Drama classes help disabled young people unleash creativity
Bridge College is proud to offer a curriculum that allows students to follow their creative passions, including drama, music and dance. Staff work hard at creating opportunities for students to express themselves, their own way. Sally, drama tutor says: “We're always trying to find opportunities for our students to work towards performing in some way as a lot of them really love it.”
Drama classes take place once a week and students collaborate on plays from beginning to end. The teachers start by looking at projects together with the class. The students create their own characters and from those early workshops, they plot the story together and then Sally writes the script around them.
Most of the students prefer an acting role, however there are always a few enthusiasts who would rather take on a production-based role working on costumes and props. The teachers always find something everyone can get stuck into and enjoy.
After months of work, students get to perform at various events throughout the year including live plays at the Lowry during the Together Trust Music and Performing Arts Festival, during the Bridge College showcase day exploring cult favourites like “Matilda” and Shakespeare with a performance of “Romeo and Juliet”. They are currently working on preparing "Alice in Wonderland" for the Together Trust Music and Performing Arts Festival 2025.
On top of this, students also record their performances and turn them into short films. Their most recent performances of 'The Night Before Christmas’ and a ‘Bridgemas Carol’ were absolute hits at the Together Trust Christmas Carol Service. Sally says “For them to be able to see how much joy they have given so many people is so amazing. I'm so unbelievably proud of them and so happy other people have been able to see them shine.”
Based in Manchester, Bridge College offers specialist education for students aged 16 to 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities, complex health needs and autism. Every day we provide personalised support, tailored learning and hands-on life skills to give young people the confidence to exceed their aspirations.