Theatre company launches inclusivity toolkit

An Edinburgh-based theatre company has released a new publication aimed at providing practical tips to help cultural organisations build more inclusive environments.

Lung Ha Theatre Company has developed its Access and Creative Principles toolkit, comprising insights, practical tips, and examples, based on 40 years of creating performances with actors who have learning disabilities.

The guide covers topics including a list of prompts for people running projects to consider, such as decision-making, sound and music, costumes and dress codes, the use of text, and sudden or loud noises.

It also examines how to develop suitable contracts for adults with learning disabilities, as well as the complexities surrounding payment, budgetary considerations, scheduling, communication, team building, and policies.

“It’s a way for individuals and arts organisations to learn how to be more inclusive and a great way for people to become aware of individual access requirements in a creative way,” said Gavin Yule, an actor with Lung Ha.

“Through the toolkit learning disabled and autistic actors and theatre makers can demonstrate that we can.”

Ruth McEwan, Lung Ha executive director added: “We want as many people as possible to use this toolkit, so we can find out what the next phase of this work looks like.

“We hope that people will feedback and alongside our accompanying training workshops, presentations, and consultancy providing more personalised advice and guidance, we can support more people and organisations whatever their backgrounds or business, to confidently work with learning disabled people and make us a more inclusive society.”