Arts course plots route to creative roles for all

The three-year course rewards students with an advanced qualification

An arts company which runs performance courses for adults with learning disabilities and autism aims to make the creative industries more inclusive.

Bradford-based Mind the Gap has been working with people with disabilities for two decades.

Their three-year course, equivalent to the first year of a degree, is "one-of-a-kind", according to organisers.

Academy director Charli Ward said those studying "were not represented enough on our stages and screens".

'Really proud'

The course, which was launched in 2021 as a partnership with York St John University, allows students to obtain a Level 4 qualification over three years.

Students receive training in theatre, music, dance and industry studies as well as developing skills in teamwork and communication.

Sheffield-based actor Theo Griffiths, 24, is now on the final year of the course and is aiming to find an agent to help him find TV and film work.

He said his Tourette's meant he felt accessing mainstream training in the arts was not an option.

"People like me want to go and do these things and have the opportunity to have a higher education.

"I was stuck after I left school and I was really upset because all of my friends were going to do A-levels and university, and I couldn't do that."

"I can be really proud that I do this level of work."

Theo wants to pursue a career in TV and film

Ms Ward said she hoped the success of the course could lead to more being launched across the UK.

"People with learning disabilities and autism are not represented enough on our stages and screens and that's why this course exists," she said.

"There's an assumption they don't have that training or aren't able to do these jobs but that is just false."