The idea
North East Deaf Youth Theatre is an accessible group for children/young people in the Deaf community to explore theatre making and develop creative skills.
The group is led by Unfolding Theatre's Creative Associate, EJ Raymond, who is profoundly deaf. Based at Gosforth Civic Theatre, the project will engage 20 children/young in a 5-day summer school in August 2024, in addition to our regular monthly sessions. The summer camp will involve the children and young people developing a co-created theatre project that will then be performed for family, friends and guests.
North East Deaf Youth Theatre provides an inspiring and confidence-building opportunity for deaf children/young people to develop creative skills, work alongside Deaf role models who are working in the creative and cultural sector, build connections, and create their own theatre productions and creative work.
Funding will support the costs of creative freelancers, BSL interpreters, venue hire and workshop materials.
What we'll deliver
- A 5-day theatre summer camp for Deaf children/young people.
- An inspiring programme of theatre making opportunities for 20 deaf children/young people.
- A co-created piece of theatre developed with the children/young people.
Why it's a great idea
“Young deaf people have their own unique creativity, imagination and talent. For years I was told deaf people can’t make or create theatre and that’s not true.” EJ Raymond
This is what EJ was told when they were younger, so we want to ensure deaf children/young people are not made to feel like this now!
North East Deaf Youth Theatre celebrates the creativity of deaf children/young and provides access to creative opportunities that will inspire our next generation of performers, directors, script writers, lighting designers and more!
Sessions are led by deaf creatives, providing positive role models for the children/young people that attend. We provide a safe and accessible space for deaf children/young people to explore their creativity, build confidence, make new friends and develop useful transferable skills.
Since 2022, we have engaged 49 deaf children/young people and are determined to continue providing long-term, meaningful creative opportunities.
Steps to get it done
- Finalising the dates and activity programme for 2024-25.
- Run recruitment campaign to attract more Deaf children and young people to sessions.
- Deliver North East Deaf Youth Theatre summer camp in 2024.
