Inclusive Experiences for All Audiences and Workshop Participants

At Hummadruz, we believe that creativity, imagination, and the joy of live performance should be accessible to everyone. We are deeply committed to building an inclusive environment where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities can fully engage with our shows and workshops. Our ethos is rooted in the power of non-verbal storytelling and in celebrating diversity—ensuring no one is left behind.

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Non-Verbal Storytelling: Universal Communication

Our core practice is the art of Ultra-Violet, non-verbal performance. Through movement, music, mime, circus, puppetry and spectacle,  we create shows that transcend language barriers. This style welcomes audiences who may find spoken language challenging, including individuals with additional learning needs, those who are deaf or hard of hearing, people who speak any language and young children.

By stripping away spoken dialogue, our performances become universally accessible. Every gesture, piece of narrative music and visual artistry is designed to tell a story that everyone can follow. 

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Use of Makaton: Enhancing Understanding and Engagement

To further enhance accessibility, we integrate Makaton—a unique language programme using signs and symbols to help people communicate—into our shows and workshops. Our facilitators and performers are trained in Makaton and and we use it throughout our performances.

The use of Makaton provides additional support for participants with communication difficulties, including people with learning disabilities, autism spectrum conditions and those for whom traditional spoken language is a barrier. By blending Makaton signs and symbols into our storytelling, we create a richer, more engaging experience, ensuring that everyone can participate, respond, and feel included.

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Workshops for All: Creativity Without Limits

Our workshops are designed to be as inclusive and responsive as our performances. We offer tailored workshops for people of all ages and abilities, from early years settings to adult groups, ensuring that each session is shaped to the needs of the participants.

• Adaptable content: we adjust activities, materials, and delivery to match the specific abilities and requirements of each group.

• Sensory-friendly experiences: We are experienced in providing sensory-friendly workshops for participants with sensory processing differences, including reduced lighting, quiet spaces, and flexible movement breaks.

• Multi-modal engagement: Workshops combine visual, tactile, and movement-based activities, supporting diverse learning styles and abilities. We can demonstrate an activity, model it and assist.

• One-to-one support: Where needed, we can offer one-to-one assistance for participants requiring extra help, and we welcome support workers or family members to participate alongside individuals.

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Welcoming People with Additional Learning Needs

In both our workshops and theatre shows, we embrace participants and audiences with a wide spectrum of additional learning needs. We work closely with carers, teachers, and support staff to create environments that feel safe and supportive.

• Pre-show and pre-workshop information: we'll get in touch and discuss what everyone wants and needs,  helping participants know what to expect and easing anxiety.

• Flexible structure: We are ready to adapt the pace, structure, and content of our sessions as needed, allowing space for rest, sensory regulation, or unstructured creative time.

• Choice and autonomy: Participants are encouraged to join in at their own pace and comfort level, with no pressure to engage in any activity that might be overwhelming.

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Access for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences

Our non-verbal storytelling is naturally accessible to D/deaf audiences, as meaning is conveyed visually and physically. We also integrate Makaton into our shows, plus painted signs.

We also ensure:

• Visual cues and clear sightlines: All key action and information are communicated visually, and staging is arranged to maximise visibility from all seating areas. Our UV artform is also high contrast, emphasising the action and the storytelling.

• Show summaries: we have now started using show and scene synopses in our programmes, ensuring more understanding.

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Access for Visually Impaired Audiences

We are committed to making our work accessible to people who are blind or partially sighted. We offer:

• Extremely high contrast shows using UV effects.

• Touch tours: Before selected performances, participants can explore costumes, props, and set pieces through touch.

• Assistance for guide dogs: Guide dogs are welcome at all our events, and we can provide water bowls and dog-friendly spaces.

• Large print: Information about shows and workshops can be provided in accessible formats as needed.

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Age-Inclusive Practice: From Early Years to Older Adults

Hummadruz - Theatr Uwchfioled Cymru is for everyone—whether you are a child, teenager, adult, or older adult, our performances and workshops are designed for universal appeal. We adapt our content, tone, and interactive elements to suit each age group, ensuring engaging experiences for early years settings, special schools, intergenerational groups, care homes, and community centres. We encourage family learning and family shows.

Physical Access and Venue Considerations

We always strive to run our shows and workshops in accessible venues, with step-free entry, accessible toilets, and clear signage. We work closely with venues to assess and improve access, and can provide information on venue facilities in advance. If additional access requirements exist, we welcome early discussion to accommodate every audience member.

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Feedback and Continuous Improvement

We are committed to ongoing learning and growth in accessibility. We welcome feedback from participants, families, carers, and organisations, and use it to refine and enhance our practice. We regularly review our policies, consult with access specialists, and invest in staff training.

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Contact Us

If you have questions, suggestions, or specific access requirements, please get in touch. We are always happy to discuss how we can best support individual needs, and we believe that accessibility is a shared journey—one that grows richer with every new connection and conversation.

At Hummadruz - Theatr Uwchfioled Cymru, everyone belongs. We look forward to welcoming you to our next show or workshop.