Surface Area Dance Theatre

BOOM BOOM!! Feel the bass. Feel the vibe. Feel the music! 🔥 We’re excited to welcome Deaf Rave to the Signs Alive Festival team! Get ready for an electrifying family DJ workshop on Saturday 27th June, where children, young people, and families can step into the world of DJing, music, rhythm, and sound. 🎧 Ever wondered what it feels like to be a DJ? 
🎵 Want to feel the beat through your body? 
💥 Ready to experience the bass with Woojer vests and dancefloor vibes? This is your chance to meet professional Deaf DJs, try DJ equipment, ask questions, mix sounds, and discover how music can be experienced in exciting new ways. Whether you love dancing, music, technology, or just want to try something different — this workshop is for YOU! About @deafrave Founded in 2002, DEAF RAVE is a leading d/Deaf led organisation in creating accessible events for the d/Deaf, disabled and neurodivergent communities, ranging from family festivals to nighttime raves across the UK and worldwide. Founder Troi “DJ Chinaman” Lee MBE began with a vision to give Deaf, Hearing and Disabled Artists and performers a platform to display their love for music. Come and experience the energy, the vibrations, and the BOOM BOOM bass at Signs Alive Festival! 🎧🔥 Book your tickets now via the link in our bio 📆 Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June
📍 Sheepfolds Stables, Sunderland Signs Alive Festival is curated by Deaf artist Paul Miller and is a Deaf-led festival celebrating Deaf creativity and visual language. The festival is created in partnership with Rory Studio @rory_studio and Surface Area Dance Theatre @surface_area_ supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. @aceagrams With special thanks to partners Southpaw Company @southpawcompany and Sheepfolds Stables @sheepfoldsstables for their support. #SignsAliveFestival #Sunderland #NorthEast #DeafArtists #FamilyFestival BSL

We’re excited to officially announce the launch of our British Sign Language (BSL) & Deaf Awareness Training and Consultancy, delivered by Surface Area Dance Theatre in partnership with Rory Studio. Led by Deaf artist and practitioner Paul Miller, our training offers a practical and welcoming introduction to BSL, Deaf awareness, and inclusive communication within arts, cultural, education, and workplace settings. Whether you’re front-of-house staff, artists, educators, producers, technicians, freelancers, or organisational leaders, these sessions are designed to build confidence, understanding, and meaningful accessibility. Topics include: ✨ BSL basics & fingerspelling ✨ Deaf awareness and inclusive communication ✨ Everyday vocabulary and practical language skills ✨ Arts and cultural sector terminology ✨ Guidance tailored to your organisation and team At Surface Area Dance Theatre, accessibility is not an afterthought — it is embedded into everything we do. Through this new partnership, we are proud to support organisations and communities in creating more inclusive and welcoming environments for Deaf people. To find out more or book training for your organisation, click the link in our bio or visit: .uk/training-and-education Organisations we have worked with Live Theatre @livetheatrenewcastle | Eliot Smith Dance @eliotsmithdance | Alphabetti Theatre @alphabetti_theatre | Moving Art Management @moving_art_management | The Lit and Phil Library @litandphil | North East Museums @northeastmuseums | Northern Stage @northern_stage | North East Inclusive Dance Network @northeastinclusivedancenetwork | The Bare Toed Dance Company @baretoeddance | Dance City @dance_city_newcastle | Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art @balticgateshead | Curious Arts @curious_arts | Meta 4 Dance @meta4dance | Art Connect (Newcastle City Council) | Tyne Theatre and Opera House @tyneoperahouse | Novo Theatre @novo.theatre #BSL #BritishSignLanguage #DeafAwareness #Accessibility #SurfaceAreaDanceTheatre

Today, our Operational Manager stepped into the future of the cultural sector at the Business of the Arts Summit in London — a day packed with inspiring conversations, bold ideas, and meaningful connections 🌱 From the Q&A with Baroness Margaret Hodge to discussions exploring Is AI the answer? and new approaches to diversifying income streams and reworking business models, the day sparked important reflections on how we continue evolving as an organisation and as a sector. We’re returning to Surface Area Dance Theatre energised, inspired, and ready to bring fresh thinking into our creative and working practices. Most importantly, it was fantastic to connect with so many passionate arts leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of the industry. ✨ #BusinessOfTheArts #ArtsLeadership #CreativeIndustries #Network #SurfaceAreaDanceTheatre

