Prior’s Court unveils bespoke new £1.1m performing arts centre for young autistic people in Hermitage
Prior’s Court unveiled its bespoke new performing arts hub for young people with autism at its centre in Hermitage yesterday (Thursday).
The Piper Arts Centre, named after previous director of learning Sue Piper, includes a drama and theatre space, two music rooms, a dance studio and an outdoor performance space.
Each area is designed to be fully accessible for autistic individuals who usually face many barriers to accessing the arts, from light and noise sensitivities to understanding of social rules.
Performing arts co-lead Tanya Morgan has helped design a new curriculum for pupils of all ages who will be using the new space since she started in September.
READ MORE: Prior's Court launches fundraising appeal for new performing arts centre
She said: “We designed [the curriculum] around the needs of the young people, from them taking that first step into the performing arts world to actually being able to stand on stage and perform to an audience.
“Every day we're seeing new ways they're engaging with the curriculum and developing their skills and learning.
“The curriculum comes from the Sounds of Intent Framework, which looks at a three-step process.
“It was initially designed for music, but we have developed it for our dance and our drama curriculum.”
Elise Robinson, who also has a background teaching the drama to pupils with complex learning needs, added: “I think all autism specific teachers are researchers.
“They go into their classroom and they don't know what's going to happen in the day.
READ MORE: Building begins on Prior’s Court’s new Performing Arts Centre
“Drama at its core is a nonverbal means of expression. It’s communicating through the body.
“If you look at our curriculum, we’ve got political theatre on there, mime, mask work.
“And it’s just about taking that subject and stripping it right back to its core foundations.”
School principal Helen Franks also explained why the centre is needed.
She said: “There’s so many barriers to young people accessing the performing arts.
“It’s not a privilege. It’s a right to be able to express yourself and to enjoy performances and music and dance.
“We wanted to create a unique environment where all of our young people, no matter their age, challenges or strengths, could access that.”
READ MORE: Prior’s Court Performing Arts Centre fundraising appeal hits £1m mark
The project has been three years in the making and reached its £1.1m fundraising target earlier this year.
More than 150 donors, charities and trusts showed their support.
