"I joined Shene Stage School when I was just eight years old. It feels like a long time ago now, but I will still remember my very first lesson. It was Singing, and I remember how very nervous I was beforehand, about meeting new people and trying new things. Yet I also remember how instantly comfortable, relaxed and above all excited I was by the end of that first lesson. I then spent a very happy eight years worth of Saturday mornings, continuing to be excited by every lesson, learning so much about the different skills from expert teachers, making so many new and lasting friends, being given amazing opportunities to perform outside of the classroom, and most of all, having fun. I felt myself grow in confidence, not just as a singer, dancer, actor or writer, but as a person, helped by a fantastically encouraging environment and amazing staff. Eleven years later and I'm still there! Having left for a very, very brief period of time when I was sixteen, I immediately missed the place and the people and desperately wanted to come back to help out. Over the last couple of years, I have had the privilege of watching children go through the very same experience, either coming out of their shell or learning to channel their talent and enthusiasm. I've learnt so much, I wouldn't have missed it for the world."
- Ailis