Free online event for aspiring and established deaf artists, hosted by Cast!

Cast’s Creatives Collective is a pilot by Cast theatre in Doncaster. To encourage the growth of deaf artists in theatre, they are hosting a free online event in which aspiring, emerging and established Deaf Artists/Deaf Performers and Theatre Practitioners are invited to come together, to chat about recent career successes and challenges in a supportive environment.

The online event will see participants sharing exercises and insights and aims to build a supportive community in which peers can encourage and inspire each other.

Deaf actress and BSL consultant, Deepa Shastri, will feature as a guest speaker and enable a Question and Answer session to take place. Deepa will also share more about her journey working in theatre.

Deepa has twelve years’ experience working in the cultural sector as a Deaf theatre access consultant, BSL performer, BSL consultant and translator. She was a storyteller for BBC Online helping to improve Deaf children’s literacy skills and performed a sign song on the main stage as part of the London 2012 Paralympics Opening Ceremony.

Deepa told us,

“This event is a great opportunity and a safe space for deaf people to come and ask any questions they may have about working in the theatre world – any questions, big or small are welcomed.

I wish I had something like this when I was younger to guide me through my early theatre career. This is useful for deaf young people who may be in sixth form and considering what to do next or young people curious on how to apply their artistic skills or to find out the range of jobs that is possible in the world of theatre.

The event is open to anyone who is deaf including people from underrepresented groups e.g. South Asian, East Asian, Black people etc.”

Facilitating the workshop is Steph Back who is currently the Access, Inclusion and Participation Manager for Taking Flight theatre in Cardiff.

The online event takes place via Zoom on Tuesday 24th January 2023 at 6pm And will last up to 2 hours. BSL Interpreters will be present in the workshop.

See further details and a BSL video by Deepa here.

For questions, queries or to discuss access needs please contact Katy McLeod (Cast’s Associate Producer) on katy@castindoncaster.com