Drama queen Joan McKenzie is on a mission to stop aspects of Jamaican culture from dying out — by launching her very own performing arts academy for talented children.

The 27-year-old actress and teacher revealed how young people are turning their backs on traditional culture, admitting that some pupils can’t even be bothered to show up for Heritage Day events.

Now, the passionate Clarendon-born star has set up the Hope Performing Arts Studios under her Joan McKenzie Production Company to train 14 to 20-year-olds and spark a fire for local theatre.