Our drama group puts on regular plays in theatres across London. The most recent performance was 'Aladdin and the Magical Lamp' at the South London Theatre in mid-December, which sold out very quickly! Drama volunteers can either perform in the plays alongside members with learning disabilities or help out backstage with preparing props, costumes, lighting, and music.
Put simply, the plays are so much fun. They're raucous, unpredictable, and really well coordinated by our very talented director, Laura. This is a great opportunity to have fun, get to know kind and interesting people who see the world differently to you, and embrace your inner child.
This is an experience that will not only boost your CV, but also your confidence, and will grow you as a person. You'll develop your stagecraft skills (making costumes, acting, staging, etc.).
Being friends with people with learning disabilities changes the way you see the world. You will learn to be more attentive to the world around you and be more open to difference.
You will learn to communicate more accessibly and there will be chances to have training in sign language.
You will receive first aid training and a range of other trainings including health and safety and autism awareness.
There is no one kind of person who comes to L'Arche London. We are very diverse in terms of ethnicity, nationality, educational background, religion, age, and LGBTQ+ identity. What our members share is an openness to difference, a curiosity about other people, and a desire to build friendships. If you're confident and love being the star of the show, then acting in the play might be perfect. If you prefer to be in the background, some of our backstage roles might work best.
This is quite a flexible commitment; for most of the year it's quieter, but around the time of the plays rehearsals are much more regular.
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