Making a Difference

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Making a Difference

Getting involved in the arts changes lives. Quondam's work makes a positive difference to everyone involved – participants, leaders and communities who put on our work.

For people who don't automatically consider that the arts are 'for them', getting involved is a risk. The norms and standards of the arts world are set by a self-appointed cultural elite. Will I understand? Will I fit in? Have I got the skills? I'm not arty!

Quondam gets people past these barriers to a place where they can assert the qualities of their own creativity. If people realise that they too can 'own' the arts, that the arts can spring from their cultural reference points, this is inspirational and makes a huge difference to their lives.

Richard's Story

Getting involved with Dragonfly has inspired Richard, an adult with learning disabilities, to develop new talents which in turn have transformed his life for the better. He has been involved in the drama group for three years, going from being shy and unsure of himself to being confident in his interaction with others. He is now confident enough to make his own decisions, become more outgoing and enjoying the company of others rather than holding back. This can be seen with the pub group where he talks vividly about Blackburn Rovers his football team.

There has also been a marked improvement in Richard's reading skills, he is keen to learn so that he can take part in the drama group. This new skill allows him to read football stories in the newspapers himself rather than relying on the assistance of others.

Lindsay and Julie's Stories

The Dragonfly Theatre Company makes a huge difference to people with learning disabilities lives, it inspires them, giving them the confidence to act independently. Before joining Dragonfly both Lindsay and Julie lacked the confidence to perform what some may see as simple tasks such as paying for goods in a shop or riding an escalator unaccompanied.

They have both come a long way since taking part in the theatre group. Lindsay now has the confidence to pay for things in the shops herself, rather than relying on her mum. While Julie now has the self-confidence that allowed her to leave her mum to go to the toilet unaccompanied, a huge step for her as it involved a solo escalator ride.

emma, rachel and Kevin's stories

Emma, Rachel and Kevin are support workers with Cumbria Care who assists adults with learning disabilities. Getting involved with the drama group was the last thing they would have imagined doing. They were all apprehensive at first not really knowing what to expect and nervous of getting up and performing in front of other people.

Working with the "guys" has given them the confidence to step out of their comfort zone; if the guys can stand up in front of an audience they can too. Emma has been inspired not only to take part in the shows but her growing self-confidence has allowed her to feel comfortable to take the reins as the director for the latest play.

The community's view

The Dragonfly Theatre group regularly perform in the community, breaking down barriers and bringing the arts to a wide and varied audience. The performers quickly dispel any apprehension people may have regarding artists with learning disabilities, making a deep connection with the audience and drawing them into the performance.

Dragonfly's plays have universal themes which everyone can relate to, this encourages ongoing discussion long after the final curtain has come down. The performers themselves are an inspiration to others who may look at their own situation in a new light and realise that anything is possible, as they watch an accomplished performance.