15 Years Together

Welcome to our new 15th Anniversary weekly blog! To play out the remainder of what has been an ‘action packed’ Anniversary year, we have decided to showcase members of the TramShed family who have been involved with the organisation for 15 years! From the moment TramShed opened our theatre doors in 2007, the guest bloggers have been involved as members, audiences, trustees and supporting families. We have invited them to share their experiences, thoughts, feelings, achievements and reflect on what inclusive theatre really means within our community, but especially to them personally.  

Zac Hackett - Lytham Proms - July 2019

In May 2007, TramShed kick started a new Youth Theatre and Adult Company group under the guidance of Chickenshed in London. Although the groups were small, there was a clear excitement and energy in the sessions. No other workshops in the locality were offering such an accessible and diverse environment and the fact that participants were travelling from as far afield as Blackburn every week, spoke volumes. Friendships quickly began to form, and the workshops provided a safe space to give everyone an opportunity to shine.  The first term whizzed by and soon we were extending our provision to children.

Inclusive theatre focuses on sharing the voice of the people, what matters, what means something and very quicky the themes and ideas took shape. The following year saw our first ever inclusive musical theatre performance, ‘Dreamcatcher’ in July 2008. Fast forward to September 2022 and here we are today, a membership base of 106 individuals (and counting), an experienced and diverse artistic team and dedicated group of volunteers to support members whenever needed.

Throughout the past 15 years we have showcased 27 inclusive performances, delivered educational outreach programmes in various schools and colleges across the North West, given accredited qualification opportunities through Arts Award, flown to Uganda and launched inclusive theatre in Kampala, created an inclusive training programme, welcomed hundreds of performing arts enthusiasts through our theatre doors and survived a global pandemic! Inclusive theatre doesn’t care who you are or what your background is. It thrives on diversity and no matter what the content, demonstrates passion that touches all those taking part.

Now to hear the story of TramShed from those at the very heart, the people. Tune in next week to continue the 15-year journey.

#15yearstogether

Zac Hackett

Artistic Director