We’re delighted to share that Anthos 🌱 by Surface Area Dance Theatre has been featured as part of the Akropoditi DanceFest @akropoditi_dancefest programme in Greece through a new immersive virtual experience using Apple Vision Pro. A huge thank you to: 📸 George Kellis — Photographer ✨ Konstantina Kolliopoulou — Movement Artist 🎭 Artistic Direction — Gianni Vercetti Discover more about the festival and Anthos online via this link: /dancefest/en/events/anthos-surface-area-dance-theatre-2/ Image Description: A movement artist wearing an Apple Vision Pro headset stands inside a grand historic interior with pale blue walls and ornate architectural details. Dressed in a dark long-sleeved top and jeans, she raises her hands delicately as though interacting with a virtual environment. The image combines immersive technology with contemporary performance and movement art. #SurfaceAreaDanceTheatre #Anthos #DanceFestival #AkropoditiDanceFest #AppleVisionPro

We’re proud to see the impact of the DeafVest project come to life in at live music event at Metallica Concert in Greece 🎶 Designed to help deaf and hard of hearing audiences experience concerts through vibration and tactile feedback, the project transforms low-frequency sound into physical sensations, creating a more inclusive and immersive live experience. A huge congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this initiative to audiences, we’re proud to have been a a part of this and thank you to John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation @latsisfoundation for supporting innovation that makes culture and entertainment more accessible for all. We’re excited to continue building projects that combine technology, inclusion, and real-world impact. I.D: A smiling person stands inside a stadium wearing a DeafVest tactile audio device designed to help deaf and hard of hearing audiences experience live music through vibration and sensory feedback. #DeafVest #Accessibility #SurfaceAreaDanceTheatre #International #Collaboration

We’re delighted to welcome Lisette Auton to the Signs Alive Festival! Lisette will be leading a fun creative writing workshop and mapmaking for all the family. You don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity in the North East. 🎟️ Book your tickets now via the link in our bio ABOUT LISETTE AUTON Lisette Auton is an award-winning multidisciplinary artist, predominantly making work as an author, spoken word performer and playwright. She is passionate about telling the stories she struggled to find – those that reflect her northern, disabled and neurodivergent experiences. By also working as a mentor, activist and creative practitioner, she enables others to be the authors of their own stories. Creative access, joy, kindness and welcome are at the heart everything she does. Her fourth and latest book, ‘The Starlight Rebel’ is published by Puffin. @lisette_auton 📆 Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June📍 Southpaw Company, Sheepfolds Stables, Sunderland Signs Alive Festival is curated by Deaf artist Paul Miller and is a Deaf-led festival celebrating Deaf creativity and visual language. The festival is created in partnership with Rory Studio @rory_studio and Surface Area Dance Theatre @surface_area_ supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. @aceagrams With special thanks to partners Southpaw Company @southpawcompany and Sheepfolds Stables @sheepfoldsstables for their support. #SignsAliveFestival #Sunderland #NorthEast #DeafArtists #FamilyFestival

As we begin to come to the end of this year’s Deaf Awareness Week, we want to reflect on why BSL inclusion in the workplace truly matters 🌱 Creating accessible workplaces is not just about policy, it’s about communication, culture, and making sure Deaf people feel genuinely included, respected, and empowered. British Sign Language (BSL) is a rich and vibrant language used by thousands of Deaf people across the UK, yet many workplaces still lack confidence and awareness in how to communicate inclusively. Learning even basic BSL can help break down barriers, build stronger relationships, and create more welcoming environments for everyone. At Surface Area Dance Theatre, we are committed to continuing our own learning and advocacy around Deaf awareness and accessibility: ✨ Our Founder & CEO is Level 6 BSL qualified ✨ Our General Manager is Level 3 BSL qualified
✨ Our Producer begins Level 1 BSL journey this month We believe learning never stops, and that investing in accessibility is investing in people. We are also excited to share that this month we will officially launch our British Sign Language & Deaf Awareness Training and Consultancy services. Keep a look out for further information coming soon. 📸 Photo by Luke Waddington @luke_waddington_ I.D: A person demonstrates British Sign Language (BSL) during a workshop for Deaf Awareness Week 2026, highlighting workplace inclusion and communication. #DeafAwarenessWeek #BSL #BritishSignLanguage #SurfaceAreaDanceTheatre #InclusiveWorkplace

We’re delighted to welcome Charlotte Arrowsmith to the Signs Alive Festival team! Charlotte will be leading a fun family drama workshop on Saturday 27th June — a fantastic opportunity for children and families to get creative together. Charlotte will also be taking part in a Q&A session on Sunday 28th June, where she’ll talk about her experiences as an actress working in theatre, short film, and television. If you’re interested in acting or performing, this is a great opportunity to learn from her journey and ask your own questions. 🎟️ Book your tickets now via the link in our bio ABOUT CHARLOTTE ARROWSMITH Charlotte Arrowsmith is a pioneering British Deaf actress, theatre director, and BSL consultant known for breaking barriers in mainstream theatre. She was the first Deaf actor to perform in a main stage production at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the first Deaf actor to understudy a hearing role. Charlotte continues to advocate for Deaf-led theatre and better representation across the arts. @oz260413 📆 Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 June
📍 Sheepfolds Stables, Sunderland Signs Alive Festival is curated by Deaf artist Paul Miller and is a Deaf-led festival celebrating Deaf creativity and visual language. The festival is created in partnership with Rory Studio @rory_studio and Surface Area Dance Theatre @surface_area_ supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England. @aceagrams With special thanks to partners Southpaw Company @southpawcompany and Sheepfolds Stables @sheepfoldsstables for their support. #SignsAliveFestival #Sunderland #NorthEast #DeafArtists #FamilyFestival BSL

