KATE DICKIE - SENDING OUT THE RIGHT SIGNS FOR DEAF DRAMA

8th December 2007

BAFTA winning actress Kate Dickie, Patron to Glasgow-based theatre company Solar Bear, sends out an open invitation to the Launch of Scotland's first Deaf Youth Theatre (DYT).

All details will be revealed on the actual Launch night of the Deaf Youth Theatre on Wednesday 10th January 2008 from 6- 8pm at Scottish Youth Theatre [AT] The Old Sheriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow where parents and budding young deaf actors, and those interested in other aspects of theatre, are invited to come along and find out what the programme consists of.

Kate Dickie says, "Having seen the work that Solar Bear has done before with young people and deaf actors, and actually having witnessed the development in confidence, communication and interpersonal skills for all those involved, I think the Deaf Youth Theatre will be a huge success. It is a cracking opportunity for young deaf people; they must come along to the Launch night at Scottish Youth Theatre on January 10th"

Solar Bear were delighted to be awarded £106,799 from the Big Lottery Fund earlier this year in order to establish Scotland's first Deaf Youth Theatre. This was due to their success in developing unique on-stage aesthetics which combine British Sign Language, speech, sound and movement; producing pioneering professional performances and outreach programmes for both deaf and hearing audiences.

Following their sell-out production of BROKEN at Tramway in June this year, Solar Bear's Artistic Directors, Deborah Andrews and Gerry Ramage, have been hard at work collaborating with national deaf organisations and devising the first 10 week block of drama workshops open to all young deaf people aged 12-17. A year round programme of workshops will extend in autumn 2008 to include opportunities for 17-21 year olds too.

The Deaf Youth Theatre starts on Wednesday 16th January 2008 from 7- 8.30pm. Spaces are limited and a 10 week block of workshops costs just £20. Interpreters will be provided at the Launch and at all workshops.

An exciting programme of summer workshops, training, apprenticeships and productions are also planned for 2008 and 2009, as well as training for deaf Youth Theatre Workers.

Some subsidised places are available, and accommodation and travel costs can be offered to young deaf people travelling from further a-field. For more details contact Deborah Andrews on 0141 221 3240.