Sign in

Solar Bear

@thesolarbear.bsky.social
126 followers 82 following 90 posts

Deaf artists leading the way - theatre, digital, outreach. #deafyouththeatre #deaftalent #deafculture #deaftheatre #deafdigitalart 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 www.solarbear.org.uk

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Solar Bear
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland @ytartsscot.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
National Theatre of Scotland Fellow Leah Byrne, alongside artists and industry guests, will share the findings of her research around EDI and tokenism within the Scottish theatre sector on Thu 24 September 2026 buff.ly/1ea8h46
ytas.org.uk
THE EQU[AL]ITY PROJECT – Research Sharing Event - YTAS
Join Leah Byrne, alongside artists and industry guests, as she shares the findings of her research around EDI and tokenism within the Scottish theatre sector,
011
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
The Singer is coming to a stage near you #Scotland this summer 2026 - staring with @traversetheatre.bsky.social for the Fringe, then onto the Lemon Tree in Aberdeen, Citizens Theatre in Glasgow and finally with our wonderful Co-Producers @dundeerep.bsky.social Music by KT Tunstall!!!
031
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
We are so excited to be developing this play with our partners @dundeerep.bsky.social and bringing it to @traversetheatre.bsky.social Tickets on sale now!!!!
022
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Two words - 'The Singer'....not to be missed!!!!!
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
📰 Read more about the #TravFest26 programme here: www.traverse.co.uk/news/travfes...
traverse.co.uk
TravFest26 - A bold August programme of new writing from Scotland and beyond
A major programme of new writing, bringing world premieres, landmark co‑productions and urgent contemporary theatre to Edinburgh this summer.
011
Reposted by Solar Bear
Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland @cypcs.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
Two weeks to go until our online assembly on discrimination with e-Sgoil for primary-aged children, with BSL interpretation. Meet amazing girl footballers who challenged discrimination, and Scotland's only World Cup winner! Join us at 9.30am on April 24! bit.ly/4uq503B
bit.ly
Join our assembly to make children’s rights your goal!
Children's Commissioner Nicola Killean hosts an online assembly, focusing on discrimination. Join child human rights defenders and a World Cup winner!
032
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
🌟 We're Thrilled to Welcome Elaine Kerridge to Our Board 🌟 Elaine brings over 30 years of dedication to children and young people, making her an incredible addition to the Solar Bear family. #ArtsForChange #YouthVoiceMatters #CreativeCommunities #InclusionInAction #championingyoungpeople
A poster-style graphic announcing a new board member for Solar Bear. At the top, text reads ‘We are delighted to welcome a new board member to the Solar Bear family.’ Below the text is a black‑and‑white portrait framed in black. Under the portrait, the name ‘Elaine Kerridge’ is displayed in large black lettering. The background shows a wooden table with people seated around it, along with notebooks, sticky notes, pens, and a coffee cup. The Solar Bear logo appears in the bottom left corner.
001
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
So exciting!!!!!
010
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Massive thank you to @fedscottheatre.bsky.social Sophie will be joining the creative team for our upcoming production, The Singer which will be touring Scotland including 2 weeks at @edfringe.bsky.social at @traversetheatre.bsky.social
011
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
🎉 This coming Tuesday at Deaf Youth Theatre 🎉 We’re buzzing to welcome the brilliant team from Hearts and Minds Scotland for a special guest workshop 🤡💥
Illustrated poster for a “Clown Workshop” with a textured teal background. At the top, large bold text reads “Clown Workshop” with the subtitle “Unleash Your Inner Clown!”. In the centre are two illustrated clown faces side by side: one smiling and laughing, the other sad and crying, both with red noses and theatrical makeup. Text below says “Led by Lucy & Diane for DYT Youth Theatre Group”. Bullet points read: “Learn physical comedy”, “Explore playfulness”, and “Discover character”. A heart icon highlights “Focus on exploring good mental health”. At the bottom, bold text reads “Tuesday 10th February”.
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
🌟 Deaf Youth Theatre Summer Project 2026! 🌟 We’re heading to The National Festival of Youth Theatre in Inverness and YOU could be part of it! For deaf / deafblind / hard of hearing / CODA young people aged 11–21. 📧 To book: email alice@solarbear.org.uk solarbear.org.uk/2025/11/24/s...
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
National Theatre of Scotland @ntsonline.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
👋 Free movement workshop for deaf & hard of hearing performers with EJ Boyle! 📍 Sat 14 Feb | 10.20-4.30pm | Rockvilla, Glasgow 💰 FREE ⏰ Apply by Mon 4 Feb Find out more, BSL flyer & accessibility info: www.nationaltheatrescotland.com/events/movem...
1104
Reposted by Solar Bear
Children and Young People's Commissioner Scotland @cypcs.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
Education isn’t just about lessons and exams — it’s about how children feel in school. Young Advisor Elsie’s blog for #InternationalDayOfEducation reflects on why feeling safe and supported matters to ensuring the right to education is realised every day. Elsie's Blog: bit.ly/3ZxjMqE
Graphic for #InternationalDayOfEducation showing a classroom scene in soft focus behind a cartoon avatar labelled “Elsie.” The Children & Young People’s Commissioner Scotland logo appears in the top right. Large white text reads: “A good teacher listens to us, not just our words, but also our behaviour, which can sometimes say even more.”
