Sensory Theatre Symposium - Networking North - 2024
Thanks to everyone who attended, videos of the panels now available on this page
Interplay Theatre's Sensory Theatre Symposium for artists, companies and venues exploring sensory performance for learning disabled audiences. Hosted and supported by Leeds Playhouse.
Are you an artist interested in learning more about sensory theatre? Are you a programmer keen to find work for disabled audiences? Are you a company passionate about making your work more accessible? This symposium is for you!
What to expect
The Sensory Theatre Symposium will explore sensory theatre from an audience perspective to celebrate the inclusion of audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.
With an exciting programme of artists, specialising in work for learning disabled audiences through a sensory lens, and audience members sharing their reflections on their most memorable arts’ experiences, we will host conversational panels to celebrate best practice in Sensory Theatre.
Access information
- All areas we will use for the symposium are wheelchair accessible
- There are accessible toilets in the building on all levels
- There is a changing places toilet on level 2
- There is a quiet space to use anytime throughout the day
- All spaces will be relaxed, and attendees are welcome to leave and return when they choose.
- Leeds Playhouse has a multi-faith prayer room accessible all day.
- We have tailored this day for learning disabled audiences, with sensory sessions, shows and trained staff.
- BSL Interpreters are provided for all panels, all day, and can assist with networking if requested
- For more information about building access, visit the Leeds Playhouse website
Please contact kirsty@interplaytheatre.org.uk if you have any questions about access at the event.
Programme overview
With an exciting programme of artists, specialising in work for learning disabled audiences through a sensory lens, and audience members sharing their reflections on their most memorable arts’ experiences, we will host conversational panels to celebrate best practice in Sensory Theatre. Join Jeremy Harrison, artist and researcher from Playground (Kent) and Rose Bruford College, alongside JoAnne Haines, a mind the gap artist, discussing her recent show, Dancing with Colours. Other panel members include artists from Interplay Theatre, Frozen Light, and Leeds Playhouse.
The panels will explore the possibilities of sensory work for artists, audience interaction and intensive interaction in performance, and the importance of this work in mainstream programming. Attendees with PMLD and/or complex needs, can experience the symposium through all the senses, with interactive installations, shows and sensory sessions running all day.
Sensory Theatre Symposium - Panel Videos Re-Watch
Panel 1 – Introduction to Interplay Theatre and Sensory Show My Life with the Wave Case study
Panel 2 – The endless possibilities of Sensory Work for Artists
Panel 3 – Audience Relationship / Intensive Interaction discussion at Sensory Theatre Symposium
Panel 4 – The importance of Sensory Theatre and Audiences in mainstream programming
Panel 5 – Top tips from panel speakers and Q & A session
SENSORY THEATRE SYMPOSIUM
Panel Discussions include:
- An introduction to Interplay’s most recent tour My Life With The Wave, from an Audience’s Perspective
- The Endless Possibilities of Sensory Work for Artists
- The Performer and Audience Relationship, and integrated Intensive Interaction
- The importance of Sensory Theatre and Audiences in Mainstream Programming
Interplay Theatre are welcoming speakers from organisations across the UK, including:
- INTERPLAY NATIONAL SENSORY THEATRE
- Oily Cart
- FROZEN LIGHT
- MIND THE GAP
- Rose Bruford College