our projects
THE HIDDEN DISABILITIES PROJECT
The Hidden Disabilities workshop package used drama games and forum theatre to promote inclusive practise and disability awareness for secondary school pupils. In addition, it put a spotlight on ‘hidden’ and often unconscious discrimination that takes place with the regular use of offensive words still being used as part of the vernacular, particularly amongst young people. With support from Croydon's Active Communities Fund, the original project was developed with Year-12 pupils at Riddlesdown Collegiate in 2016, who worked with our Equally Diverse actors to devise a show based on the projects themes.
Their shared rehearsals culminated in two shows performed to over 350 Year-8 pupils and in the presence of Croydon's Mayor. It also supported Mencap's National #HereIAm campaign.
THE BUS STOP PROJECT
The Bus Stop Project offered both introductory workshops and longer residencies whereby young people used Mask & Forum Theatre to explore behaviour and their personal experiences of using public transport. The Bus Stop Project originated in the London Borough of Sutton in 2009 with a combined group of teenagers and older people. It was also commissioned after the summer riots of 2011. The programme worked with a diverse mix of participants in a number of secondary schools across Sutton and Croydon.
"I wanted to write to thank you for the wonderful mask workshop you carried out with our year 9 class last week. I haven't seen the students that focused in a long time!"
WORKSHOPS WITH SAVVY
The Equally Diverse actors regularly assisted facilitators from SAVVY Theatre Company as part of the company's Schools & Communities workshop programme. As part of their role within the workshop sessions, members of the group lead warm-up games, offered story-building suggestions and provided support in small group activities. They worked with a wide range of people and gained experience in a number of settings including Carew Manor, Wallington Girls School, Riddlesdown Collegiate, Sutton Mencap and at the Sutton Centre for Independent Living & Learning (SCILL).
