RADA partners with Extant on new Pathways training programme

Extant, Britain's leading professional performing arts company for visually impaired people, is excited to launch Pathways, a programme developed to address the lack of accessible progression routes for visually impaired artists into professional theatre.

Pathways is a four-year programme with three strands:

1. A training programme for approximately 10 visually impaired people each year, with its first year focusing on acting and subsequent years on writing and directing
2. Opportunities for visually impaired awareness training for theatre companies and training organisations
3. Round table discussions for colleagues within the theatre industry to discuss questions and perceived challenges to accessibility for visually impaired artists, with a view to improving and increasing accessibility for visually impaired artists in the sector

The first year of the programme will focus on those who have shown interest, talent, commitment and enthusiasm for a career as a performer. As well as mentoring sessions, it will involve monthly workshops on different elements of the acting craft; industry-related topics such as the casting process, networking and building a portfolio career; and applying to and thriving at drama school.

RADA is delighted to be a partner for this new programme, delivering one of the workshops and participating in round table discussions. The actors will also present their showcase performance at RADA Studios on Wednesday 3 April 2019.

This year, Pathways will support actors from across the UK, including performers from Wales, Northern Ireland, north west England and Bristol.

In addition, Extant plans to monitor and disseminate findings regarding accessibility of mainstream training opportunities for visually impaired people, and promoting the benefits of accessible mainstream training.

Anyone interested in finding out more should contact Hannah Quigley, Pathways Programme Manager.