1.   Name of Association

A.C.T: Anglais Children’s Theatre

2.   Objectives & Purpose

In recent years the demographic of people emigrating to France has altered. More recently the number of British families with school aged children arriving has increased.    There are many associations in place for adults to find support and integrate within their local communities but there are few facilities in place for children who in some cases struggle to adapt to living and learning within a new country, culture and language.  

A need has been identified through discussions between concerned parents, local educational professionals and officials of the Marie.   The purpose of this association is to work with English-speaking and French children between 6-16 years of age through the medium of theatre to build confidence and self esteem and to support the integration process between children and the wider community.

English-Speaking Children will be given the opportunity to:

- Find support through mixing with other children who have emigrated to France and share similar experiences.

- Build personal esteem which may have been eroded through theas a result of changes experienced through moving to a different country and of living within a culture different from their own.

- Integrate with French children away from the school environment and thus support them within the lessons.

- Continue to develop skills in both spoken and written English.

French-speaking Children will be given the opportunity to:

- Develop their speaking and listening skills in an additional language by the use of English in a real context through ‘immersion’.

- Integrate with English children away from the formality of the school environment.

- Experience a “language role-reversal” and to gain an understanding in a supportive and nurturing environment of the challenges faced by children learning in a second language.

All children will be given the opportunity to:

- Learn a range of theatre skills including improvisation, role-play, script work, design, mime and movement

- Develop a range of life-skills including co-operation, collaboration, communication and concentration

- Devise and produce their own theatre productions for their own pleasure and for audiences

- Build personal esteem

- Integrate and build relationships and friendships with children from different backgrounds and ages and experience a cultural exchange

- Endeavour to develop skills and expand knowledge and understanding within a safe, supportive and fun environment.

3.   Address

The association will be based in 17500, VANZAC.

The registered address can be varied by a simple decision of the central committee to be ratified by they general body of the association.

4.   Duration of the association activities

A format of ongoing weekly drama lessons and additional intensive workshops held during major school holiday periods.

5.   Membership of the Association

 A parent or guardian joins the association as a representative for their child with the payment of an annual membership fee per child.

 Supporters of A.C.T without children can also join with the payment of an annual membership fee.

6.   Membership Fee

The membership fee shall be determined and reviewed annually by the central committee. And will be due at the general assembly.

7.   Resources

The resources of the association shall comprise:  

 The annual membership fees to be used to meet administrative costs.

 Weekly fees used to meet workshop expenses.

 Monies collected through fundraising, grants and box-office receipts for performance production costs and supplementary activities.

8.   Termination of membership

Membership of the association shall be terminated after deliberation by the committee for the following reasons:

 Non payment of the annual membership fee within one month of the due date.

 Behaviour  prejudicial to the aims of the association, safety and well-being of its members or that brings the association and its members into disrepute.

9.   Central Committee

The association shall be directed by a committee consisting of three members voted into post by an annual meeting of all members of the association. This committee shall then decide the offices of President, Treasurer and Secretary internally among the members of this elected committee.

In the case of an unexpected vacancy a post can be filled after a vote by ballot of general assembly members. Further non-committee positions may be created to assist in the function and development of the association.

The President shall represent the association for administrative and promotional purposes and shall be a signatory for the association bank account and will chair meetings and shall present an annual report upon the activities of the association.

The Secretary shall be responsible for correspondences, minutes and general administration other than accounts.

The Treasurer shall be responsible for the up-keep of financial records and the running of the association’s bank account and shall be joint signatory for that account

In the case of an unexpected vacancy a post can be filled after a vote by ballot of general assembly members.

The central committee will meet at least once every six months or on an “as needed” basis by the verbal summons of any central committee member.

The committee shall organise and attend an annual meeting of the general assembly of the association comprising all members.

10.   General Assembly

A general assembly of all members of the association will be called once a year in the month of July by way of public notice and by individual  communication with members.

Any decisions upon the actions of the association shall be made by the majority of members present by way of a free vote.

The president aided by the other committee members shall preside over this annual meeting and presents the central committee’s yearly review.   

The treasurer shall present an account of the association’s finances to be approved by a majority free vote of the membership.

The meeting shall elect the following year’s committee by a majority free vote of the membership.

11.   Extraordinary General Meeting

An Extraordinary General Meeting may be called by the President and can also be called at the formal request of at least 50% of the association members.

In the circumstances of an Extraordinary General Meeting a vote can only be carried in the event of a two thirds majority of a quorum of 50 % of the membership.

Internal Rules

The Central Committee will establish internal rules which will be submitted for approval to the general membership and which will then be applicable to all members of the association.

Dissolution

The dissolution of the association will be pronounced through an Extraordinary General Meeting. The E.G.M will appoint a liquidator to manage the remaining assets of the association which will be donated to an association of similar goals as in accordance with the law.