How Can I Get Involved with Graeae?

Updated

Graeae is a UK theatre charity that creates radical theatre with access at the heart of its work. You can get involved in several ways, depending on whether you are an individual artist, a young person, a teacher or student, or an arts organisation. The main routes listed on its site are grouped under Writers, Young People, and Teachers & Students, plus artist development and training for organisations.

Ways to Get Involved

For Young People

Graeae runs two companies for young people who are Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent:

  • Young Company — for those aged 16+ who love theatre and acting.
  • Children's Company — open to anyone aged 8–12; the in-person group gathers regularly.

These are the clearest entry points if you are a young person wanting to perform or train with Graeae.

For Writers

Graeae lists Writers as a dedicated involvement area, alongside programmes such as Turning the Tide 2026, part of the Totally Thames festival. If you are a writer interested in developing work with the company, this is the category to explore.

For Teachers & Students

There is a Teachers & Students section, which suggests resources or opportunities aimed at educational settings. This is worth checking if you want to bring Graeae's work or approach into a school, college or university context.

For Artists

Graeae runs Beyond, a bespoke artist development programme. It began at the start of the COVID emergency as a way to physically connect artists, and it has since supported theatre makers. One participant, Farrell Cox, described being part of a cohort where skills and knowledge are shared as "invaluable," adding: "I have been respected as a theatre maker throughout."

For Organisations

If you work for an arts or cultural organisation, Graeae offers Introduction to Front of House Access training. It is designed for organisations that want to develop inclusive and accessible skills.

What to Expect

Graeae describes itself as a human rights charity that challenges preconceptions and empowers individuals. Its work places access at the centre, and its productions use accessible performance types such as Audio Described and Captioned performances. That same principle runs through its involvement programmes.

How to Take the Next Step

  1. Go to the Get Involved section of graeae.org.
  2. Identify the group that fits you: Writers, Young People, Teachers & Students, or Organisations.
  3. Read the specific programme page for eligibility and how to apply or join.
  4. If you are unsure, explore the Resources, Community stories and News sections to see how others have taken part.

Graeae also invites support through donations, noting that this helps champion the next generation of Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent artists.