TYPE OF WORK
Highly visual performance work incorporating verbal and non-verbal theatre making techniques, including forum and image theatre

TARGET GROUPS
People with learning difficulties, physical and sensory impairment, experience of the mental health system; groups/communities denied access to decision making processes; carers/staff in related professions

GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXT
UK, South America, Western and Southern Europe

COMPANY POLICY
mind the...gap believes in quality, equality and inclusion. Its mission is to dismantle barriers to artistic excellence so that both disabled and non-disabled artists can work alongside each other as equals.

In addition to its touring programme, the company has developed an accredited learning and skills programme for learning-disabled young people. Recent graduates have formed their own company, SFX.

It also runs a theatre outreach programme, encompassing work with youth groups and schools as well as a diversity project, audience development and advocacy work and theatre training for arts and non-arts professionals.

SCALE OF PROJECTS
Number of practitioners: 2–20
Number of participants: 5–60
Preparation time: 6–12 months
Contact time: 1 week – 3 years

PERMANENT STAFF

Tim Wheeler, Artistic Director
Julia Skelton, Administrative Director
Dave Calvert, Director of Learning and Skills
Emma Gee, Director of Theatre Outreach
Angela Machin, Marketing and Programming Manager
Maria Thelwell, SFX Co-ordinator
Rachel Porter, Projects Administrator

Incluedo (UK, 2000–03)
Three-year audience development programme. Identification and removal of barriers facing young people with a learning disability in accessing cultural provision. Development of Never Again forum theatre production, an interactive CD-ROM staff training package.

Partners: venues in West Yorkshire. Funded by: Arts Council England, European Social Fund.

Inside Knowledge (UK, 2002–03)
Consultation programme with ex-cancer patients and their carers using theatre to influence design process for new cancer care centre in Leeds. Two theatre pieces produced that give voice to patients’ concerns and aspirations.

Partners: Tonic arts in healthcare. Funded by: Regional Health Authority.

SFX (UK, 2001–ongoing)
Establishment of a self-governing theatre company comprising young people with learning disabilities based in Bradford. The team regularly incorporates forum theatre techniques in its programme of performances and workshops.

Partners: European Social Fund, Arts Council England, West Yorkshire Grants.

Happy Hour
Regional performance and awareness programme, focus on alcohol misuse. (2003)

Extra
Regional performance and education programme, focus on genetics and learning disability. (2003)

Emperor’s New Clothes
Performance, focus on access to the political process for people with learning disabilities. (2003) Plus five week-long projects including young people with a learning disability experiencing multiple disadvantage. (2003–04)

Cyrano de Bergerac
UK tour, focus on perceptions of difference. (2004)