Theatre without barriers

The Inclusive Theatre Collective (Hooray!) is designed to break down barriers and give participants a place to belong on stage or behind the scenes. The collective, also known as ITCH, creates a space where people can play drama games, build friendships, learn about the audition and rehearsal process, and mount a theatre production. It is as much about building community and belonging as producing a theatrical show.  

ITCH is open to everyone, from students looking to build confidence and public speaking skills, to ESL students who want to practice language skills, to students who face barriers in traditional theatre programs. ITCH is also open to Workplace Essential Skills and Training Program and Adult Basic Education students, VIU employees, and community members. It is a free, drop-in program.

Eliza Gardiner, a VIU Theatre Professor, was inspired to create the program by a past student who is deaf and another who struggled with anxiety. These students made her rethink what it meant to be inclusive in the performing arts.

“Developing ITCH came from a place of trying to increase awareness about acceptance and to equalize the opportunities for students to experience theatre without stigma around their abilities,” says Eliza. 

Eliza received a VIU Research Awards Committee Innovate grant to run the first two years of workshops, all-welcome sessions and show-building, with funding that allowed her to hire research assistants to examine scholarly studies on the definition of inclusivity in the arts and strategies to decrease barriers. Eliza says arts-based programs, especially if they are free and drop-in, enhance access, connect people across the disciplines and establish camaraderie. 

“It is an opportunity for students to take part in a VIU program that runs like an evening course but with no registration fees; it’s incredible and such a pleasure to facilitate,” says Eliza.

Traditional theatre production commitments can be intense, says Eliza. Participants must be available for an immersive schedule, which not everyone can commit to. ITCH has rehearsals for a lengthier period of time, configured in smaller increments.

“Part of inclusivity is eating together so we provide snacks too. If you’re distracted because you haven’t had access to food, a granola bar and a juice box go a long way,” Eliza says.

To make the program even more inclusive, participants have a say in their roles, both onstage and backstage. Taking on a part in the play isn’t as competitive as some shows, so participants have more of a voice in choosing how they want to contribute. This helps prioritize each individual’s interests and the outcomes they want to achieve from participating. Students take on leadership positions such as playwright or director, which creates a collaborative, peer-led environment rather than a supervisory one. Eliza takes on the role of producer.

One student who wishes to remain anonymous says.: “I would love to explore inclusive theatre for neurodiversity and how it can help practice necessary skills such as executive function, working memory and sensory integration.”

ITCH has performed at VIU’s Consent Day, International Women’s Day and as part of the annual CREATE research event.

This year, ITCH presents A Deep Poetic Journey Into Something, a play by Forrest Musselman, produced by special arrangement with Theatrefolk. Directed by VIU Theatre Diploma student Makenna Paugh and starring a talented mix of non-theatre students, the play is on April 7 and 8 at 7 pm at VIU’s Malaspina Theatre (Building 310). Free admission.

Main image from last year's performance of Medieval Madness.