Expressions of interest are open for ‘Let Me Be’, an online 10-week Shakespeare inspired theatre-making course open to disabled, learning disabled, Deaf and neurodivergent participants. ‘Let Me Be’ is an online course created by Graeae and 1623 Theatre Company to develop your theatre-making skills. This second edition of the course is run in association with Cutting Edge Theatre.

The course aims to make a safe space to support creativity and artistic skills development for learning disabled, Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists. It begins with learning and sharing some of Shakespeare’s characters who face social injustice or barriers in the plays, followed by the creation of texts, duologues or short scenes. These will then become tokens of celebration, to share to a small and friendly audience online or in person. The course is tailored to try and meet everyone’s needs, no matter how much experience of Shakespeare or performance you have. The course is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is learning disabled, Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.

This 10-week course is split into two stages (Act 1 and Act 2) to offer flexibility for those who may find long commitments challenging at this current time. It will take place on Zoom across five weeks (five sessions) from 7 March 2023. There will be an option to continue onto the second stage beyond this for a further five weeks. Sessions will be practical and participatory. They will run for approximately two hours, with comfort breaks and work taking place in breakout rooms.

Dates: Tue 7 March 2023 – Tue 16 May 2023 (with a break on Tue 11 April for Easter)
Times: 11am – 12.30pm

When your place is confirmed, you are committing to attend the first five weeks. You then have the option to continue for a further five weeks, working towards a sharing of your work. The course total is £5. (Bursaries are available if needed).

This course is designed, delivered and administrated by disabled artists and great care goes into ensuring the best provisions are offered. In return, your participation and commitment to the first five sessions are appreciated.

You will be working with four artists/ facilitators:

1623’s Artistic Director – Ben Spiller
1623 Associate Artist – Sam Becket Jr
Graeae Theatre Company’s Creative Learning Director – Jodi-Alissa Bickerton
Cutting Edge Theatre’s Associate Artist – Abigail Brydon

There are only 10 places available. To book a slot, send an email or a video to producer1@cuttingedgetehatreproductions.co.uk by 6 February 2023 including:
– Your name
– Your location (town/city)
– Why you are keen to take part
– Your practice/creative aspirations

For further information, please contact producer1@cuttingedgetheatreproductions.co.uk (Ida Casilli), call 07522 162597, or visit https://cuttingedgetheatre.co.uk/letmebe/