News: New project at ARC aims to find talented young disabled performers

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New project at ARC aims to find talented young disabled performers

ARC are on the lookout for young disabled people to be part of a new project that could see them become the next generation of performers.

Young disabled people aged between 18 and 25 who want to take their first steps in developing their performance skills and creative talents, have the chance to embrace a new project that could potentially lead to a future in performing arts.

The three month performing arts project aims to challenge society’s perceptions of disabled people and promote their creative voices.

Budding performers will get the chance to produce a new and exciting piece of original work, which will then be showcased to their friends, family and supporters at ARC towards the end of the project.

Members of the 45 Days to 

Find My Way group. Photo: ARC

The group will be led by established performing arts professionals, who will explore modern theatre techniques such as physical theatre, mime, and mask looking at different ways to tell stories without words by using physical movements, facial expressions, costume items and props. They will also get the chance to try out imaginative character work, including voice work and have a go at creating vocal sound effects for a short animated film which they will produce with a local film maker.

Playwright and theatre director, Vici Wreford-Sinnott will lead the group through the project. Vici is the Disability Agent of Change for Cultural Shift, which is a three year programme promoting opportunities for more disabled people to get involved in the arts in various ways.

She commented: "It's so exciting to be able to create an opportunity for the next generation of disabled performing artists from our area. We're looking for people who want to try new things, and we'll be making sure that the voices of those involved are well and truly heard by creating brand new material, rather than replicating what's already out there."

It is hoped that the group will develop a range of new skills, and grow in confidence so they can go on to experience further development opportunities, which could even lead to a future in performing arts.

Last year learning disabled actor, Liam Bairstow, who is currently starring in Coronation Street as the character Alex, performed at ARC in a play called Contained, which featured a talented cast of up and coming learning disabled actors. Liam was chosen for his part in the soap after he attended a workshop run by ITV called ‘Breaking Through’, which had been set up for actors with disabilities, as the show’s producer Stuart Blackburn recognised that learning disabled actors get few auditions for professional acting roles.

No previous experience is needed, just an interest in the arts and a commitment to learning and performing. The sessions will take place on Tuesdays between 4.30pm and 6.30pm and will cost £3 each, places are limited. The first session will take place on Tuesday 19 April.

Further Information:

To enquire or to book a place, contact Chloe Lawrence at ARC on 01642 665400.

Places are limited. Please inform ARC of any access requirements you may have before booking so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. If you would normally have one-to-one support, don’t forget to bring someone along with you as this service is not something that ARC can provide.