EGO Creative Academy
EGO's Adult Social Care provision
Grow your confidence, learn skills for life and work alongside professionals to create extraordinary theatre.
As a member, you are part of a touring theatre ensemble, working alongside industry professionals and developing specialist skills as an actor or production artist - or both.
Where is it?
The EGO Creative Academy meets at EGO Arts Venue on Hales St in Coventry City Centre. For more information, visit egoarts.co.uk/our-venue
When is it?
We run the Academy three days a week:
- Tuesdays, 10am-4pm - Performance (acting)
- Thursdays, 10am-4pm - Production Arts (creating props & sets)
- Fridays, 10am-4pm - Performance (acting)
Each day includes a 1 hour lunch break.
What is the EGO Creative Academy for?
The theatre industry is not designed for learning disabled and neurodivergent people to thrive. The EGO Creative Academy prepares you to enter the industry, but we recognise that is only half the job. The other half is reshaping the industry around us, touring high-quality shows that challenge venues across the country to go further to accommodate the needs and interests of all actors and audiences. In doing so, we will play our part in creating opportunities that didn't exist in the industry before.
Do I need to want to do acting or art as a job?
No. Some members enjoy the EGO Creative Academy even though it's not part of their career ambitions. We will work with your ambition and ability level, however big or small.
Who is it led by?
Each session is led by professional actors and production artists with years of experience facilitating workshops for learning disabled and neurodivergent adults. You will work side-by-side with them to form a professional ensemble where everyone is valued equally.
Do I need previous experience as an actor or artist?
No.
Can I just do the art and not the acting?
Yes. You can do one day, two days or all three days of the Academy each week. So if you are only interested in one discipline, you can just do that one.
Do I have to do both Performance days?
No. You can come to the Academy for as many or few days as you like each week.
How much does it cost?
Please visit our fees and funding page for details: egoarts.co.uk/academy-fees
Do you offer a free taster session?
Yes, get in touch and you can try a day of the EGO Creative Academy for free. We just need to ask you for a few details first. Email hello@egoarts.co.uk or call 07476208935.
How do I pay for it?
Most of our members pay via Direct Payments that are funded by their local authority (e.g. Coventry City Council). However, there are other ways to pay. Please visit our fees and funding page for details: egoarts.co.uk/academy-fees
Do you offer support for complex care needs?
There are some complex care needs that we are not equipped to support. Please give us a call or email if you are unsure.
Will I get any qualifications?
No. However, you will get real experience of working in the industry, take a show on tour around the country, and build invaluable skills and connections.
Is it suitable for someone with a visual or hearing impairment?
Yes. Everyone's needs are different and we will adapt our workshops to cater to your needs.
Enriching lives
EGO Creative Academy exists to enrich the lives of our members, preparing them for paid opportunities with skills for life including confidence, physical and vocal development. It also creates a sense of purpose to prevent isolation and minimise mental health struggles.
Our members play a vital role in the production process from start to end. The original work we create together reflects their lived experience, giving them a voice while also giving audiences an understanding of life stories they wouldn’t usually see on the stage.
Skills
The skills that you learn in theatre are transferable throughout your life. Some members are here to improve their confidence, social and communication skills, while others are here to pursue a career in performance or production - and both of these are valid.
Skills learned at the EGO Creative Academy include confidence, independence, wellbeing, speech, communication, teamwork, discipline, punctuality, purpose, self-worth and responsibility.
A National Network
As a member, you’re part of a national network of disabled artists. In July 2024, our actors performed at Unity Festival in Cardiff Bay to huge crowds, and spent the weekend socialising with other artists.
The EGO Creative Academy have devised and produced an original theatre production called “You Know My Mum”, a beautiful story based on the real-life experiences of Alex, one of our artists whose Mum passed away. With a national theatre tour planned for Spring 2025, our profile is growing with more opportunities to come.
Fees & Funding
To find out more about fees and funding for the EGO Creative Academy, visit our fees and funding page.
Interested? Email us on hello@egoarts.co.uk or call/WhatsApp us on 07476208935.