Interplay Theatre’s Sensory Theatre Symposium for artists, companies and venues exploring sensory performance for learning disabled audiences. Hosted and supported by Leeds Playhouse.

Are you an artist interested in learning more about sensory theatre? Are you a programmer keen to find work for disabled audiences? Are you a company passionate about making your work more accessible? This symposium is for you! We’ll explore sensory theatre from an audience perspective to celebrate the inclusion of audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.

With an exciting programme of artists, specialising in work for learning disabled audiences through a sensory lens, and audience members sharing their reflections on their most memorable arts’ experiences, we will host conversational panels to celebrate best practice in Sensory Theatre. Join Jeremy Harrison, artist and researcher from Playground (Kent) and Rose Bruford College, alongside JoAnne Haines, a mind the gap artist, discussing her recent show, Dancing with Colours. Other panel members include artists from Interplay Theatre, Frozen Light, and Leeds Playhouse.

The panels will explore the possibilities of sensory work for artists, audience interaction and intensive interaction in performance, and the importance of this work in mainstream programming. Attendees with PMLD and/or complex needs, can experience the symposium through all the senses, with interactive installations, shows and sensory sessions running all day.

There will be opportunities for delegates to see Interplay Theatre’s show, My Life With The Wave throughout the day.