Posted by
Frankie Gale
Article taken from Guildford Philanthropy's Newsletter February 2026
The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s Creative Learning Programme continues to widen access to the arts for underrepresented and marginalised groups across Surrey. Through targeted outreach, inclusive workshops, and funded opportunities, the programme removes barriers for children, young people, and isolated adults to engage creatively and meaningfully with the arts.
In 2024–25, Guildford Philanthropy awarded a grant of £4,000 to YAT’s Discover Theatre project that provided ten deaf students with special educational needs and disabilities, the opportunity to participate in a dynamic, inclusive arts project based at the theatre. In addition to their teacher, they had a guest artist, the deaf actor Ciaran O’Breen.
When asked what they enjoyed the most, the children said: The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre’s Creative Learning Programme involved ten SEND pupils in a dynamic, inclusive arts project 'going backstage and seeing the changing rooms’, ‘standing on stage’ and perhaps the best comment from one: ‘I enjoyed everything’. The children also reported feeling more confident, happier and enjoying learning something new, sharing their ideas and having the chance to be creative.
David Beal, YAT’s Director of Development said: “Discover Theatre 2024–25 was a meaningful, impactful project that not only supported SEND pupils in achieving their Arts Award Explore, but also gave them a sense of identity, belonging, and pride. It created a ripple effect throughout the school and broader community, demonstrating how inclusive arts education can transform lives. We are deeply grateful to Guildford Philanthropy for your generous support of this project.”
By the end of the project, their teacher reported that pupils eagerly anticipated sessions, confidently used new vocabulary and demonstrated enhanced social and emotional skills. Their exposure to a deaf role model had a profound effect on their understanding of deaf identity.