We provide deaf awareness training to arts venues across Scotland.  We believe that training for venue staff is vital if we are to encourage deaf, deafened and hard of hearing people to take part in all that theatre has to offer – whether on stage or off.

One of the main barriers that audiences face is access to information – providing transparent and clear information is the first step to setting clear expectations about the experience people are likely to have at a venue.

What you will learn

• What it means to be deaf
• How to work with deaf people across all areas of theatre
• The difficulties & challenges deaf people face
• An introduction to British Sign Language
• Acceptable terminology
• Relevant theatre signs
• How to work with an interpreter

What are the key outcomes of training

• Informed and more confident staff
• A commitment to diversity and access
• Sign posting on developing further skills
• Knowledge of best practice in relation to deaf awareness in a theatre environment

Organisations that have undergone training include: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Dundee Rep Theatre, Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Eden Court Theatre, Paisley Arts Centre and Eastwod Park Theatre, Giffnock, Glasgow Film Theatre, Macrobert Arts Centre.

If you are a venue or organisation that is interested in engaging more with your deaf audience and would like to discuss how we can tailor a package to meet your needs please get in touch with Angela Coates, General Manager angela@solarbear.org.uk for further information.