RCSSD's Performance Making Diploma for Learning Disabled and Autistic Adults

Course offered

• Performance Making Diploma for Learning Disabled and Autistic Adults

Course overview

The Performance Making Diploma is leading the way in providing high quality performance training to learning disabled and autistic artists. Running over two years, we nurture new generations of exceptional learning disabled and autistic performers and theatre makers. We believe that an artist's access needs should never be a barrier to them developing their talent.

The course gives artists the training, time, and space they need to develop their work in an accessible, supportive environment. Working with leading industry professionals, students will create their own performances in different contemporary styles. They will think about the type of work they want to make after graduation, and will study with leading acting, casting, voice, and movement tutors, developing their skills as actors. All training is co-led by an experienced learning-disabled tutor. On graduation, students will gain a Level 2 qualification in Performance Making and will receive personalised exit strategies to guide them through the next steps in their careers.

Training is bespoke, delivered with students’ individual needs in mind, with tutors who understand Access All Areas’ methodologies for creating bold, innovative devised work by learning disabled performers. Students are encouraged to consider their own needs and wellbeing throughout the course, supported and guided by an experienced team of access professionals.

Workshops take place on 2 days each week. Some students will study for 1 year, while others will go on to study for a second year. There are 15 places on the Performance Making Diploma. Auditions and classes are planned to take place in person, but we are open to meeting applicants online if they are shielding or unable to travel due to Covid-19.

In the event that auditions and classes need to take place online, we will provide support and guidance for applications and students to access the workshops.

Fees and bursaries

The course is free for students. However, most students will pay a £400 admin fee per year. Financial support for this admin fee is available if required. We believe that financial circumstances should not be a barrier to anyone applying for the course, so encourage applicants to let us know what support they might need.

Accommodation

As this is a part-time course, we expect most students already to be living in London or the South East in order to commute to classes in West London. If students are looking to relocate for the course, we can discuss how we can help with this on a case-by-case basis.

Entry requirements

The course is open to anyone over the age of 18 who identifies as learning disabled or autistic. There is no upper age limit. Applicants do not need to hold any existing qualifications to apply.

Applicants should have some experience in theatre and performance and an interest in pursuing a career as a professional artist. There is no minimum or maximum level of experience; previous students have joined us having only been in school plays, or having already worked professionally in theatre, film and television. We are interested in meeting emerging artists of all levels of experience who are excited about making their own work, and who want to develop their skills further.

Application method

Applications open on 7 May and close on 9 July. Application is by application form and/or video, direct to Access All Areas. We can support applicants to complete the form over the phone if required. There is no audition fee. We will let all applicants know whether or not they are being invited to interview by 19 July.

Audition process

Auditions will take place the week of 26 July. Applicants will be invited to two audition days:

• Day 1: a relaxed group workshop and a tour of the site
• Day 2: an improvisation and devising workshop and a relaxed interview.

No preparation is required for the workshops, and applicants won't be asked to learn a speech. Auditions are co-led by learning disabled and autistic graduates of the course, so applicants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and find out more.

Auditions will take place in a wheelchair accessible space with a quiet room available. Applicants are welcome to bring support workers into the audition as required. Information about the course and the application form are available in Easy Read format. We are committed to meeting the access needs of all applicants.

Find out more at www.accessallareastheatre.org/performance-making-diploma or contact sophie@accessallareastheatre.org

020 7613 6445