GUGR 1 – The Pilot
Gorleston and Great Yarmouth
Supported by PBSK, Autumn Arts Festival and Norwich Charitable Trusts
Ground Up & Grass Roots was set up as an opportunity for people to experience some of the creative processes that Total Ensemble Theatre Company uses to mount full productions, starting form the basics, ground up and focussing on the ethos, the grass roots ‘heart’ of the work.
For it’s pilot project Total Ensemble Arts Initiative invited participants from the Otium Centre for disabled people and students from East Norfolk Sixth Form College (from across subjects, mainstream and assisted learning departments) to two terms of creative community activity.
“From my point of view, and for my staff, it has reminded us to look for how we can focus on people’s abilities rather than all the things they can’t do. They have all come away with increased confidence and for some it has improved their speech. I would love to be involved in future projects like this and for more of our staff and young people to participate.”
Carolyn Clarke – Deputy Manager the Otium Centre – day service for young adults with learning disabilities and additional needs
“I feel privileged and will forever be grateful to have been part of Total Ensemble Arts Initiative. As a dance practitioner and teacher of 20 years (it was an) opportunity to step into inclusive theatre practice for the first time. We achieved something that was transformative. I wasn’t ready for it to be over. As Rebecca said, ‘now we are ready to start.’”
Hannah Simmonds – Lecturer and Head of School East Norfolk Sixth Form College
“The project was wonderful; the camaraderie, support, collaboration and enjoyment was palpable. We believe this kind of unique experience is one that should be repeated and replicated more widely, which is why we’ve nominated it for an Award through the Sixth Form College Association for Community Impact.”
Simon Fox – Vice-Principal East Norfolk Sixth Form College
See
GUGR 0.2
and
GUGR 0.3