053
Reposted by Solar Bear
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland @ytartsscot.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
Basic Income Network Scotland are holding an interactive discussion on Mon 2 Feb 2026 in Edinburgh to explore what a basic income would mean for artists in Scotland and their creative practice
buff.ly
Basic Income Conversation for Artists in Scotland - YTAS
An interactive discussion to explore what a basic income would mean for artists in Scotland and their creative practice
021
Reposted by Solar Bear
Stellar Quines @stellarquines.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Deadline Reminder 🚨 You have until Wednesday at 2pm to apply to our Support Worker position! 🎭 Do you want to support young women, trans & non-binary people aged 12-19 in Fife to make shows, build confidence & have fun? Head to www.stellarquines.co.uk/work-with-us for more info and to apply 💜
012
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
As we begin 2026, we are delighted to announce that Tess Hutchinson and Will Clark have joined the Solar Bear Board.
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
A huge thank you to the amazing students and staff at St Roch's 💚 It was inspiring to see a new generation of creative talent bringing fresh ideas, energy and imagination to our workshops. ✨ Want to learn more about Deaf Youth Theatre? - email: alice@solarbear.org.uk
Three adults are standing outside Saint Roch’s Secondary School, smiling toward the camera. The school’s large sign is visible on the brick building behind them. Sunlight creates a bright vertical flare across the image, adding a warm, candid feel.
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
Fantastic opportunity
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
Traverse Theatre @traversetheatre.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
An exhilarating new gig-theatre drama created by @dundeerep.bsky.social & @thesolarbear.bsky.social, in collaboration with @apawhatson.bsky.social and Traverse Theatre. 📰 Find out more: www.traverse.co.uk/news/the-sin...
traverse.co.uk
The Singer to make world premiere at Traverse Festival 2026
An exhilarating new gig-theatre drama created by Dundee Rep Theatre and Solar Bear, in collaboration with Aberdeen Performing Arts and Traverse Theatre.
111
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
At Solar Bear, accessibility is at the heart of everything we do. 🌟 We caption all our video content—and whenever possible, we go further by including sign language, captions, and voice-over. Plus, our media hubs provide full transcripts for maximum inclusivity.
Bright gradient background with overlapping speech bubbles in yellow, orange, red, and purple. Bold white text reads: “Captioning Awareness Week 2025.” Smaller text says: “10–16 November #CAW2025.” At the bottom, faint pink text reads: “Celebrating 25 Years.”
010
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Only 5 days to go until the premiere of the Solar Reels films at GMAC. We can’t wait to share these powerful stories with you. Over the course of just two weeks, our three filmmakers developed, filmed, and edited their short films from the ground up — an incredible achievement.
A warm, intimate scene set in a cozy café with exposed brick walls and soft string lights. Two people sit across from each other at a small round table, holding hands over a simple centerpiece of white flowers in a glass vase. The image is divided into three vertical panels, creating a triptych effect. At the top, the names “Benedetta Zanetti,” “Bea Webster,” and “Petre Dobre” are displayed. At the bottom, bold text reads “THE UNSPOKEN PATH,” accompanied by production credits and the Solar Bear logo.
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Join us for the Premiere of the Solar Reels films at the Glasgow Media Access Centre. Nov 14 from 6pm to 8pm www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/solar-hub-...
eventbrite.co.uk
Solar Hub - Solar Reels premiere
Celebrate the premiere of the Solar Reels films at Solar Hub — Q&A with the makers and a chance to network.
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
Euan's Guide @euansguide.com · 03/11/2025
The Euan’s Guide Access Survey is open! 💬 We want to hear from disabled people, friends, families + carers about what’s working - and what’s not - when it comes to accessibility. Your voice really matters 💪 The survey takes about 30 mins. Help make change happen 👉 buff.ly/877R2du #Accessibility
A graphic design with a dark teal background and the Euan's Guide Access Survey logo. Text reads 'have your say on disabled access!' and www.EuansGuide.com/AccessSurvey
032
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 29/10/2025
A massive thank you to Owen Sutcliffefor delivering a brilliant storytelling workshop with Deaf Youth Theatre! ✨ Next week we’re heading to see his play Óran at the @citizenstheatre 🎭 To get involved email – alice@solarbear.org.uk #DeafYouthTheatre #DYT #Storytelling #CitizensTheatre
A group of four people sit in a semi-circle on black chairs in a theatre-style room with dark walls. They appear relaxed and engaged in conversation. The person on the left is gesturing with both hands while speaking, holding a blue notebook. The second person sits casually with legs crossed, smiling. The third person playfully reaches an arm toward them, also smiling. The fourth person sits comfortably with legs crossed, watching the interaction. The room has two small high windows and minimal decor.
010
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
🎬 Exciting news! The 3 short films created during our Solar Reels Film School are almost ready to share with the world — we’re just adding the finishing touch: captions! 💬✨
Image:  The top section is yellow with blue text reading “The Conversation,” overlaid on an image of a tree and a pedestrian bridge.

