UWTSD host 'Theatre as Inclusive Practice' workshop and research dissemination event

4 May 2023

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David Performing Arts degree programmes on the Carmarthen Campus has welcomed both Mess up the Mess Theatre (MUTM) and UCAN Productions to disseminate their research from their Erasmus + Project exploring Theatre as Inclusive Practice (TIP).

A group of people watching a performance by members of Theatre as Inclusive Practice

The TIP (Theatre as Inclusive Practice) project is an Erasmus+ research and training project designed to empower young people who have experienced or are experiencing exclusion through theatre. Over two years, young participants from three partner countries are developed as workshop leaders through training in particular inclusive theatre practices. They, in turn, apply their training and skills, leading workshops with participants in their own setting.

At the end of this project, both production companies came to work with UWTSD’s BA Acting and Applied Drama students to share and discuss different approaches to working inclusively in theatre spaces. Focussing specifically on theatre with LGBTQIA+ and making theatre practice inclusive for people with visual impairment.

One of the facilitators on the project with Mess up the Mess was third year student Faye Brightman who facilitated part of the morning workshop said:

“’It has been such an amazing experience being apart of the Theatre as Inclusive Practice Project! As a queer trans woman, it has been amazing to work with other queer creatives in Wales, in making theatre a more inclusive space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“It has also been a huge help in my own development as a drama facilitator, aiding me in defining my facilitation style, and giving me experience in leading activities in various venues throughout Swansea. I will forever to grateful for the experience I have gained, along with the connections I have made along the way’’

The workshop itself was a dissemination of their findings in terms of making the theatre space inclusive so the students practically worked through a series of ‘tips for TIP’.

A group of people taking part in a Theatre as Inclusive Practice workshop

BA Acting student Hayley Davies said:

“It was very informative to learn about visual impairment within theatre spaces. The workshop impacted me emotionally, it was moving and impactful.”

Jack Eriksen – BA Acting student mentioned:

“A phenomenally inspiring story of young artists bringing together some of the visually impaired not just as creatives, but as human beings, showing love and compassion within a theatre space where nothing can go wrong.”

Sarah Jones, Artistic Director of MUTM adds:

“It was fantastic to complete our Theatre as Inclusive Practice project by sharing the experiences and learning of our organisation and the trainees with students from UWTSD BA Applied Drama and BA Acting. It was inspiring to witness the profound impact being involved in TIP has had on those trained.

“This project has introduced us to a wealth of different approaches to working inclusively including the theatre practices of verbatim and sensory theatre. We are very grateful to the university and the students for making us so welcome and throwing themselves into the morning wholeheartedly.”

UWTSD’s Applied Drama Lecturer Ali Franks said:

“Working inclusively is central to all applied theatre practice, but also a necessary paradigm shift for the performing arts industry as a whole. Projects like this allow our students to be part of that conversation and also be instrumental in moving the needle forward for inclusion and equity within the industry.”