It’s My Move
It’s My Move
Suitable for
Disabled and neurodiverse young people from 14 – 21 years
About
The transition from school to adult life
The piece is based on the ‘Forum Theatre’ style, where the audience explore how to make positive outcomes through changing the actions of the characters.
It explores the issues for a group of young people with learning disabilities, and includes multiple communication tools including music, movement, poetry, makaton and film.
Aims
- Reduce stress and anxiety around transition for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities (LDD) and their carers
- Help young people express their choices and for carers and professionals to listen
- Improve understanding of the local offer and the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
Duration
75 minutes
Space needed
Hall or large clear equivalent space
Resources provided
Teacher’s notes with exercises and ideas based on the play.
Downloadable film for parents/carers to use with their young person.
Team
Eight actors, including five disabled and neurodiverse actors, and one stage manager/facilitator
History
Face Front created this theatre and training programme in 2014 in partnership with the Cultural Institute at Kings College, and the disability arts organisations Heart n Soul, Action Space, Vital Xposure and Blink dance theatre.
The show has toured nationally to young LDD people and professionals who work with them, in special schools, colleges and theatre venues, reaching 1050 people over the first tour with 30 shows.
It was commissioned and funded by: Arts Council England, City Bridge Trust, Council Disabled Children, Enfield Council, Kings Cultural Institute, Rix-Thompson-Rothenberg Foundation
“Thank you for yet another successful visit! You really are an event that all the staff and learners look forward to! I'm so pleased that we can provisionally book you for next year! I've pencilled you in for the 1st of Dec, and will await your further instructions about funding! Fingers crossed!”
Administrator, Downs View Life Skills College
“I wanted to say a big thank you again for visiting us with your wonderful performers; the show was amazing and so relevant for our young people. The feedback I have personally had from staff was overwhelmingly positive, so I can confidently say that Face Front made a big impact on Kingsley High School!”
Darcy Louch, Assistant Head, Kingsley SEN High School
“You are right in the middle of your first performance but I wanted to strike while the iron was literally and figuratively piping hot!! Please can you book you up again for next year!? Mondays are always best for us! Early December feels like an early Christmas gift!”
Kim Enticknap, Downs View Life Skills College
“Thank you once again for coming to us - it was brilliant start to a new term and all students and staff enjoyed the performance a lot. I have some feedback forms already filled in and will sent them by the end of the week, but in the meantime please see what the Head of Post 16 sent:
‘The post-16 student enjoyed the workshop. Students who usually struggle to express an opinion on most things said that the show was fantastic.
A massive thank you to all team - you are brilliant! I'm sure all schools will welcome you with their hands open and will be begging you to come back, just as Belvue is.”
Agnieszka Sitarz, 4AS Class Teacher and WRL Coordinator, Belvue SEN School
“Thank you for welcoming us to Face Front Inclusive Theatre’s performance of It’s My Move at Oak Lodge School last week – another shining example of Forum Theatre at its best.
It was wonderful to see the actors engaging with the young people prior to the performance, warming up their audience and putting them at ease, ready to contribute to the conversation when the play began. The playful way in which the cast communicated encouraged the young people to interact and many clearly related to the characters, willing them to succeed and contributing enthusiastically to the conversation.
When the opportunity came to step into the roles of certain characters, it was heartwarming to witness shy students inspired to step up with the support of staff and peers. It was also inspiring to see the confidence of other members of the audience as they jumped at the opportunity to take part, leading to brighter, more suitable outcomes for their characters. They brought smiles and laughter to everyone in the room... I imagine you may have a new member or two of Face Front before long!
On leaving, I had a strong sense that your show had made a positive impact on all who attended, giving them confidence, hope and ideas about how to approach such situations when it comes to making their own plans for life beyond school. You and the rest of your cast were first class, playing brilliantly on many different levels to engage with and appeal to all in the audience. It was a special bonus to have a cast member on board who had attended the school themselves… another point of connection for all the young people in attendance.”
Julia Elmore, Member Development Officer, Young Barnet Foundation
“Face Front delivers yet another fantastic educational performance. The important themes around choice and self-advocacy are clearly communicated with the entire audience. Their passion and dedication to their craft is not only admirable but inspiring. Compassion and inclusivity shines throughout their show making for an enjoyable and memorable performance.”
Jill Sinnott, midwife
“I was absolutely blown away by the Face Front performance this afternoon… The learners engaged really well and it was a fantastic experience for them. You have a great team of performers, it was pitched really well, great story, loved the sound effects, great interactive elements and of course - the vending machine! I've just been speaking with my head and we'd like to get you back at some point next year - I'll keep my eye on your website. “
Alex Naidoo, Curriculum Manager, Ambitious about Autism, Ambitious College
