Business Details
24 Years
experience
Inclusive Theatre Company in Glasgow
Established in 2002, Solar Bear is a pioneering theatre company dedicated to creating inclusive and collaborative artistic experiences. Our work brings together deaf and hearing artists, theatre makers, and young people to produce innovative performances that challenge traditional storytelling methods. We prioritise accessibility and social engagement, ensuring marginalised communities are represented in our productions. Through initiatives like Deaf Youth Theatre and Solar Flares, we celebrate deaf culture and heritage while fostering emerging talent.Our partnerships with institutions such as Creative Scotland and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland have enabled us to develop groundbreaking programmes, including the UKs first BSL/English performance degree. With a focus on digital innovation and community outreach, we aim to drive systemic change in the cultural sector by advocating for deaf leadership and inclusive practices.
Services
Deaf Youth Theatre
Solar Flares Projects
Community Partnerships
Digital Storytelling
Arts Education
BSL Inclusivity Training
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in inclusive theatre production
- Our Deaf Youth Theatre programme nurtures emerging deaf talent
- We pioneered the UK's first BSL/English performance degree programme
- Our productions have been critically acclaimed across Scotland
- We maintain partnerships with leading cultural institutions like Creative Scotland
Associations and certifications
- OSCR
Services
Deaf Youth Theatre
Year-round theatre training for deaf young people aged 11-25. Develops performance skills through BSL and spoken English. Builds confidence and artistic expression while creating professional productions showcasing deaf talent.
Solar Flares Projects
Digital storytelling initiatives preserving deaf history and culture. Creates interactive resources about deaf clubs, folklore, and community heritage. Available through online platforms for national and international audiences.
Community Partnerships
Partnerships with cultural organisations to develop inclusive programming. Focuses on co-creating performances with marginalised communities. Includes training programmes for deaf artists in theatre and film industries.
Arts Education
School workshops and outreach programmes promoting arts accessibility. Combines drama education with BSL instruction. Designed to engage both deaf and hearing students in collaborative creative projects.
BSL Inclusivity Training
Professional development for organisations improving BSL accessibility. Covers deaf cultural awareness and inclusive performance practices. Helps cultural institutions meet accessibility standards.
People
Jennifer Bates
CEO/Creative Director
Theatre director and producer with 15+ years' experience in inclusive performance. Founded Solar Bear's Deaf Youth Theatre programme. Holds MA from Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Specialises in BSL-integrated productions.
Craig McCulloch
Youth Theatre Co-ordinator
Award-winning BSL theatre practitioner. Graduated from Royal Conservatoire Scotland's pioneering BSL/English performance programme. Directs innovative children's theatre blending visual storytelling and sign language. Mentors emerging deaf artists.
Angela Coates
Executive Producer
Theatre manager with extensive third-sector experience. Oversees production logistics and strategic partnerships. Previously managed international touring productions. Focuses on expanding access to performing arts for deaf audiences.
Felix Gilfedder-Cheskin
Digital Development Manager
Film industry professional with 250+ credits. Leads digital storytelling initiatives. Combines theatre and screen expertise to develop accessible online content. Lectures in digital media at Glasgow Clyde College.
Jamie Dow
Board Chairperson
Deaf education specialist with decade-long experience teaching deaf children. Advocate for BSL preservation. Oversees organisational governance. Promotes deaf cultural representation in educational curricula.
Questions
What makes Solar Bear's theatre productions unique?
Our productions combine British Sign Language and spoken English, featuring both deaf and hearing performers to create accessible, culturally rich performances.
How can young deaf artists get involved with Solar Bear?
Our Deaf Youth Theatre programme offers year-round training and performance opportunities for young deaf talent in Scotland.
Do you offer BSL training for organisations?
We provide consultancy and training to help organisations improve BSL accessibility and deaf cultural awareness.
How is Solar Bear funded?
We receive core funding from Creative Scotland and rely on donations and project-specific grants to support our work.
Can I volunteer with Solar Bear's projects?
We welcome volunteers through our Solar Bear Champions programme supporting arts accessibility initiatives across Scotland.
