Star date: 16th September 2017

'LIBERATING THE VOICES OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH PERFORMANCE'

Proud and Loud Arts is way more than a performance group, blending passionate issue-related themes with totally brilliant shows. The group is now expanding and looking for new members with physical or learning disabilities. It's a great chance to join one of the absolute elite creative forces in Salford, and make new friends too.

Full details here...

Late last year, Proud and Loud Arts put on a production called Cells, spread over the spaces at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, that highlighted multi-media performance at its extreme best, from the totally surreal to the hyper real, with one particular oral reading item enough to shock even the most open minded listener.

Proud and Loud Arts is like nothing else, from the short films they make, to these art explorations, to full on theatrical shows. The groups' strapline is 'Liberating the voices of people with disabilities through performance'...and then some.

Now the company is looking to recruit 23 new members to, initially, train on Thursday nights and eventually take part in full day sessions, which are held every Tuesday. No performing skills are needed.

"The charity is growing and expanding so we want to reach more people and benefit more people" explains Proud and Loud's Danielle "Anyone with any kind of disability, physical or leaning, is welcome.

"Initially they would start by coming to our evening sessions and as they gain more experience and skills some may be asked to move across to becoming a full member and to get involved in any shows or stuff we do" she adds "...but it's more than doing the drama and performing; it's like a family."

Kelly has been with Proud and Loud since it began 17 years ago... "We're very welcoming and friendly so people should come and give it a try, you are supported all the way" she says "It's also very sociable and you can make new friends."

On the creative side, the company's shows are generally premiered at big venue like The Lowry and Salford Museum and Art Gallery, with the last play, Pyramus and Thisbe, staged at Contact Theatre. And it's fair to say that the content is truly groundbreaking...

"It's based on everyday things really, or things that we do or have done" says Proud and Loud's Janet "There's no fake truths in there..."

Proud and Loud meet every Thursday 7pm-9pm at the Sutton Community Centre, Doveridge Gardens, at the back of Tesco near Salford Precinct. To get involved, see the website www.proudandloudsarts.com and fill in the form - click here.

See previous Salford Star articles on Proud and Loud...

Pyramus and Thisbe preview – click here

Read the interview with members of Proud and Loud Arts in the print issue of Salford Star (page 32) - click here