The Next Stage is the umbrella organisation of two disability theatre groups, TOPS and DATco, currently managed and supported by Bournemouth Borough Council’s Theatre in Education, Arts Development and other partners. TOPS is a group of people with learning disabilities and DATco members have physical or sensory disabilities.
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Based in Boscombe, Bournemouth, The Next Stage provides opportunities for disabled adults to participate as volunteers in theatre development – a service running since 1998.
The project is part of an ongoing programme to develop high quality arts and lifelong learning opportunities with disabled people in Bournemouth.
TOPS & DATco work with disabled and non-disabled professional arts practitioners towards:
· devising original and scripted plays;
· touring productions to primary and secondary schools, community and arts centres & festivals in Bournemouth, Poole, Dorset & beyond;
· acting as mentors and co-leading workshops for young disabled and non-disabled people & adults.
TOPS & DATco are committed to challenging stereotypical attitudes to disability and disabled people’s potential.
TOPS & DATco have worked with: Bournemouth Theatre in Education, The Shysters, Graeae, Jenny Sealey. Jamie Beddard, Anjali Dance, Sign Dance Theatre Collective.
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In 2004/5 both groups performed to over 3,000 young people in Bournemouth, Poole and rural Dorset schools.
Over 1,000 adults attended performances at the Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts, Lighthouse (Poole’s Centre for the Arts), Dorchester Arts Centre and other venues.
A part-time Next Stage Disability Theatre Administrator post was set up, funded by Workstep and the Arts Council of England.
Two members of DATco moved on into higher education, one studying drama at Bournemouth & Poole College, one undertaking a BA Drama degree at Winchester University.
One TOPS member is studying catering at college, and one member won the Paddy Masefield Art prize in 2002.
Productions include:
· DATco: Beyond the Barriers, Look Beyond, Angel, The Last Freak Show
· TOPS: Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Jack and the Green Man, Respect!
· Joint productions: A Christmas Carol (2004), The Wizard of Oz (2005)
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"Wow! I had to think about things I hadn’t faced up to."
"Absolutely stunning. . . such an effective and entertaining way of explaining the views of disabled people".
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The Next Stage (TOPS & DATco Disability Theatre), working with Bournemouth Theatre in Education, present
Alice in Wonderland
The Next Stage is celebrating their 10th successful year as a BBC arts education project with a new adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story which will be touring Bournemouth and Dorset schools, youth and arts centres from 6 December to 11 January. (A tour schedule is available if you would prefer to attend a schools performance). “original and inspiring…… Best panto we had ever seen” Comments from Bournemouth adult and school audiences, 2006.
Thursday 13 December 7.30pm at East Howe Youth Centre
Friday 14 December 1.00pm matinee at East Howe Youth Centre
Wednesday 19 December 7.30pm at Lighthouse, Poole
Thursday 20 December 1.00pm matinee at Lighthouse,
Thursday 20 December 7.30pm at Lighthouse,
To book: Tel. 01202 452720 Fax 01202 452721
The Next Stage project is currently going through a phase of organisational review to ensure its sustainability and development. If you would like to:
· find out how to join either group
· discuss booking a performance or workshop
· commission a production
· become involved in supporting the work
· help with fundraising day Art Club in Kinson,
Contact:
Tam Gilbert (01202) 452716. The Next Stage, c/o Bournemouth TiE, BCCA 93 Haviland Road, Boscombe, BH7 6HJ. thenextstage@bournemouth.gov.uk.
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