Performing Arts

The Tempest: We explore Shakespeare’s masterpiece and its connection to the elements and our surroundings.

Coronation: Through comedy improvisations, we examine status, character, and emotions.

Artmaker Festival: We host maker-led workshops and discussions, fostering creative collaboration.

Toys at Christmas: Our Artmakers devise a short, festive pantomime to celebrate the holiday season.

Weekly Structure: Each week, we follow a consistent yet flexible structure.

Empowering Participants: We give participants a voice by engaging them in interactive activities utilising music, movement, and theatre. These activities promote self-expression, teamwork, and socialisation.

Recognising the challenges faced by individuals with learning differences, we provide personalised support and guidance to help each participant achieve their goals and unlock their full potential.

Knowledge Sharing and Skill Development: Our workshops aim to equip participants with tools and skills for success on and off the stage. Through our sessions, participants uncover their unique talents and abilities and are inspired to positively impact their lives and communities.

Proactive and Compassionate Approach: Our dedicated team employs Makaton Signing, sensory drama, and special project work to create an inclusive environment. We adapt each activity to suit the group’s diverse needs and abilities, ensuring everyone can participate and contribute at their own level.

Promoting Peer Leadership: We encourage participants to assume leadership roles within the group, bolstering their confidence and communication skills while enabling them to support and motivate their peers.

Dynamic and Inclusive Environment: Our workshops encompass a variety of engaging and inclusive activities, such as warm-up exercises, creative movement, drama games, music, visual arts, and rehearsals for short plays or scenes. These activities are designed to be enjoyable and accessible, allowing every participant to engage and contribute at their own pace.

Physical Improvements: Creative activities, such as warm-ups, movement exercises, and play rehearsals, enhance physical fitness, coordination, and motor skills. For individuals with special needs, these activities also foster increased range of motion, flexibility, and strength.

Emotional Benefits: Our workshops provide a safe space for participants to explore and express emotions through performing arts. This nurtures self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, anxiety and stress management, self-confidence, and a sense of community, positively impacting mental health and social interactions.

Mental Benefits: Drama activities stimulate cognitive processes like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. Improved communication skills, including active listening and verbal/nonverbal expression, further contribute to participants’ mental wellbeing. Longer-term projects foster a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Enhanced Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Exploring various perspectives and emotions in drama activities helps develop empathy and emotional intelligence, leading to better relationships and self-understanding.

Boosted Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills: Drama activities promote innovative thinking, which can be applied across different aspects of life.

Improved Communication Skills: Developing stronger verbal/nonverbal communication and active listening skills positively impacts participants’ self-expression and understanding of others.

Greater Sense of Community and Belonging: Drama activities promote feelings of community and belonging, which can be especially important for individuals feeling isolated or marginalized.

Mindfulness: Workshops encourage mindfulness by promoting presence in the moment and focusing on thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Sensory drama activities help participants develop greater sensory awareness and a deeper connection to their surroundings.

Our drama workshop nurtures independent skills and social imagination that are transferable to various aspects of everyday life, such as employment, social interactions, and basic life skills.

Communication and Social Skills: Through drama games, role-playing, and storytelling, participants enhance their communication and social skills, aiding them in situations like job interviews and community interactions.

Motor Coordination and Balance: Circus skills and movement activities, including juggling and balance exercises, help develop motor coordination and balance, applicable in real-world contexts like navigating busy streets or performing tasks requiring physical dexterity.

Makaton Signing: This communication system, which uses signs and symbols to support speech, is incorporated throughout the workshop, improving participants’ communication skills and self-expression.

Sensory Drama Activities: Sensory exploration of props and materials, as well as performances incorporating different sensory elements, foster participants’ environmental awareness and their ability to navigate it independently.

Special Project Work: By engaging in projects like creating and performing plays, designing props or costumes, or collaborating on group initiatives, participants develop teamwork, leadership, and project management skills that are applicable in various real-world contexts.

Imagination and Social Imagination: Drama activities stimulate participants’ imagination, allowing them to explore new perspectives and scenarios. This nurtures social imagination, which involves understanding and empathizing with others’ experiences and emotions, leading to improved social interactions and relationships.

In our drama workshop, we use a range of communication methods to help everyone engage and express themselves.

Verbal communication: Encouraging talking or singing to build confidence and communication skills.
Makaton: Using signs, gestures, and symbols alongside speech to support communication in various workshop activities.

Gesture-based communication: Including simple hand signals or facial expressions to help participants understand each other.

Picture-based communication: Using Widgit and Makaton picture symbols for those who find verbal communication challenging.

Body language and movement: Employing physical techniques to support self-expression, coordination, and expression.

Tactile communication: Offering tactile experiences with textured materials, objects, or props for those with sensory processing challenges.

Written communication: Giving participants opportunities to write or draw, particularly for those who struggle with speaking.

Participants in the workshop have a variety of positive experiences, with many of them expressing a love for acting, and playing games. They particularly enjoy engaging in drama activities, incorporating music and games, and appreciate the opportunity to share thoughts and feelings through Makaton signs.

Many participants highlight their favourite activities, such as rehearsing for The Tempest, exploring who they are, and learning Makaton. They value the chance to develop their confidence, independence, and communication skills. Furthermore, participants feel that the skills they gain in the workshop positively impact their everyday lives, allowing them to be more adventurous, enhance communication, and boost self-esteem.

Participants enjoy working with each other, expressing that they feel like part of a unique, supportive family. They cherish the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones, make friends, and share their knowledge with others. The inclusive environment, characterised by warmth and dignity, fosters emotional growth and connection.

Overall, participants would recommend the workshop to others, citing the fun, empowering, and supportive atmosphere it provides. They appreciate the chance to share their feelings, explore their creative abilities, and develop a sense of community with their peers.

Our drama workshop goes beyond offering a fun and engaging experience for participants; it fosters an inclusive environment that promotes learning and growth for everyone involved.

We’ve provided work and performance opportunities for our Artmakers at local professional theatres, community festivals, and collaborated with Arts Council-funded organisations like Moonspace Theatre and All Points North. These collaborations have resulted in successful performances, animations, and workshops, further enriching the participants’ experiences.

Our dedicated team works passionately to engage both staff and participants in the sessions, creating an atmosphere where everyone learns and grows together. By focusing on the social model of disability, we strive to remove barriers and establish an inclusive environment where everyone can participate and thrive.

We empower participants and staff using signing, enabling effective communication, and fostering relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. Additionally, we’ve raised funds to provide staff and Artmakers and community actors with Level 1 Makaton training.

Our workshop not only delivers an enjoyable experience, but also fosters a comprehensive, inclusive environment that supports the personal and professional growth of all individuals involved.