By Lesley Reed
Artistic Contribution
Without support for inclusive professional theatre practice, the transformative power of professional Arts practice and training is unfortunately denied talented performers with disability. This means disabled artists miss out on professional careers in the Arts. In addition, the benefits of experiencing disabled performers’ diverse voices and perspectives, along with the unique artistic contribution of disabled artists to the creative landscape is lost to society and to the Arts as a whole.
30 years of Transformation
No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability has for 30 years sought to change this. While disabled performers do report therapeutic outcomes from our programs, No Strings is not a therapeutic organisation for the disabled, but instead, ours is a company that facilitates and empowers disabled theatre professionals to discover and develop their own individual abilities. Out of this empowerment performers create groundbreaking, professional work through disability-led collaborative practice, which enables artists to find paths into professional work and transforms audiences’ experience of theatre.
Strengths-based Approach
Dr Kari Seeley, CEO of No Strings said, “Although No Strings’ work is not formally therapeutic, programs are undertaken by appropriately trained professionals focused on supporting people to build real life connections and interactions.”
Dr Seeley added, “No Strings uses a strengths-based approach to create and deliver programs that are disability-led at every level. These programs allow individual people, with unique (clusters of) disabilities, the time and space to build their independence, gain confidence, explore new ways of connecting and communicating with others, and to improve overall wellbeing, all within a performing arts framework.”
Those in society fortunate enough to witness the groundbreaking performances fostered by such enablement are invariably inspired by the talent, creativity and skill demonstrated.
We not only receive wonderful feedback from participants, but also from families:
Lynda: ‘Since joining No Strings, Josh finds them fun and engaging and he feels accepted and part of the team. For the first time in many years, he talks of having friends. He has grown in confidence. He is proud of his achievements.’
Kerrin: ‘No Strings is a place where ability is recognised NOT disability. The workshops programs assist in building self-esteem, self-understanding and a passion for self-improvement.’
Lynn: ‘Attending No Strings has certainly made Paul more confident and outgoing. Even considering his limited involvement due to his restricted abilities, he loves attending and being included in all of the [programs].’
“Beyond the weekly workshop skills development programs, No Strings develops ground-breaking new theatre works that are also disability-led,” Dr Seeley said. “We position disabled artists as collaborators and decision-makers, working alongside other professional practicing artists. This develops invaluable employment pathways and enables the development of artists in a supportive, collaborative, and professional environment.”
Time – the key to Transformation
Dr Seeley concluded, “There is something quite extraordinary that happens for artists when collaborating with others who value your input, allow time and space for you to articulate your story, and support the process to delivery high quality outcomes that are also socially transformative.”
Transformation through enablement…who doesn’t love that concept? We at No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability certainly do.
Onwards and Upwards
We can’t wait to see transformation continue to power our people and productions in 2026.
No Strings – professional theatre that recognises ability through
Fearless, Limitless, Boundless theatre.