Frozen Light is an innovative charity that tours multi-sensory theatre for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).
They have received funding to support the costs of bringing their productions to venues across Cambridgeshire, allowing local audiences to experience an environment that they may ordinarily be excluded from.
The high performer/audience ratio needed to make a theatre show relevant for most people with PMLD can make such shows unprofitable and reliant on subsidy, resulting in very limited opportunities to enjoy live theatre, despite the health and social benefits.
Access to the arts is a basic human right and, research suggests that, for people with PMLD, participation in the arts increases self-confidence and social skills and it can help someone express themselves non-verbally.
It also develops community inclusion. Visibility in society can help to change public attitudes, shifting perceptions about those with high support needs. Frozen Light also offers training to all venue staff and volunteers to build their understanding of how to warmly and safely welcome audiences with PMLD.
Carers report that coming to Frozen Light shows builds their confidence to accompany the person they support to experience more arts and culture in their community. Sharing artistic experiences brings people together and Frozen Light’s shows enable audiences to share emotional responses and make memories with their friends and loved ones.
“ViewerFun, engaging, mature and enlightening. We had a fabulous experience centred around and adapted to our individual needs. Lots of laughter and feel-good vibes.
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