The middle section is purple with a large TV showing static, and the word “STATIC” in bold white letters across it.

The bottom section is blue, showing a person’s hands on a café table with a coffee cup and flowers, with yellow text reading “The Unspoken Path.”
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
Brian Ferguson @brianjaffa.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Essential reading from The Herald’s theatre critic Neil Cooper on the escalating crisis at Cumbernauld Theatre & why its disappearance from the cultural landscape would be “devastating” given its “rich artistic history.” @cnauldtheatre.bsky.social
142
Reposted by Solar Bear
The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 18/10/2025
ICYMI: Three-quarters of jobs secured by creatives in the past 18 months have been thanks to a friend or contact, according to figures from BECTU. Read more 👇
thestage.co.uk
Majority of creative jobs go to contacts in 'closed' process - BECTU
Three-quarters of jobs secured by creatives in the past 18 months have been thanks to a friend or contact, according to figures from BECTU
031
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 01/10/2025
✨ Stepping into Technicolour ✨ This week we took a big step forward with a work-in-development sharing at the RCS. Thank you to everyone who came along and for the generous feedback – it means the world 💛
Two performers sit at a small table on a dark stage, each with a suitcase beside them, as the audience watches.A lively post-show discussion with performers and creatives seated on stage, facing an engaged audience.A wide shot from above showing a full audience and panel discussion on stage.Close-up of two performers at a table with suitcases, mid-performance under bright stage lights.
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
🐻 No real bears at our stand (sorry!) — but even better… the brilliant Jamie Rea and Klarissa Webster will be at the Solar Bear Freshers Fair stand @rcsofficial.bsky.social They’ll be sharing all the amazing things Solar Bear does and the many ways students can get involved.
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
A big thank you to We Are Crew HQ for hosting a fantastic Careers Day. We: 🎭 Joined workshops in Costume, Production Design & SFX 💡 Heard from trainees about career pathways into the industry 🎥 Watched The Conjuring followed by a Q&A with HODs A brilliant mix of insight, learning and networking
A person smiling and pointing up at a large vintage King Kong movie poster hanging on a patterned wall.A sign for The Conjuring: Last Rites displayed against a bright pink wall, with plants and decorations in the background.Four Solar Reels graduates standing together indoors, smiling at the camera in front of a chandelier and colourful wall designs.A group selfie outdoors in a courtyard with fairy lights and plants. Four Solar Reels graduates and a staff member smile happily at the camera.
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland @ytartsscot.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
Do you want to inspire early-career writers and help craft new, cutting-edge theatre? Apply to be Lead Artist in Scottish Youth Theatre’s Trajectories New Writers, their latest early-career artist development programme buff.ly/C3fhoQ2 (deadline - 10 Sep 2025)
022
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
This online event brings together arts organisations, producers, and Scotland’s deaf talent 💡 Expect a short but packed session full of ideas, creative possibilities, and practical tips. Creative Scotland 🔗 Sign up via Eventbrite - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1317202170...
Poster for Solar Bear Connects. The background is pink with circular patterns. At the top, text reads: “Solar Bear Connects – Fostering artistic connections with Scotland’s deaf talent.” A QR code is displayed on the right-hand side. Below, white text reads: “Free online event, Wed 24th Sept, 1.00 – 2.30pm.”
At the bottom, there is a photo of five people standing in a circle, smiling and connecting with a piece of string. Text overlay reads: “Sign up on Eventbrite.” Logos for Creative Scotland and Solar Bear appear in the bottom-right corner.
010
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
✨ STEPPING INTO TECHNICOLOUR ✨ Over 2 weeks — a film about life, being deaf, queerness, politics, family, and dreams… all set on a train 🚆 We shared a glimpse of the performance with a small audience — and it’s no exaggeration to say they were blown away. 💥
Image 4
Two performers sit at a table, both wearing blue beanies and denim jackets. They look outward with expressive faces, while rehearsal notes, props, and snacks are scattered across tables in the foreground.
