Into the Scene and its impact on inclusive performance training

Abstract

In autumn 2006 the Arts Council England set up the Into the Scene project in order to increase the number of disabled and deaf theatre practitioners graduating from accredited training courses and to increase the quality of their experience. A team from Graeae, the disabled-led theatre company that profiles the skills of actors, writers and directors with physical and sensory impairments, was chosen to work on the project. In this interview with Kathy Dacre, Alex Bulmer, the project co-ordinator, describes and assesses its achievements.

Keywords:

• inclusive training
• acting
• theatre

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Kathy Dacre

Professor Kathy Dacre is director of learning and teaching at Rose Bruford College. She previously taught at Central School of Speech and Drama, London University, Vassar College and New York University and has devised and developed over 18 degrees in the performing arts. She has a particular interest in accessible curricula

Alex Bulmer

Alex Bulmer is project co-ordinator for the Into the Scene project. She is literary manager for Graeae Theatre Company where she worked as a writer, voice coach and workshop leader. Alex has worked with several UK and Canadian companies including Polka, Clean Break, Quick Silver, Half Moon, In Tandern, Die in Debt and Nightwood Theatre. She has taught at Banff School of Fine Arts, the National Theatre School of Canada, Central School of Speech and Drama and Rose Bruford College