Art Form Development

Creative Labs

We want to make theatre for Deaf and hearing audiences that is bold and uncompromising, that engages the hearts and minds of the two cultures and speaks with equal passion to both. Our challenge is to create a new piece of theatre that is visual, physical and magical; that plays with scale and illusion and includes puppetry and animation; a work that transcends language yet celebrates the poetry of theatre, British Sign Language and the spoken word.
Working with nationally renowned Deaf artists, the company - in partnership with Hands Up, 3D (Derby Deaf Drama) and Derby’s Literature Development Officer - embarked on a series of Creative Labs dedicated to exploring an integrated approach to performance. This process has included experimentation with BSL and spoken English, Visual Vernacular, puppetry, music and movement to tell an epic story to Deaf and hearing audiences.
The work of the Creative Labs has informed research and development for a pilot tour of the East Midlands and our forthcoming national tour of The Crane in Spring 2008.

Specialist Marketing Toolkit - targeting Deaf audiences

We will be aiming to create new opportunities for Deaf people to become involved in theatre and to increase the range and number of Deaf people attending theatre and arts venues for the first time.

Open Door at the Guildhall Theatre 2002 – 2005

Red Earth Theatre, in a collaboration with the Guildhall Theatre Derby and Derby City Council was the driving force behind this highly successful audience development project. The project launched new shows for family and schools audiences, and provided training for young artists through a programme of summer schools, master classes and workshops. In consultation with its partners, Red Earth is currently planning the next steps of the project.

- 'The project has gone a long way to redefining the Guildhall and raising its profile in the artistic community … the success of Red Earth’s work has enabled us to change our artistic policy and subsidise more commercial children’s theatre.'
Peter Ireson, General Manager, Guildhall & Assembly Rooms

- 'It is prestigious for the Guildhall to have a residential theatre company and the uniqueness of this position is recognised… Guildhall’s business plan is now part of Derby City Council cultural strategy and the rebranding as a venue for children and young people is being recognised… programming patterns have significantly changed… Red Earth’s presence has given us the confidence to book longer runs... programming has taken greater risks, which have paid off… I’m going to the Edinburgh Festival to preview the best shows before booking …the Guildhall has achieved more than its target in the last 2 years and, now that it is producing top quality children’s theatre, has equal status with the Assembly Rooms, instead of being seen as the ‘poor relation.' Sarah-Jane Leydon, Programmer, Guildhall & Assembly Rooms

For more information about Open Door or for a copy of the project evaluation by independent consultant Cathy Wardale, please email us at: admin@redearththeatre.com