010
Reposted by Solar Bear
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland @ytartsscot.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Applications are open for Capital Theatres' First Steps, a fully supported R&D residency created especially for early career theatre-makers in Scotland buff.ly/EMnbfBL (deadline - 12 Sep 2025)
buff.ly
Capital Theatres: Open to Ideas - First Steps Residency - YTAS
A new residency, as part of Capital Theatres' Open to Ideas programme. Specifically for early-career theatremakers, the offer includes five days space, two
011
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
✨ Your Deaf Youth Theatre Team 2024–25 ✨ Craig McCulloch & Benny Zanetti Are you Deaf / CODA / Hard of Hearing / Deafblind aged 11–21? 🎭 Come and get involved! 📩 To find out more, email: jamie@solarbear.org.uk
Two smiling people stand together in front of a blue background under a graphic spotlight. The text above them reads: “Deaf Youth Theatre Co-Directors, 2024/25.” On the left is Craig McCulloch, wearing glasses and a navy blue jumper. On the right is Benny Zanetti, wearing a black top with denim overalls. Labels in coloured boxes identify them: “Craig McCulloch” in red and “Benny Zanetti” in blue. In the top left corner, the Deaf Youth Theatre (DYT) logo is visible.
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
Meet this New Scot, Vladyslav Shopynskyi. Forced to flee his home in Ukraine after Russia's invasion, he is now a UK chess champion at just 7 years old🏆👏 Read his story: www.thenational.scot/news/world/2...
28632
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
Join us. Sign up or learn more - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1317202170...
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 24/08/2025
Tomorrow's front page 📰 Refugees are welcome here: New series highlighting their positive stories in Scotland begins
3406155
Reposted by Solar Bear
The National @scotnational.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Next week, The National is launching a series highlighting the positive stories of refugees and asylum seekers in Scotland 👇
thenational.scot
We're highlighting positive stories of refugees in Scotland in our new series
03710
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
✨ The Super Team Jamie Rea and Drew Taylor-Wilson are back in the building for 2 weeks of RnD on an original theatre performance: Stepping Into Technicolour 🎭🌈 We’re also thrilled to welcome Drya Maria to the cast! 💫
Two smiling people stand in front of a blurred, speeding train backdrop. One wears a patterned jumper, orange hat, glasses, and has a bright blue beard; the other has curly hair and a light shirt. Text in the top left corner reads: “Stepping Into Technicolour.”A group of four people sit around tables in a rehearsal or workshop room. Papers, notebooks, and water bottles are spread across the tables. One person at the back gestures, while the others read or listen. On the wall, handwritten notes are pinned up, one reading “BIG QUESTIONS.”
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
JOIN US - DRAMA WORKSHOP This Saturday part of Edinburgh Deaf Festival 🕐 1 – 3pm 📍 49 Albany St, Edinburgh EH1 3QY 🎟️ Pay what you can 👥 Age 16+ edinburghdeaffestival.com/mec-events/d...
 A group of nine people stand in a semi-circle in a drama studio, laughing and smiling. Some are signing, others are mid-gesture. The mood is playful and inclusive, with a black curtain and wall in the backgroundA woman holding papers speaks while a group of four participants stand in front of her, smiling and signing. The scene feels interactive and warm, with a black stage curtain behind them.A small group of people in warm clothing stand in a semi-circle facing a woman who is signing expressively. Colourful paper signs are pinned to the wall behind her.
000
Reposted by Solar Bear
Youth Theatre Arts Scotland @ytartsscot.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
As part of Edinburgh Deaf Festival, Solar Bear's @thesolarbear.bsky.social Craig McCulloch and Amy Murray (from Netflix’s 'The Witcher: Blood Origin') are running a free drama workshop on Sat 16 August 2025 buff.ly/aCmG3gn
121
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
🎭 Join us at the Edinburgh Deaf Festival ! 🌍✨ We’re hosting a vibrant networking event connecting deaf and hearing creatives from Scotland and around the world! Link - edinburghdeaffestival.com/mec-events/d...
Image - Poster for a "Deaf & Hearing Networking Event" as part of the Edinburgh Deaf Festival. The background features hand-drawn icons of people connected by colorful arrows, representing communication and networking.

