Birmingham Hippodrome’s new Access & Inclusion Advocates Programme is now open for applications.
You can listen to the audio at the bottom of each section.
You can listen to an overview of the audio tracks here
Please find an Easy Read version of all of the information on this page here
What is the Access and Inclusion Advocates programme?
The Access & Inclusion Advocates programme will play an important role in working with us to ensure we can become the most accessible venue of our scale in the UK. The Access & Inclusion Advocates will play a central role in supporting us to make this a reality, ensuring that we are able to break down barriers for individuals and communities.
The new programme will launch in May (further dates below).
Individuals who are part of the programme will have opportunities to engage with sector specialists, the staff and senior team at Birmingham Hippodrome, as well as other participants on the programme to explore, challenge and grow together. We will ensure our advocates have opportunities to develop their knowledge and networks, alongside others who want to do the same. Participants will be able to better understand what we already do, and challenge our thinking, to ensure we build more equity together.
We will support the group to see live performances both on our stages and across the city, and to engage more broadly across our access and community offer.
Listen to the audio for section one here
Who is it for?
We are particularly looking to hear from people who have lived experience of:
- Disabilities
- Visual Impairment
- Neurodiversity
- Being part of the d/Deaf community
- Being a carer or support worker
- Facing barriers to engaging in theatre and the arts
- Working with community groups across the city
- Being an artist/creative in the city
- Providing accessible services/provision
- Health and social work including mental health, care system, criminal justice system
- Working in or accessing SEN school provision or day centre services
We are also keen to hear from applicants from all sections of society and positively encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in our sector, including those from working class and ethnically diverse backgrounds or who experience racism, care leavers, and people from the LGBTQ+ community.
The Access & Inclusion Advocates programme is for anyone who wants to be part our journey in supporting us to become even more accessible, but equally curious to broaden their own horizons, knowledge, and networks.
We are committed to ensuring that the programme is inclusive, diverse and representative of our city-region.The programme is for anyone age 18+ living in the West Midlands.
Listen to the audio for section 2 here
What is the commitment?
The Access & Inclusion Advocates will meet monthly for in-person sessions at Birmingham Hippodrome on Tuesdays 6-8pm. There will also be opportunities to see shows and attend events that sit outside these times.
The dates for the pilot programme are:
- Tuesday 14 May – Launch of the programme
- Tuesday 18 June
- Tuesday 16 July
- Tuesday 17 September
- Tuesday 15 October
- Tuesday 19 November
- Tuesday 21 January
- Tuesday 18 February
- Tuesday 18 March
- Tuesday 15 April
There is no cost associated with being part of the Access & Inclusion Advocates programme.
Listen to the audio for section 3 here
Access & Inclusion Advocates will benefit from the following:
- A Complimentary ticket to 4 shows a year
- A Birmingham Hippodrome Friends Membership
- 15% discount on food and drink at Birmingham Hippodrome
- Access to ticket offers on selected performances
- Invites to special events and Relaxed Performances
- Opportunities to meet the Board and senior leadership team at Birmingham Hippodrome
- Travel bursaries (for those that require support, please advise us in your application so we can discuss in more details)
- Use of our Artists Lounge, with access to free WIFI and hot drinks
- Opportunities to see behind the scenes of what we do, including a backstage tour
- Opportunities for personal development, developing your networks and further opportunities to connect to Birmingham Hippodrome
Listen to the audio for section 4 here
I’m interested, what next?
Applications are now open – the deadline to apply is Sunday 21 April. If you are interested in applying for the programme, you can either:
- Complete the application form here (please note there is an immersive reader top right of the form if required)
- Record your response and upload it here (audio or video)
Listen to the audio for section 5 here
Please include the following in your application:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Pronouns
- Postcode
- Your availability for the dates of the programme
- Your responses to the questions below:
1. Please tell us about yourself?
This can include what your skills, interests and professional or personal background is in relation to access and inclusion, and if you have had a connection with the Hippodrome previously.
2. Please tell us how you would define access and inclusion, and why is it important to you?
If you have experiences of advocating for yourself or other people, we would love to hear about them.
3. What areas of access and inclusion do you want to advocate for within the theatre industry?
This may include supporting ticket prices, increasing the number of Relaxed Performances, seeing a more diverse programme, etcetera.
4. Anything else you like to tell us?
This includes what support you would need to make this programme accessible to you.
Listen to the audio for section 6 here
Additional information
We are running two information sessions where you can meet some of the team, find out more about the programme and the application process and ask any questions you might have.
- Friday 5 April, 6-7pm – Online information session.
- Monday 15 April, 6-7.30pm – In person information session at Birmingham Hippodrome.
We would encourage you to come in person if you would benefit from seeing the space and meeting the team face to face.
For those that are successful in their initial application, we will be holding a workshop to select the final cohort. This will take place on Wednesday 1 May, 6-8pm at Birmingham Hippodrome.