Deafinitely Theatre has announced the return of the Deaf Theatre Makers scheme, following a successful inaugural year. The new scheme will also include placements hosted in partnership with London and regional venues to support deaf adults interested in careers in the theatre industry.
The scheme initially launched last year offered a series of workshops and industry taster sessions in collaboration with mainstream theatre organisations. This year, the Deaf Theatre Makers series will feature five days of paid placements with a partnering venue.
So far, Birmingham Rep, Exeter Northcott, Sheffield Theatres, Riverside Studios and the Royal Ballet and Opera have all confirmed participation.
The aim is to create accessible opportunities for those eager to learn more about the theatre sector and help participants hone their skills and create industry connections. and expose them to a career within theatre.
Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre, Paula Garfield said “I’m thrilled to announce the return of Deaf Theatre Makers with our new paid placement programme for deaf creatives this year. Building on the success of last year’s offer, we have expanded the programme across our brilliant partner venues.
By connecting deaf talent with major cultural organisations across the UK, we hope to strengthen relationships, challenge barriers and support a more representative theatre sector. Our vision is a theatre industry where deaf people can thrive at every level, and this programme is an important step towards making that a reality.”
The 2026 – 2027 pilot placement scheme is funded by Soho House Foundation and Arts Council England.
Deaf representation on the London stage
The industry has seen a push for more inclusive and authentic casting in recent years, shifting away from tokenism and integrating accessibility more firmly into productions. Schemes such as the Deaf Theatre Makers series are important in closing the gap and making theatre more representative.
In addition to the scheme, Deafinitely Theatre also produces bilingual theatre: later this autumn, their production of Mike Bartlett’s Bull comes to the Park Theatre. The drama exploring workplace bullying, power and survival will be performed in the company’s distinctive bilingual style, combining British Sign Language, spoken English and creative captions
Other productions in recent years have cast D/deaf actors and incorporated sign language into productions with care. D/deaf actor Nadeem Islam is currently starring in the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and his performance has been praised for his fabulous physical comedy.
The Times commented that Islam ‘delivers a robustly charismatic turn as Bottom; the production makes his deafness part of the humour.’
Similarly, the 2023 production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It at @sohoplace cast deaf actress Rose Ayling-Ellis as Celia, Rosalind’s fiercely loyal best friend.
Critics praised the inclusion of sign language, which, as The Guardian commented ‘sparks physical comedy and also genuine tenderness between [Celia and Rosalind]. It doubles up as their own secret language, of sorts, and their fellowship feels as strong as the love story.’
It’s an important reminder that theatre is for, and should include, everyone. Deafinitely Theatre’s mission speaks to envisioning a world where theatre is accessible for all and deaf people are a valued part of the national theatre landscape.
Schemes like the Deaf Theatre Makers series, and productions that empower and support deaf actors move the industry one step closer to realising that vision.
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