Although the Crowdfunder campaign has now ended, you can still donate to Graeae's Ensemble programme by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/graeae . Thank you.

This autumn many young people across the country will be embarking on their next big adventure; going to university. They will get the chance to meet life-long friends, have the buzz of moving away from home, the excitement of Fresher's Week and the opportunity to learn skills that will aid them for the rest of their lives. Sadly for many Deaf and disabled young people it can be quite a different story. Not only are 22% of disabled students denied education, training or employment compared to 15% of non-disabled 18-year olds*, but for those who do receive a place at university, disabled students are 25% more likely to drop out of higher education than non-disabled students.**

This is where Graeae's Ensemble programme comes in, and can make a real difference to the lives of young Deaf and disabled people wanting to develop a career within theatre and the arts.

'I have grown more than I could have imagined. I have worked with some of the industry's best and have managed to break down personal barriers. This was the best way for me to start my career as an actor. Graeae has helped me so much.' Josh King, Ensemble member 2015-16

Meet Joshua King from Graeae's #Ensemble Training Programme from Graeae on Vimeo.

Created in response to the many barriers that Deaf and disabled students face within mainstream training and a lack of diversity within the current theatre climate, Graeae's Ensemble programme delivers world-class training from industry professionals and leading drama schools in a variety of disciplines. It provides an unparalleled stepping-stone to prepare young theatre makers for further drama school training or employment. Through shared learning with drama schools and professional theatre makers it sparks a revolution across the industry, creating new careers for disabled performers.

'The strongest quality of the Ensemble programme is that it provides a unique learning experience in equal measure for the young people involved, as well as for the individuals and organisations who contribute to the planning and delivery - the programme definitely lives up to its name.'

Rhiannon Fisher, Access & Widening Participation Officer, London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art





'Graeae's Ensemble programme is a vital tool in the training of D/deaf and disabled drama students. As we all strive towards full inclusion in all UK drama schools and theatrical training facilities, Ensemble will offer many of the required skills to young artists who cannot access these mainstream schools due, in a large part, to the lack of access in these old institutions and curriculums. Our hope is that Ensemble encourages more D/deaf and disabled people to engage in professional theatre and highlights how much more inclusive other drama training needs to be, if disabled professionals are going to be trusted and respected with equality in the work place.' Mat Fraser, Graeae Patron



'I love the idea of Ensemble working with drama schools so that the drama teachers themselves learn more about the needs of Deaf and disabled performers. Drama students will get to understand that we're all in it together, we're all trying to do the same thing... Ensemble is doing a great job in equipping people with skills that they will need in the profession.'

Dame Harriet Walter, Graeae Patron

'I have been a patron of Graeae for many years, they are a brilliant organisation creating exciting, entertaining and provoking theatre for everyone to be able to enjoy and benefit from. The Ensemble programme to develop more talented young people is much needed.' Jenny Agutter OBE, Graeae Patron





Six young artists graduated from the Graeae's pilot Ensemble project in 2016. The arts industry needs this investment in future artists to flourish.

*Youth Cohort Study & Longitudinal Study of Young People in England, 2010

** Higher Education Funding Council for England, 2014

Pledge Awards:

£5 donation:

Suppor the next generation of theatre makers and receive an Ensemble credit on Graeae website.

£15 donation:

Suppor the next generation of theatre makers and receive an Ensemble credit on Graeae website.

£30 donation:

A beautifully packaged postcard box, featuring 39 original works from world-class illustrators and visual artists, inspired by artists who have worked with Graeae over the last 3 decades. Collection also includes a booklet giving context on each piece. A beautiful gift to either keep or give for Christmas.

Graeae's 39 piece postcard set from Graeae on Vimeo.

£60 donation:

1 x A3 print signed by illustrator, inspired by the life and work of a Graeae artist with a choice of 6 different prints. Alternatively, you can receive 2 postcard boxes featuring all the work from Graeae & Central Illustration Agency's exhibition Reframing the Myth where 39 world class illustrators created new works of art inspired by Graeae artists.

£100 donation:

2 beautiful full-colour signed A3 prints (from a choice of 6), taken from Graeae & Central Illustration Agency's recent exhibition Reframing the Myth, where 39 world class illustrators created new works of art inspired by Graeae artists. Alternatively you can receive 1 postcard box featuring all the work from the exhibition and 1 A3 print. You will also receive a thank you on Graeae's website.

£500 donation:

2 tickets to a future Graeae production plus:

2 beautiful full-colour signed A3 prints (from a choice of 6), taken from Graeae & Central Illustration Agency's recent exhibition Reframing the Myth, where 39 world class illustrators created new works of art inspired by Graeae artists. Alternatively, you can receive 1 postcard box featuring all the work from the exhibition and 1 A3 print. You will also receive your name on Graeae's website.

£1000

Become an Ensemble Ambassador, plus receive the following:

2 tickets to a future Graeae production.

2 beautiful full-colour signed A3 prints (from a choice of 6), taken from Graeae & Central Illustration Agency's recent exhibition Reframing the Myth, where 39 world class illustrators created new works of art inspired by Graeae artists. Alternatively you can receive 1 postcard box featuring all the work from the exhibition and 1 A3 print.

You will also receive your name on Graeae's website.

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More about Graeae:



Graeae is a force for change in world-class theatre, challenging preconceptions, boldly placing Deaf and disabled artists centre-stage and producing pioneering, trail-blazing theatre, both in the UK and internationally. Graeae is a registered charity, no 284589.

Graeae showreel 2016 - audio described (HD) from Graeae on Vimeo.

www.graeae.org

Twitter @graeae