We’re continuing our commitment to raising awareness during Deaf Awareness Week 🤟 Collaboration and partnership are at the heart of creating meaningful, accessible work — and this week is a powerful reminder of why Deaf artists and Deaf-led projects must be supported, championed, and centred in our industry 🎭 We’re proud to be working alongside Surface Area Dance Theatre on Signs Alive Festival @signsalivefestival in Sunderland @southpawcompany (27–28 June), directed by Paul Miller of Rory Studio @rory_studio . This exciting festival celebrates how working together builds access, strengthens community, and elevates creative work for everyone 🌍✨ Let’s keep the conversation going beyond this week — and continue building a more inclusive arts sector 💬 Find out more about Signs Alive Festival via the link in our bio 🔗 Supported by Arts Council England @aceagrams #DeafAwarenessWeek #AccessibilityInTheArts #DeafArtists #SurfaceAreaDanceTheatre #Collaboration

This week is Deaf Awareness Week (4–10 May 2026), with the theme: “Right to understand – Together, we break barriers.” 🌱 At Surface Area Dance Theatre, this reflects our mission to connect dance, sign language, and Deaf culture, creating work that centres accessibility, representation, and shared understanding between D/deaf and hearing communities. We believe understanding is a right, not a privilege, and we’re committed to breaking down barriers through creativity and collaboration. 🙌 Follow us this week as we share how we put this into action. 📸 Image of Sarah Adedeji @sarahadedeji.x in “Pray for Me” in collaboration with Fuse Theatre @fusetheatre , commissioned by Surface Area Dance Theatre, supported by funding from Arts Council England @aceagrams . Photo by Eliot Smith. Image description: A light grey promotional poster for Deaf Awareness Week by Surface Area Dance Theatre. Large bold text reads “DEAF AWARENESS WEEK” with the dates “4–10 May 2026.” Below, smaller text states: “This year’s theme is ‘Right to understand – Together, we break barriers.’” On the right, a woman in a black outfit poses expressively with her eyes closed and both hands raised near her ears, suggesting dance or sign-inspired movement. #DeafAwarenessWeek #RightToUnderstand #InclusiveArts #SurfaceAreaDanceTheatre #Community

A look into R&D for NOW project co-led by Lizzie Klotz @lizzieklotz and Duffy @darklydreamingduffy . Exploring the concept of Now with artists @nadeemrules @itschrisfonseca @jessesalaman @jennychrispdance and @dear_annie_arts The group have been working at Newcastle Dance Centres @newcastledancecentre studios and supported by BSL interpreters @fayealvi and @ionapd More to come. Watch this space ✨ #SurfaceAreaDanceTheatre #Dance #Now #Newcastle #Collaboration

✨ More exciting news for Signs Alive Festival 2026 ✨ We’re thrilled to welcome Christopher Fonseca and Harry Jardine from @fusetheatre to join our incredible festival line-up! Fuse Theatre will be leading an inspiring one-week workshop with students from Sunderland College and Bede College, creating a brand-new performance, “Feel the Beat, See the Sound.” This powerful piece will premiere live at the festival 🎭 And that’s not all…
Fuse Theatre will also be bringing their 10 minute version of their dynamic performance “Follow the Signs” to the stage! Fuse Theatre is a Deaf-led company creating bold, BSL-led theatre and championing Deaf talent through performance, workshops, and consultancy. Fuse Theatre bridge the gap between Deaf and hearing communities through creativity, access, and representation. 🔥 Don’t miss this! Join us for a weekend full of creativity, performance, and inspiration. Photography Phoebe Capewell In the meantime, book your tickets now via the link in our bio or via this link: 📅 Sat 27 & Sun 28 June 📍 Southpaw Company, Sheepfold Stables, Sunderland Signs Alive Festival is curated by Deaf artist Paul Miller and is a Deaf-led festival celebrating Deaf creativity and visual language. The festival is created in partnership with Rory Studio CIC @rory_studio and @surface_area_ supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England @aceagrams With special thanks to partners @southpawcompany and @sheepfoldsstables Sheepfold Stables for their support. #SignsAliveFestival #Sunderland #NorthEast #DeafArtists #FamilyFestival