You can be who you are in the Shed!
ShedHelsinki’s musical theatre for children and young people gives different young people aged 9–19 the opportunity to engage in hobbies and gain experiences of success in a safe community. The activities enable children and young people to be presented as their own, unique individuals. Together and safely.
We asked the children and young people performing at Metsä Christmas what ShedHelsinki has meant to them and what it has given them. Some of the children have been involved since the first Christmas performance in 2016. The joy of doing things together and the courage to be yourself were repeated in many comments.
“Shed is the best thing in my life; team spirit and friends! I wouldn’t go alone.”
Eetu, 17 years old
“In Shed, everyone is given power, even if they are, for example. wheelchair users. It’s wonderful to be part of a group where everyone is accepted as they are. Shed gave me more courage, no matter what my bully says, I know what I want to do!”
Anna, 19 years old
“Shed means a lot of laughter and a lot of fun time with my friends. I’ve got a new friend in Shed. Shed has made my life more active.”
Jere, 18 years old
“Shed is a place for me to be myself.”
Efat, 13 v
“Shed has given us all more courage to perform, it’s wonderful when you can do what you can and do to the fullest in training and don’t have to be embarrassed at all. For the first time, Noel has got a hobby where he can meet other young people and “normal” young people with whom he can chat freely. Shed is the only place where no one is afraid or avoids Noel, and we haven’t been bullied because of Noel. Leon has enjoyed getting to know other boys who are from the same things, i.e. music, dance and theatre. In general, it’s nice to be able to participate in the same hobby and perform together with my siblings with such a large age range.”
Olivia, 15 years old, Leon, 12 years old and Noel, 21 years old
“It’s really nice to always go to training! It’s wonderful to be able to dance, sing and act, and we have really nice teachers! And then you get to know all kinds of different people, even those you might not otherwise get to know. I’m not afraid of being “different” anymore, because I know that we all have something in common, even if we look different. I can’t wait for the performances to start!! It’s so great to wait behind the scenes for your turn to get on stage!”
Neve, 12 v
“In Shed, you don’t feel different from others. I’ve been encouraged and made friends, Shed is almost my whole life.”
Maryam, 16 years old
“In Shed, I’ve made new friends and the opportunity to learn about theatre, myself and others. It’s also wonderful to be able to help others and do things together!”
Milla, 16 years old
“You can be who you are! School is also going better. This has been a lottery win for me!”
Riku, 12 years old
“At Shed, I’ve found my passion and made new friends. Shed is super important to me <3”
Safiya, 17 years old
“Thank you all for the training. It was the best workout ever. It made me feel confident and wonderful <3”
Otso, 10 years old
“I’ve learned that even if you have a disability, you can still do the same things as everyone else! Shed has meant joy, laughter, new friendships and amazing experiences to me.”
Celina, 11 years old
“Shed has brought excitement, fun and new friends into my life. I’ve learned to be bolder with others and I’ve come out of a shell. I’ve noticed that you can be anything, even if you’re an actor, even if you’re visually impaired.”
Aletta, 12 years old
“I went to see Sleeping Beauty – Back to the Future. I noticed that there were people of all ages and cultures on stage. Especially since there were people with intellectual disabilities, it just called my name and I joined the following spring. I’ve been involved since the beginning of 2018 and I’m going to continue as long as I can.”
Lemley, 16 years old
“I’ve learned that even if you have a disability, you can still do the same things as everyone else! Shed has meant joy, laughter, new friendships and amazing experiences to me.”
Celina, 11 years old
“Shed has brought excitement, fun and new friends into my life. I’ve learned to be bolder with others and I’ve come out of a shell. I’ve noticed that you can be anything, even if you’re an actor, even if you’re visually impaired.”
Aletta, 12 years old
“I went to see Sleeping Beauty – Back to the Future. I noticed that there were people of all ages and cultures on stage. Especially since there were people with intellectual disabilities, it just called my name and I joined the following spring. I’ve been involved since the beginning of 2018 and I’m going to continue as long as I can.”
Lemley, 16 years old