New Vic Borderlines believes in the power of theatre to enrich, enthral and enliven individuals and communities. Our participatory activities and programmes support the communities of our region by improving life expectations, raising aspiration, and achievement, advancing social cohesion, reducing criminal and anti-social behaviour and improving the quality of life for disadvantaged people, whilst promoting diversity and challenging prejudice.

The ELITE Theatre Project will provide the opportunity for People with Learning Disabilities to work with the theatre enriching the lives of the participants and bringing new energies and ideas into the theatre community.

All participants will become a part of the ELITE Theatre Company and will develop their own ideas and aspirations for the company through engaging with highly professional and qualified practitioners.

Members of the ELITE Theatre Company will participate in weekly workshops and full-day theatre residencies leading to presentations and performances. In addition they will have access to the resources of the theatre including opportunities to see theatre performances.

THEATRE and DRAMA WORKSHOPS

Participants will have the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, develop their creativity, learn new skills and have fun.

Participation in workshops will:

• Develop confidence in communication, presentation of self in everyday life, and body language.
• Develop the ability to work together as part of a team
• Explore problem solving mechanisms and an ability to access support and also to be supportive of other people in the group.
• Develop ambition and aspiration and the self-belief that comes with engagement.
• Develop with participants a voice through which they can express their concerns and aspirations on behalf of themselves and as positive citizens and members of society
• Provide the opportunity for participants to deliver a presentation to an audience of friends’ family community members, trainers, organisations and agencies.

Following the enormous success of the first performance the ETC did on 15.12.2011 with the Day Trippers, the New Vic have allocated Elite 2 slots on their website. One is a write up of the performance, and the other shows various pictures from the performance. To view, please click on the following link to the New Vic Home Page and scroll down to view the 2 fantastic pieces about the ETC performance. Well done to everyone who took part!