Facilitator Support

Do you love performing arts?

We are looking for a volunteer to help out in our Ringwood drama group for adults who have a learning disability. We support people who have a learning disability e.g. Down syndrome to pursue their passion for acting and theatre performance. 

The group is called Branching Out and meets on Tuesday 5.45 to 7.15pm at Forest Forge Theatre, First Floor, Pintail House, Duck Island Lane, Ringwood, Hampshire BH24 3AA

Participants are led by a trained professional to explore their creativity, learn valuable skills, and develop their self-confidence while working towards performing on stage at Forest Forge. 

Volunteer group assistant role

Some information about what is involved when volunteering as a group assistant with Blue Apple Theatre.

Volunteers help support the performers to rehearse in smaller groups once they have been set tasks by the facilitator, to work separately on specific sections of the piece so that they can move things forward faster. The volunteers also join in with full group activities and exercises, help contribute to discussions and provide supportive feedback.

There are also opportunities to support the performers during the shows for those interested in performance themselves, for example help with learning lines, stage positioning and other support.

Drama experience is very useful but is not essential. The volunteer will need a recent DBS check or be prepared to have one undertaken for the role.

Purpose of role

To take part on an equal basis in creative theatre while enabling and encouraging adults with learning disabilities to participate, supporting them in devising and improvisation, learning lines and understanding character. 

Key attributes

You should be willing to learn to communicate effectively with adults with learning disabilities and motivate performers, have respect for others of any ability or background, be friendly and have a belief in the importance of equal opportunities.

If you would like to take part in supporting this group, please register your interest.

About Blue Apple Theatre

Blue Apple is an inspirational and ambitious theatrical company that supports learning disabled performers to develop and present high quality productions to the widest possible audiences – performing and touring theatre, dance and film within a variety of venues around Hampshire and the southern regions, as well as nationally and internationally.

Blue Apple run performing arts classes across Hampshire.

The charity recently merged with Minstead Trust. This partnership strengthens everything we do. It brings together high-quality social care, supported employment and creative expression, all under one roof.

Skills

• Enjoyment of performing in a group
• Enthusiasm
• Patience
• Experience of people who have a learning disability would be very useful but is not essential
• The volunteer will need a recent DBS check or be prepared to have one undertaken for the role