News
Outspoken - Spring 2007
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Participants have commented:
"It is great. When you meet people with the same condition, you really understand that there is nothing to be afraid of... I feel more confident."
"The sessions have undoubtedly increased my confidence in expressing myself, both in verbal and non-verbal ways; in the past I held back from speaking, but I have recently felt more able to put myself forward and be a wee bit less self aware of my speech. This is a change I have noticed in others as well."
"The fun, informal and supportive atmosphere, provides a fantastic opportunity to let go, be yourself and above all have a great time!"
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TAG Theatre Company and BSA Scotland joined forces to create a brilliant opportunity for young people in Scotland who stammer, aged 16-25. During March/early April 2007 we offered free drama sessions in Glasgow and Edinburgh, seeking to engage a sector of the stammering community who may not be attending speech therapy, may not be part of a self-help group, yet are likely to be facing challenging times communication-wise.
TAG's celebrated drama skills and the expert knowledge of BSA Scotland have combined to create a unique and high quality programme of workshops, designed specifically to explore selfexpression, develop self confidence and enhance communication skills through games, discussion and improvisation.
Sessions so far have been attended by eight - ten participants. 'Outspoken' was publicised with help from the National Union of Students, Equalities Forward (who provided contacts for Access and Inclusion tutors in further and higher education settings) and local speech and language therapists. The initiative also featured in the Scotsman and on Radio Forth.
Sessions begin with warm up games before moving on to a variety of improvisation exercises. The emphasis has been on having fun, using your imagination and letting go. Humour has played a significant role!
In week two we talked about parties and the various roles you might find in such a social setting. We identified exaggerated 'types' such as: the dominating host, the person who keeps bursting into tears, the shrinking violet, the outrageous dancer, the person who wants to pick a fight and the party bore.
We then created a party improvisation, with everyone assuming a role that was far removed from their own party persona. It is hard to describe the fun that ensued as the group moved from introducing themselves and mingling to creating a storyline ending in a crisis!
Drama is proving to be great fun - and much more besides. Group members are getting to know each other, taking more creative risks and finding freedom in 'play'. We're also proving that there's much more to communication than words - we use gesture and mime in 'silent movie' improvisations, then turn up the volume and add words to our own or each other's stories.
We work together in a respectful and supportive way, ensuring an atmosphere in which everyone feels able to speak, whether the words come easily or not.
So now we are looking towards the next stage; a two year project to establish a core group that wants to develop general drama skills and selfconfidence with a longer term vision of exploring stammering as the focus for a piece of drama. Register your interest...
bsascotland@stammering.org/08453 303 800
From Issue 5 of Blether, the BSA Scotland newsletter.
See also: Mellow drama - TAG workshop in May 2006.
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