FREE COURSES AT LEEDS PLAYHOUSE AND SHEFFIELD THEATRES OFFER DEAF AND DISABLED ARTISTS EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE THEATRE INDUSTRY
FREE COURSES AT LEEDS PLAYHOUSE AND SHEFFIELD THEATRES OFFER DEAF AND DISABLED ARTISTS EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE THEATRE INDUSTRY
Deaf and disabled artists interested in pursuing careers in directing, producing and writing are being given an exciting insight into the theatre industry by Leeds Playhouse and Sheffield Theatres in association with Ramps On The Moon.
The organisations are joining forces to host three free introductory courses led by experienced theatre professionals for deaf and disabled people at the beginning of their careers.
The writing and producing courses will both take place at Leeds Playhouse. The writers will be led by the theatre’s Artist for Change and Writer in Residence Leanna Benjamin and Furnace Coordinator Rio Matchett, who plays a key role in the Playhouse’s artistic development programme. The producers will be led by Leeds Playhouse Agent for Change Paul Wilshaw and Freelance Producer Ben Rothera.
The directing course will take place at Sheffield Theatres led by their Agent for Change Ben Wilson and Associate Artistic Director Anthony Lau.
The courses are supported by Ramps on the Moon, a collaborative network of six major regional theatres aimed at normalising the presence of deaf and disabled people both on and off stage. They will run in a staggered calendar from 22 February to 7 June, with a week allocated for the sharing of work from 30 May to 3 June.
Amy Leach, Associate Director at Leeds Playhouse, said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for deaf and disabled artists to explore their passion for writing, directing and producing, and for us to connect with a host of new creatives who are just starting out in the theatre industry.
“Diverse voices, viewpoints and lived experiences are vital in the arts, enriching the work we produce, expanding the breadth of the stories we tell and helping us to reach the widest possible audience. We can’t wait to meet everyone who signs up for the courses – and to set off together on what promises to be a transformative process for us all.”
Anthony Lau, Associate Artistic Director at Sheffield Theatres, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with our friends at Leeds Playhouse and Ramps on the Moon to offer these introductory courses, to support deaf and disabled artists in directing, producing and writing. At Sheffield Theatres we are passionate about developing talent and we can’t wait to start working with this group of early career artists.”
The deadline for applications is 10am on Monday 14 February 2022. All the details on how to apply can be found here.
During the application window, Leeds Playhouse and Sheffield Theatres we will be running two optional Zoom Q&A sessions on Tuesday 18 January from 2–3pm, and Wednesday 19 January from 6.30–7.30pm. The sessions are an opportunity for people to meet the teams running the courses, to ask questions, and to get additional support and information on the application process.
Two short films are available explaining the courses in more detail and giving applicants the chance to meet the writing, producing and directing teams.