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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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.

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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.

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Write to Play

Graeae recently launched a bold new writing programme: Write to Play.
Visit the training course page to find out more about the programme, the writers and our partners.

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.

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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Soho Theatre – www.sohotheatre.com

The Gate – www.gatetheatre.co.uk

Hampstead Theatre – www.hampsteadtheatre.com

New Writing South – www.newwritingsouth.com

Dramaturgs Network – ee.dramaturgy.co.uk

Royal Court Theatre – www.royalcourttheatre.com

Paines Plough – www.painesplough.com

Euphoric Ink – www.euphoricink.co.uk

Tamasha Theatre Company – www.tamasha.org.uk

Theatre 503 – www.theatre503.com

The Bush – www.bushtheatre.co.uk

Talawa Theatre – www.talawa.com

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