Although the routes in, the doors, to theatre are different, all actors can play to the same audience, in the same house.
Separate Doors aims to increase the representation of people with learning disabilities in general audience facing theatre.
We believe great theatre can be made by casts of actors with and without learning disabilities working together (Integrated theatre).
Separate Doors 1
Focused on four companies who train and make touring theatre with skilled actors with learning disabilities.
The four companies are our key allies; Access All Areas, Dark Horse, Hijinx and Hubbub.
This first project culminated inSeparate Doors 1, a report which featured interviews with ally company Artistic and Executive Directors, leading actors with learning disabilities and documented silent approach master classes at each company. A film outlined the process.
The printed report was sent to all Arts Council National Portfolio theatres, drama schools, universities and producers across the UK and is available on line (link at the end of this page).
Separate Doors 2
Focused on actor training processes and casting actors with learning disabilities on main stages and in film and TV.
An action research process explored the silent approach at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art where an integrated ensemble worked with me, emeritus Director of acting Geoff Bullen and a team of core skills tutors.
The outcomes of the research were presented at a forum for 50 industry leaders at RADA and casting and representation discussed with Phelim McDermott, casting director Sarah Hughes, film director Jane Gull and Charlotte Bevan from the National Theatre.
A second Separate Doors report was published and disseminated widely in print and digital formats.
Separate Doors 3
Focuses on the creative and rehearsal processes that make integrated work happen and asks how the silent approach can support tomorrows’ theatre leadership to embrace this aspect of diversity in high quality work.
Its in progress right now…
We’ve worked with leading playwrights, directors and theatre makers in silent approach master classes, there’s a major forum at RADA coming soon and a third Separate Doors report.
You can read Separate Doors reports 1 and 2 here- clink on the image…
Separate Doors is funded by Arts Council England project grants, private donors and the generous in kind support of project partners.
