************************* Do you know of a young person who would enjoy being a performer or technician in a professional theatre, creating and sharing integrated drama ideas with new friends from all over the country? Through an exciting new partnership with York Theatre Royal and the National Deaf Children’s Society, the Deaf and Hearing Summer Theatre School, now in its 9th successful year, offers greater opportunities at a national level for 40 young people, both deaf and hearing, aged 13-18 to take part in all aspects of professional theatre. The Summer School also provides a training ground for adult deaf and hearing practitioners, technicians, interpreters and volunteer community workers who have an interest in mainstream and integrated theatre. The Summer Theatre School, which runs from the 7-19 August at York Theatre Royal and is lottery funded by Arts Council England’s Grants for the arts programme, is dedicated to creating new work that offers innovative and challenging access routes to mainstream theatre. It is a unique opportunity for young people to work in a fully professional theatre and it really makes a difference to people’s perceptions of accessible theatre. It is, to date, the only project of its kind in the country. It’s also lots of fun, with recreational events in the evenings and great accommodation in the fabulous city of York. The school’s producer, Roberta Hamond, said, “It's magical fun to play on a stage in a real theatre; to create a performance that no one has ever seen before. And York is such a fantastic place to stay and explore with new friends. It really is a unique holiday for young people.” Some of the participants from the Summer Theatre School in 2005, which was run by Cambridge Arts Theatre said about the experience, “It was a great opportunity to work with people from so many different backgrounds. Working closely in a team has been challenging but fun and I’ve definitely made friends for life. I had a fantastic time this year on Summer School and will definitely be returning next year.” “I liked everything! It is so fantastic to work with other deaf and hearing people and to be treated like an equal. The evening activities were fun. The staff were very friendly and tried to get everyone involved.” Jill Adamson, Director of Education at York Theatre Royal added, “It’s a fantastic opportunity for the theatre to be involved in an innovative national project which embraces and develops the skills of the young people, with the help of theatre professional’s from around the country.” **************************