Everyone has a story to tell. Using the format of workshop sessions and rehearsals a group of visually impaired people will tell their own stories to form a project called ‘Our Journey Home.” In their own words each person will tell a story about a journey they have undertaken, either physically, mentally or emotionally. While doing this, participants will explore the art of storytelling in a succinct and enjoyable way both for themselves and the recipient of that story. They will learn about different methods of storytelling, both individually and in a group as an ensemble and how these two methods of working differ. This project provides a chance for each individual to tell their own story from their own perspective and in their own voices. A multi-background, multi-generational ensemble ensures a variety, a richness and a depth to each story. Along the way participants will each explore their cultural background, their influences, their inspirations and their aspirations. Whilst everyone has their story to tell and will be encouraged to find a sense of self, no one will be isolated or alone in the sharing and telling of their story, which will be told with the support of the ensemble around them, creating a sense of unity. Throughout the project, workshops will contain guided vocal exercises that enhance performers abilities to project and enunciate. Acting exercises will enhance the participants abilities to improvise, deliver stories and work in a team. Over time these exercises are also used to build confidence. These workshops will be led by trained theatre professionals that specialise in a variety of fields such as vocal coaching, movement and physical theatre, improvisation and character development. These workshops will culminate in a production held at the Met Theatre in Bury. This project has been made possible through funding from the National Lottery Community Fund and the Bury Cultural Champions Fund.

For this years festive or perhaps not so festive production Engage2Stage will be presenting a tale of succulent sabotage, delicious deceit and so much tantalising tension that it will tickle the taste buds. If you haven't guessed by now we are working on a murder mystery set in a restaurant. The victim, a selfish and arrogant restaurant owner and chef who treats his staff like dirt and serves up food that has the look and smell of vomit. Guided by our facilitator Elizabeth Wainwright, our members will work with the text to create integrated audio description. This will be made possible through the introduction of a character who will act as a narrator of the piece, whilst also highlighting visual elements of performance which may or may not provide clues for our audience detectives. Many of the clues to this who done it tale, will be embedded within the dialogue. The remainder of the clues will be handed out to the audience in a evidence pack which will be provided in both large print and Braille formats. Throughout the project our members will learn the processes of working with text, from line learning to blocking on stage. This will go alongside a series of workshops and rehearsals that will aim to build confidence in areas such as vocal delivery, movement, line learning, physical theatre and character building. This project was made possible with support and funding from the Bury Pitch Fund and Forever Manchester.