Make A Change is Solar Bear’s bursary programme for deaf theatre makers in Scotland. It is about new ideas and developing skills – creating much-needed opportunities for deaf artists to lead the work, to tell their own stories, their own way.

Through an open call in 2021, we awarded 10 bursaries. 7 of these were for theatre projects (to test out a new idea). Others were for playwriting and producing.

What next? Our aims are:

• to develop and share these projects with a wider audience
• to connect deaf talent with partners in the arts sector

Ties

Working with 3 actors Moira spent a week developing ideas for a visual theatre performance using ‘ties’ as a theme. She explored both the physicality of ties but also the way we are tied together across time, bound by our shared humanity and need for connection.

Connect with Moira

Currently Moira is developing this project with Solar Bear with the aim of touring as part of a triple bill in 2023. Also, Moira would like to spend more time working/ shadowing as an Assistant Director.

If you are looking for an Assistant Director or would like to work with Moira email: moira_anne_ross@hotmail.com

Fàilte Gu BSL

Evie’s project is more like a music gig than a theatre show – a mix of traditional Gaelic songs, performed in BSL and Gaelic, with dance and live music. Over 2 weeks, Evie created a unique blend of languages and movement using traditional Scottish music as well as contemporary elements. With support from Theatre Gu Leor.

Connect with Evie

We are delighted to announce that Evie has secured funding and will be touring this show autumn 2022-Summer 2023 with a new line up – Fran Till, Katie Allen and Evie Waddell.

Evie continues to work as a singer/dancer/choreographer and welcomes all enquiries about future work and collaboration. eviewaddell@hotmail.co.uk

Don’t Mask, Don’t Tell

‘What Was That!?’ are an art ensemble made up of Bea Webster, Elliot Webster-Mockett, Joe Dunn and Brooklyn Melvin.

They spent 2 weeks experimenting with a new drag cabaret act. As part of this process, they also developed a music video playfully exploring social conventions and the masks that society forces us to wear.

Please note this video has adult language. If you would like to access this video please email Elliot, contact information below.

WARNING – this video contains adult language and themes. Not suitable for Under 16s.

Get involved/ contact details:

If you would like to learn more about the group or their work please email: emockett1@gmail.com

Blackout

Over the course of 2 weeks Craig developed ‘Blackout’ – a visual theatre project initially devised when he was a student at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Set in one location, a man wakes to find a dead person next to him on a sofa. What will he do with the body and how did it get there? With support from Eastwood Park Theatre.

Connect with Craig

Currently Craig is developing this project with Solar Bear, with the aim of touring as part of a triple bill in 2023. If you are interested in working with Craig as a theatre director or actor, email: craigmcculloch2018@gmail.com

Time to Wake Up

Petre’s aim was to develop a visual and powerful examination of climate change and the impact we are having on our planet. He had 2 weeks of Research and Development, exploring different ways to tell the story. The first week was with 2 actors, the second featured Petre himself as the performer. The video below is from the first week at Eastwood Park Theatre.

Connect with Petre

We are hoping to develop and tour with Petre’s play as part of a triple bill of visual theatre in 2023 – watch this space! If you are interested in working with Petre as a theatre director or actor, email: petre.dobre93@yahoo.com

Last Of Our Kind

Imagine a magical, family friendly story about tribes of selkies warring with each other and one human that finds herself transported into this world. Now imagine this theatre experience taking place in water, in fact perhaps your local swimming pool. This is what Emery set out to do. With support from Platform.

Connect with Emery

Emery works as a producer/director/actor/writer.

If you are interested in developing this project or working with Emery, email: emeryhunter01@gmail.com

The Vagina Monologues

Amy spent a week working with 2 actors re-imagining extracts of Eve Ensler’s play in BSL as well as working between BSL and English. It was an opportunity to develop her directing skills and bring new texture to some of the monologues through translation and movement.

Connect with Amy

As well as developing her directing talents, Amy works as an actor/producer and presenter. She is also interested in opportunities as an Assistant Director. Email: info@amyhelena.scot

Jamie Rea

Jamie Rea’s bursary was to develop his skills and knowledge as a producer. As part of this process he worked with us on Make a Change as our Associate Producer. He was also given his own project to manage and curated and produced a deaf cabaret show for Solar Bear called ‘Spill Your Drink’. This was part of the inaugural Edinburgh Deaf Festival on 12-14 August 2022.

Jamie works as a theatre maker and producer, to connect with Jamie, email – jamie6rea@gmail.com

Leah Francisco & Ciaran Stewart

Leah and Ciaran were keen to develop their skills as playwrights. As part of their bursary, they took part in 6 workshops – reading and discussing plays; writing games and exercises; feedback on work in progress. They also developed short scripts, and are interested in further opportunities to learn and progress as writers, with their own unique style and approach.

To connect with Leah, email – leahfrancisco196@gmail.com

To connect with Ciaran, email – ciaranstewart@icloud.com