Following successful pilot workshops in summer 2022, Newcastle-based theatre company, Unfolding Theatre, announces regular workshops for North East Deaf Youth Theatre. 

North East Deaf Youth Theatre, which was founded in 2022, aims to provide a platform for deaf children and young people to express themselves through the medium of theatre, supporting them to develop their creative skills, build confidence and form new friendships.

Themed monthly sessions focus on a wide range of skills, including story-telling, filmmaking and puppetry and are led by Unfolding Theatre’s Creative Associate, EJ Raymond who is profoundly deaf and a BSL user. 

The Northern Echo: Workshops are available in separate age groups from ages 5 to 16Workshops are available in separate age groups from ages 5 to 16 (Image: Unfolding Theatre)

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“I set up North East Deaf Youth Theatre in response to the limitations I experienced when starting out in theatre”, said EJ.

“I was told that deaf children can’t make or create theatre; that they can’t take part because they can’t hear the cues or the dialogue. This is completely wrong. 

“Deaf young people can make and create theatre and – most importantly – they can do it by themselves. North East Deaf Youth Theatre provides the support to enable children to learn by themselves and offers deaf role models for inspiration.”

Annie Rigby, Unfolding Theatre’s Artistic Director said: “North East Deaf Youth Theatre is such a welcoming and supportive environment. And it's pure joy from start to finish! The kids have brilliant, funny, imaginative story ideas and we have a blast helping them bring their ideas to life.” 

The Northern Echo:

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North East Deaf Theatre is free and further information can be found at: www.unfoldingtheatre.co.uk for further information and registration.

Dates:

•            Saturday, February 18, 2023

•            Saturday, March 18 2023

•            Saturday, April 22 2023

•            Saturday, May 20 2023

•            Saturday, June 17 2023

•            Saturday, July 15 2023

Sessions take place at Jesmond Park Academy in the drama studio.

Classes are 9.30-11.30am for ages 5-11 and 12-1pm for ages 11-16.

Since Rose Ayling-Ellis won Strictly Come Dancing in 2021, she has helped raise awareness of the deaf community being given the same opportunities in the entertainment and performance industry.

She is a patron of Deafinitely Youth Theatre in London after she attended the group as a youngster.

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