In September 2022, Herts Inclusive Theatre (HIT) produced a free weekend long festival which showcased the abilities of disabled adult performers. 

The performances were supported by workshops open to anyone but HIT actively encouraged disabled adults from the local community to take part in them. This was when this particular participant first engaged with our work. At first they were anxious to try the workshops and would only do so if their parents or sister was with them. Following on from attending the festival the participant decided to sign up for the two free taster sessions for Acting Up, the Harrow sessions. The participant again was anxious to start but with encouragement from the HIT staff and other group members the participant went from, in September, being quiet, anxious and not being able to attend the workshops alone to, by November, performing on stage in front on an audience at the Harrow Disability Arts Festival.

“It is the friendships that have been the real point for her, she has made friends and connected with kind and supportive people and really looks forward to coming every week.” Participant’s mother.