Text details:

Header:
"Deaf & Hearing Networking Event"

Date & Time:
"Thurs 14th August 5PM – 7PM"

Location:
"Deaf Action, 49 Albany St, Edinburgh EH1 3QY"

Call to Action:
"Sign-up Now" (with a QR code included)

Highlights at the bottom:
"Experience Edin Deaf Fest / Connect with deaf artists"
"Learn sign language / Expand your network"

Logos included:
Solar Bear and Edinburgh Deaf Festival

The color scheme uses soft blues and pinks for contrast and emphasis.
010
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
🎉 As part of our Community Engagement programme, we partnered with Deaf History Scotland for a fascinating Deaf Heritage Walk around Glasgow.⁠ ⁠ 💬 Back at Impact Arts, we created artwork inspired by the experience + we’re putting together a mini exhibition, open to the public soon! ⁠
A group of people sit around a table in a creative workshop space, focused on making colourful mixed-media artwork using fabric, yarn, paper, and paints. The atmosphere is collaborative and relaxed.A small group gathers outside the Glasgow Film Theatre, listening to a guide who is signing and speaking. The historic cinema building with its classic signage is visible in the background.Three people sit at a table in a studio space, closely examining black-and-white printed images. One person is demonstrating with stamps, while the others watch and discuss.A group of participants stand around a large tactile bronze model of Glasgow city centre on the street. They are engaged in discussion, exploring the raised map with their hands.
010
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 09/07/2025
Day 3 Deaf Youth Theatre, Summer Project. A week exploring fiction and fantasy characters and worlds. Today we explored the world of Harry Potter with groups representing each house, and created digital art with our superhero ideas.
Two young people smiling and posing together. One is wearing theatrical makeup with a red nose and black eye designs, dressed in a white shirt and patterned black dress, making a rock hand gesture. The other has curly red hair, dark eye makeup, and is holding a blue prop resembling a cross. Both appear happy and playful, standing against a dark background with a flipchart behind them.
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
🌟 Day 2 | Deaf Youth Theatre Summer Project 🌟 Today we were joined by the brilliant Bea, who led us on an epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure 🐉✨
010
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
✨ Day 1 - Deaf Youth Theatre Summer Project 🎭✨ Today we: 🎨 Created bold, beautiful images for the @citizenstheatre opening banner 🧝 Imagined and developed our own fantasy characters 🗺️ Embarked on a treasure hunt And this and it is only day 1!
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
🌞 Last Deaf Youth Theatre of the term tonight!
Image: A cheerful group of around 30 people pose indoors on a black stage floor, smiling and raising their hands in the air. The group includes adults and children, with some standing and others lying on the floor in playful poses at the front. The background features black curtains and walls, and there's a white fan and drinks on a folding table to the left. The atmosphere appears fun, inclusive, and celebratory.
000
Solar Bear @thesolarbear.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
#deafblindawarenessweek2025 Wise words from our good friend, creative writer, musician, performer and Solar Bear board member – Andrew Pettigrew

Image:Against a multi coloured backdrop there is a cream box, printed within this box in clear black font is the quote from Andrew - ‘Deafblind is not simply having both visual and hearing loss, but a unique identity with unique challenges and obstacles. Support intended for either group won't necessarily help us and quite often we fall through the gaps in between. But what deafblindness also means to me is pride—it's a refusal to accept negative labels like 'impaired' and 'loss' and fully embrace it as part of who I am.’ Andrew
020