THE inspirational founder of the St Albans-based performing arts phenomenon Living The Dream, Zoe Jackson has now set a new, ambitious dream of her own – to build a new £10 million performing arts centre in the town.

The 26-year-old, who will accept an MBE from the Queen at Windsor Castle on December 8 for her work with disadvantaged young people, is currently looking for a suitable site and hopes to raise the money needed through a combination of grants, donations and fundraising.

Zoe intends to kick this off the fundraising herself by taking part in the London Marathon next year asking supporters to pledge £26.20 each to reflect the 26.2 mile race. “I want to raise £26,200,” she says. “This will be the first step on my mission to create a purpose-built centre where all these incredibly talented young people can come and study for their performing arts qualifications.

“I want to get the power of St Albans behind me to create a place where those who cannot afford to pay the expensive fees to study in the performing arts a place where they can study in a vibrant and artistic environment.”

Zoe, who started her company, which presents its Christmas Showcase at the Alban Arena on Saturday, to help pay her own fees of £2,000 to attend the prestigious National Youth Theatre, is passionate about helping those who feel they cannot afford, or do not have the confidence to pursue a career as a singer, dancer or actor.

She is now fully committed to Living The Dream and its charity arm the Living The Dream Foundation, and its talent agency and is very proud that some of her pupils have gone on to pursue their own successful careers. “This youth-led environment is quite special, “ she says and adds that she was inspired to start her charity following the 2011 riots in London and after hearing young people labelled as ‘troublemakers’.

“I have seen how the performing arts can instil a belief in themselves that some young people lacked,” she adds. Zoe hopes also to work with young offenders who “society has given up on” and those who lack funds or a supportive family background as well as some who have been excluded from school.

The new centre, where 16 to 19-year-olds will be able to study full-time for a BTEC certificate in the performing arts and where workshops can be held at other times, will also have facilities such as a coffee shop run by young people. This could be used as a meeting place as Zoe says there is “nowhere in St Albans for young people to go and meet up in a vibrant, artistic environment.”

The showcase this week will demonstrate the wide range of talent already being nurtured by Living The Dream. The 150 students, aged five to 18 taking part in the variety show will strut their stuff in street dance, contemporary dance, musical theatre, acting, singing and more.

The whole production has been created entirely by young people who want to make a difference through the arts and who could go on to greater things in the showbiz world. The show will feature Living the Dream’s teenage street crew, Strive, who were awarded second place in the recent UDO Regional Street Dance Championships.

Zoe adds: “We are so proud of all our students and their energy, passion and talent. We hope our showcase will inspire more young people to get involved in Living the Dream!"

Alban Arena, Civic Centre, St Albans, Saturday, November 21, 6pm. Details: 01727 844488, alban-arena.co.uk

For further information on performing arts classes , contact: school@livingthedreamcompany.co.uk or call 07982 513590