take Year 10 and 11 pupils out of the classroom and give them hands-on experience in a professional arts environment. Naish is Project Director and Education Officer for the Sherman Theatre. "We give the young people training in a wide range of skills - from mask making and physical theatre, through lighting to set design. We want to help them gain confidence in themselves, develop skills for life and express their individuality while working as a team - really to discover the gems that each of them has within."

The Sherman Theatre is one of the country's leading theatres for young people. Phil Clark, its Chief Executive says this initiative is an exciting opportunity for them - "Through the use of theatre," he says, "we can foster, develop and celebrate young people and empower them to create a vibrant society." And the project has already won high praise from the local education authority. "We are thrilled," says Alison Godolphin, the Educational Development Officer for Cardiff Schools Service, "This scheme has the potential to change lives."

Opening the project, the Welsh Education minister Jane Davidson highlighted it as a pioneering activity in line with government education policies. "It was wonderful," says Jessica Naish, "how the minister was so taken with the philosophy of what we're trying to do. The students are now telling us they feel more confident, that they've discovered new talents and that their behaviour and attendance at school has improved...we couldn't ask for anything more."

RW