Theatre company for neurodivergent youngsters launches in Cambridge
A new Cambridge theatre company has been set up for neurodivergent young actors to challenge stereotypes about autism.
The Sixth Sense Collective is run by Kate Khairdean, a drama teacher who founded the drama department at a specialist school for autistic children, Gretton School in Cambridge, where she has taught since 2012.
Now the group is bringing Jody O’Neill’s play, What I (don’t) know about Autism, to The Atrium Theatre on Gilbert Road, Cambridge, on 1 and 2 November.
Artistic director Kate said: “I grew up with a younger brother who is severely autistic and unable to speak, so I’ve always had a strong interest in people on the autistic spectrum. Teaching at Gretton School, I’ve been able to combine my two passions: drama and teaching autistic learners.”
More than 700,000 children and adults in the UK are on the autistic spectrum, while attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects 2.6 million people.
While there are a number of theatre companies for adults and/or children with learning difficulties and/or autism, The Sixth Sense Collective is believed to be the first theatre company in the UK specifically for neurodivergent young performers, and has a cast of Cambridge-based actors aged 14-20.
Kate added: “Many students diagnosed with autism have a natural flair and passion for drama; acting provides them with a way of communicating with the world eloquently and convincingly. Year on year, my drama students at Gretton School are achieving the highest possible marks in the internationally-accredited LAMDA exams. I don’t think the high standard is a coincidence – this aptitude has been manifested again and again with many of the students I am privileged to work with and with the cast of What I (don’t) know about Autism.
“Autistic people are still extremely under-represented in the workplace and in further education.”
Erin Hall, 18, a member of the cast, said: “I’ve always had a passion for drama and performing arts, but haven’t had much of an opportunity to explore it until taking part in this play. Being neurodivergent with ADHD, I have a real passion for spreading awareness about the challenges it brings, and just how heavily it impacts on your life, and those around you.”
The play is The Atrium Theatre on Gilbert Road, Cambridge from 1-2 November. Visit tinyurl.com/sixthsensecollective for tickets.