Brand new initiative for Deaf and Disabled artists launched by Graeae Theatre Company

Graeae Theatre Company, who are known for challenging preconceptions, are launching a brilliant new scheme to support Deaf and Disabled creatives.

Beyond will see a number of arts organisations from across the UK coming together to offer support, advice, training, 100 hours of mentoring and 600 hours of rehearsal space use for both aspiring and established Deaf and Disabled artists.

Venues confirmed to be part of scheme include the Octagon Theatre in Bolton, Cast in Doncaster, Hull Truck, Curve in Leicester, Live Theatre and Northern Stage in Newcastle, Nottingham Playhouse and Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot.

Graeae Artistic Director Jenny Sealey said: "The last few months have been truly terrible and everyone in the arts is struggling to make sense of it all emotionally and economically. There has been a silver lining as we received the news of our Arts Council England Transforming Leadership funding before lockdown and we were acutely aware if we did not act fast starting up with the programme, Deaf and Disabled artists in this current landscape would be absent from artistic conversations, would fall by the wayside and be left behind.

"This is NOT going to happen. I'm so thrilled we're launching this programme now, giving Deaf and disabled artists the space, time and money they need to have the artistic breakthroughs that they deserve. We are working with our brilliant partner theatres, some new to the Graeae family and others who it's great to be working with again. Together, we are well and truly going BEYOND!"

Interested artists are being encouraged to enrol now via the various formats on the Graeae website here.