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Service Spotlight - Head2Head Sensory Theatre
This month I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to watch Head2Head Sensory Theatre's pantomime, Dick Whittington. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and got a chance to catch up with Sara, Artistic Director at Head2Head Sensory Theatre, to find out more about what they do for people with SEND.
Local Offer Officer (Keir): What does Head2Head Sensory Theatre do?
Sara: Our work is exclusively for the SEND community, families, young people, children with special educational needs and disabilities. We go into schools with productions, we also do shows for the whole family, so it's an inclusive event.
We aim to perform shows that will appeal to the whole family. The shows I write are at different levels so everyone has something they can enjoy and engage with. It's not just something totally for the SEND children but their siblings and parent carers can engage with the shows too. By parents and siblings engaging it also helps give those with SEND the confidence to participate. Our shows may also be the first time that families get to enjoy a pantomime together as it may not be possible to take them to traditional shows because of their child’s additional needs.
We also have work experience opportunities, which may be helping with the backstage elements or even work experience actors who join our shows and help to model/ mentor members of the audience into participating. We have recently obtained a new premise which is opening up more of what we can do, and we are also developing an awards programme.
Keir: How does Head2Head Sensory Theatre cater to the needs of people with SEND?
Sara: One of the main ways we adapt our shows is to try and make them as accessible and multi-sensory as possible. It is also important that these multi-sensory experiences are relevant and add, context to the story to enhance it. I do also like to try new things to push the level of understanding of the audience. I really appreciate it when a family comes up to us after a show and tells us they are surprised by how much their child or young person engaged and understood the show. Whether it is interacting with props we use or coming up on stage and participating in the show it is always lovely to see that moment and to hear parents surprise at what their young person can do. I think that is the beautiful part of storytelling and the imaginary world that if you engage someone, they go with the flow of it.
Keir: In a way your shows help to create opportunities for people with additional needs to meet milestones.
Sara: Absolutely! Every milestone is a different mile, so someone may have profound and multiple disabilities and their parent carer will come up afterwards and say their child’s tracking was amazing and they were really following what one character was doing. Helping to create these opportunities is always very rewarding.
Keir: From watching the show myself it is clear to see how you and the other actors use your experiences to create a relaxed atmosphere where people feel comfortable.
Sara: Exactly it is all about going with the flow, people from the audience may come up and join in at random times and we find ways to work them into the story. Also, before the show we give people plenty of time to arrive and get comfortable and we have a sensory section for them to enjoy until we are ready to start.
Keir: When was Head2Head Sensory Theatre founded?
Sara: Anne first came up with the idea, of Head2Head Sensory Theatre when we were studying as mature students at university and the charity was officially launched in 2006.
Keir: What’s your favourite part of working at Head2Head Sensory Theatre?
Sara: I love writing the shows and sourcing the sensory props and thinking about those moments. When it all comes together and you see the audience really enjoying themselves, that’s is like a huzahhh moment. Seeing them engage and leave with a spring in their step like they have achieved something is very special.
Keir: What’s the best way for people to find out more about Head2Head Sensory Theatre?
Sara: The website is always a great place. It has trailers for our shows, info on the films and other activities we have produced and lots of fundraising. The getting in touch via email (office@h2hsensorytheatre.com) is always good for any other information people may want.
Finally I would like to send everyone a Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year from the Local Offer! 2022 is going to be and exciting year for the Local Offer website and i look forward to seeing everyone there!
Yours Sincerely,
Keir (Local Offer Officer)
 
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