Artistic vision

Find out more about our artistic vision and our literary policy, including how to submit a script here.

Graeae Showreel 2013

Vision

Graeae is a force for change in world-class theatre, presenting a unique approach which:

*   Boldly places disabled artists centre-stage in a diversity of new and existing plays
*   Pioneers a radical dramatic language by exploring the “aesthetics of access”, creatively embedding a range of tools such as audio description and sign language from the very beginning of the artistic process
*   Explores new territory and theatrical genres – from contemporary classics to musicals, to outdoor circuit… with sway poles and giant puppets!

Graeae champions the inclusion of Deaf and disabled people in the arts through:

*   Intensive actor and writer training initiatives
*   Access support for creative and learning situations
*   Empowering workshops for young artists, led by inspiring role models
*   A range of training models for the creative sector – from inclusive practice for drama schools, through to accessible e-marketing for theatre venues

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New works and literary

Graeae is committed to developing and producing new work and writing. We are passionate about performing stories in an accessible way, putting access at the heart of every commission process. From idea to page to stage, the route to integrated access challenges and drives our new work.

By enabling, developing and producing the work of established and emerging writers, we champion a tradition of integrated access and equal representation.

The ‘Graeae Aesthetic’ explores new ways of performing and telling stories. Our commission and development process explores the possibilities for integral accessible communication within every play, including on-stage sign language interpreters, use of film or recorded sound, captioning, power point projections and audio description.

Script commissions

We commission new plays from established and emerging playwrights to increase the number of scripts available to Graeae. Our plays may be newly written, collaboratively devised or adapted from a wide spectrum of media including novels, poetry and film.

Whether the commission is a new work or a radical adaptation, all of our plays are rooted in the Graeae Aesthetic and are brought to life in a dramatically distinctive way.

For 30 years, Graeae has placed disability and access centre stage, advocating equal representation and integrated access in new work. Previously commissioned playwrights include Alex Bulmer, Richard Cameron, Mike Kenny, Kate O’Reilly, Sophie Partridge, Dan Rebellato and Paul Sirett. With every production, we proudly demonstrate diverse casting and our signature Graeae Aesthetic.

New writing opportunities

Script Reading

We welcome unsolicited script submissions from D/deaf, disabled and non-disabled playwrights. Due to limited resources, we can only provide feedback on an annual basis.

Play Labs

A one-day research and development platform created for disabled artists. Play labs give performers, writers or directors a space to study specific aesthetic questions in relation to their work. This is an opportunity to explore ideas and/or to respond to new artistic stimuli.

Play Labs return for 2013

We are looking for an artist who is not only keen to jump start their creative processes, but committed to realising their ideas; a DIY attitude that necessitates taking inspired risks and flirting with failure.

For more information and to see if you are eligible download the Creative Brief below.

The Spring Play Lab is supported by the Ronald Duncan Literary Foundation.
The Ronald Duncan Literary Foundation exists to encourage and support creative excellence in the arts, especially poetry, drama and literature and to sustain interest and research in the work associated with its namesake, the poet and playwright, Ronald Duncan. Duncan’s archive is now housed at the University of Exeter as part of their Special Collections hub for research into South West based writers. http://www.ronaldduncanfoundation.co.uk

For more information on Graeae’s script reading service, Play Labs, or future new writing development opportunities, please e-mail info@graeae.org.

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