THEAMA – Inclusive Theatre 

THEAMA – Inclusive Theatre (previously known as Theatre for People with Disabilities) is the first professional, all-inclusive theatre group, with disabled and non-disabled artists operating in Greece since 2010.  THEAMA produces plays where most of the actors are people with disabilities, who are professional actors, registered with the Association of Greek Actors and compete in the field of performing arts as equals and within an all-inclusive framework. 

THEAMA strives towards accessibility to the Arts since its establishment in 2010 and it operates as a non-government, non-profit organization with main objectives to include disabled performers in the mainstream, professional theatre.

It strongly advocates the message that art is for all, anyone capable of maintaining the artistic and aesthetic values should be able to participate, and none excluded based on disability or other social biases. It is a prerequisite to include in the training courses and the productions 30% of non-disabled performers so that the inclusivity clause of the objectives is maintained, thus promoting social inclusion, and maintaining proper educational and pedagogical methods for the performing arts. 

The disabled represent over 10% of Greece’s population and as members of the society they have equal rights and responsibilities. This includes their right to study and work as professionals in the fields of performing arts and dance. 

The Articles of its Charter clearly indicate and specify its objectives and functions as it was established to provide creative, cultural, artistic and educational activities related to the performing arts, including theatre, television and film productions. It came about to fill the void that existed in the sector for the professional and career-oriented approach for the disabled who are actively involved in the performing arts.

Since 2019 It operates ISON – Inclusive Training Lab, a training facility that teaches individuals on performing arts, dance, and kinesiology and it aspires to establish the first Drama Academy for disabled performers. 

 This training facility provides a curriculum for children, youth and adult classes in drama, dance, improvisation, song and speech training, history of theatre, and it currently employs a staff of 7 trainers and 2 administrators for its purpose. Seminars and Workshops are additionally offered to students and participants with guest trainers on regular basis.

Focused on people with physical, sensory and learning/mental disabilities, as well as non-disabled students, it provides for inclusive training in the performing arts 

THEAMA has been proactive in social, education and career orientation issues for the empowerment of the disabled. It has been a major contributor in a most constructive way to challenge and finally abolish in 2017 the discriminatory legislation passed by the Greek Ministry of Culture (Law 370/1983) that requires all students at the Greek Higher Schools of Drama to be able-bodied and with no physical or mental disability.

Additionally, all THEAMA’s performances are venue and content accessible, with Sign Language, Audio Description and CAPS/subtitles. 

THEAMA and its subsidiary ISON, have acquired through their activities a reasonable network of collaborators in the field of inclusion and accessibility both nationally and internationally. 

Capacity Building and empowerment of disadvantaged groups is THEAMA’s continuous objective by providing Training for aspiring actors, empowerment through inclusion and visibility in major theatre productions, and providing employment and career advancement for all performers that participate in the productions, digital/hybrid and Live Performances. Further provides them with Certification for participation in Seminars, Workshops and Residencies that are regularly organised.