Glasgow-based Solar Bear was awarded a £2,500 organisational grant by Trefoil in April 2024. This enabled the delivery of 34 weekly Deaf Youth Theatre workshops for deaf children and young people aged 11 to 21 years old.
Deaf Youth Theatre sessions use storytelling and performance to develop problem solving skills, team building, communication skills and confidence of participants. Sessions also aim to improve the well-being and self-esteem of participating children and young people.
Participation is not limited to acting. Before each week’s session an hour-long workshop allows members to receive focused support and advice on academic or employment opportunities.
“I was extremely isolated and lonely but attending DYT gave me an incredible among of support... It’s a unique group and one that helps raise up some of the most isolated children in Scotland and I would be a very different person is it hadn’t been there for me.”
DYT Participant
Solar Bear also ran an intensive summer project in 2023. This project focused on short films which involved young people writing their stories and learning acting skills, filming, editing and evaluating.
The project was tailored to its participants’ needs. Deaf children and young people were able to express themselves creatively in a way that feels most comfortable to them, whether in English, BSL or SSE. Each activity was led by the young participants. As a result, they experienced a sense of belonging and empowerment.
Participants have gone on to great success following their time at Deaf Youth Theatre. Through Solar Bear’s partnership with the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland several participants have matriculated at the Royal Conservatoire are BA Performance in English and BSL students. Others have secured places at the University of Strathclyde, Ayrshire College and the City of Glasgow College on a range of courses.
By following a social model of disability, Solar Bear and Deaf Youth Theatre have been able to break down barriers so often faced by deaf young people.
Trefoil is proud to have supported Solar Bear and congratulates its participants on their many successes!