soap box
Be Creative. Have Fun. Make Friends. Have Your say.
If you would like to practise English in a relaxed setting, make new friends, build your confidence and explore your creativity then we would love to hear from you! We think theatre and the arts can make the world better and we know there are lots of things you’d like to see improved in your area and city, so join us for weekly sessions where together we can make positive changes for everyone. Maybe we could plan a street party? Or plant more trees? Maybe we could present speeches to the Council, make a film or do some street art?
We can't wait to hear your ideas!
We are Stand and Be Counted; the UK’s first Theatre Company of Sanctuary and we are committed to making work with and for people who are new to the UK. Soap Box is our adult creative learning programme for people seeking sanctuary aged 16+.
Where: We are currently running this group in Sheffield, Leeds, Barnsley and York.
For more information email our Community Director Firas: firas@sbctheatre.co.uk
Every workshop is led by creative professionals, many of whom have lived experience of seeking asylum or migration. Our workshops are friendly and relaxed and there is no time commitment or expectations, you can join us for 20 minutes during one session or four hours every week. We know you have busy lives and important appointments, so join us when you can.
We cover travel expenses and provide refreshments. We will have interpreters in the room at all times, if there is any other support you need just let our team know and we will arrange.
Sessions are free to join, we cover all travel expenses, provide interpreters and enjoy a meal together.
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Soap Box is possible thanks to the support and funding of Leeds 2023, The University of Sheffield, Pilot Theatre, York Council, Coventry Council and Arts Council England
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My City, My Story - Leeds 2023
Can You Hear Me, Now? - Coventry City of Culture Trust
The Welcome Series - Coventry Council
Coventry Welcomes - Coventry City of Culture Trust
Can You Hear Me Now?
We made a large scale performance take over of Swanswell Park in Coventry. We wrote speeches, choreographed dances from around the world, played live music and wrote and performed songs.
Watch the video and enjoy the show!
If you’d like to watch with audio description then click here.
Want more insight into how we work and what it’s like to join an SBC programme and make a show? Filmmaker Pishdaad Modaressi captured the process of making Can You Hear Me, Now?
behind the scenes
My City,
My Story
We curated an interactive exhibition, we designed artwork, wrote poetry and speeches, recorded our stories and presented to audiences in Leeds with food and music. You can experience the exhibition by clicking the button below.
SOAP BOX YORK
We introduced our first series of workshops in york. These workshops are a great environment for people to practise English in a relaxed setting, make new friends, build confidence, and explore creativity!
The Welcome Series
We planned and shot a film series to support people who are new to the UK, with all our advice, recommendations and ideas for welcoming new arrivals. We launched the films for Refugee Week 2022 and you can watch them below.
