A theatre company with a difference
The 13th Theatre Company runs drama workshops for people with learning disabilities
di Staff
An Oxford-based social enterprise and performing arts company, the 13th Theatre Company works in the community with local disabled charities and provides in-drama workshops for people with disabilities, in order for them to develop social skills and self-confidence. The company, that integrates disabled and non-disabled actors, believes that everyone has the right to reach their full potential and that it can enable people to discover their creativity and true potential by using drama and theatre skills. Acting is used as a powerful means to build self-confidence.
Tracey Spokes, founder and creative director of this innovative acting programme, explains that the idea for the 13thTheatre Company grew from seeing friends with disabilities being ignored or treated as different. Therefore, having always been in the dramatic arts, she decided the best way to change people’s perceptions was through theatre.
Founded in 2007, the company currently works in partnership with Oxsrad: The Integrated Sports & Leisure Centre and My Life, My Choice as well as building links with other community based organizations. A percentage of the profits of the company goes to local charities for people with disabilities and to the local community.
The company will be introducing drama workshops for the unemployed to enable them to get back into the workplace. It also runs drama workshops for adults and children, as well as awareness workshops for schools and businesses.
