Enter upstage left. Objective? To lead
The New Year kicks off, and kicks in, with an exciting new project.
I’ll be working with RADA to develop the silent approach with an ensemble of actors with, and without, learning disabilities, exploring and expanding this technique which allows for real equality in casting.
The rehearsal room door will then be opened to producers, venues, drama schools, casters and people who can affect real change.
The aim is to shift the landscape for exceptional actors with learning disabilities, to encourage integrated work on high profile stages, and generate opportunities alongside non learning disabled casts, and creative teams.
I want also to encourage access to high level vocational training for talented students with learning disabilities and to ignite bold representation in impactful new integrated work, written and directed by innovative theatre makers, work which plays out to general audiences, with the potential to make a big impact.
Here’s how…
I’ll direct a masterclass and a series of scenes with an integrated ensemble using the silent approach; focusing on action, objective, character and the method.
Collaborating with a RADA Associate Director and a team of movement, voice and acting tutors the approach will develop and grow as skills are shared.
At the end of the rehearsal process I’ll host a showing and panel discussion with some key speakers at RADA for an invited audience.
Finally I’ll write and publish a working toolkit for theatre makers who want to work with actors with learning disabilities in their casts, including interview panel transcripts, actor interviews, opinions from project partners and impressions from audience members.
Partnership with leading conservatoire RADA has unparalleled potential to develop and share the silent approach and to raise the profile of the work of vocational actors with learning disabilities.
We want to inspire real change, to encourage playwrights and directors, venues and producers, to cast bravely, and to take risks, in an era where seeing diversity fully represented in quality drama is absolutely vital.
We’re leaping into a bold 2017…follow the journey…
