This one-day conference raised questions and explored arts practice that enables accessible theatre-making; looking at the opportunities and the barriers that prevent accessibility. It aimed to identify how arts practitioners, producing companies, actors, directors and teachers could take responsibility and contribute to the journey of accessing the arts industry to people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments. The conference focused on three areas: producing theatre and performance; training; employment opportunities.
The conference was the culmination of three years of work undertaken by Half Moon to develop collaborative ways of making accessible theatre with young people with physical disabilities and sensory impairments. The conference was an opportunity to open the debate and highlight ways forward for accessible theatre-making.
Presenters included:
Liselle Terret was Half Moon’s Education Officer from 1998 to the early 2000s. Here she describes a conference, tackling disability issues and theatre practice and young people. Interviewed by Elsa Loker.
Jenny Sealey was an actor and member of the Half Moon Theatre’s young people’s company in the 1980s. She talks about being a disabled actor with the young people’s company and the impact her time at Half Moon Theatre has had upon her career. Interviewed by Rosie Vincent.
Daryl Beeton was an actor and drama facilitator who worked for Half Moon Theatre before becoming Associate Director at Half Moon Theatre in the early 2000s. He talks about disability work and diversity within the context of young people’s theatre and how Half Moon Theatre was one of the first companies to embrace this. Interviewed by Toni Tsaera.