ABOUT

About US

Mission

History

Offering

NDIS

Programs

FAQ

ABOUT

Four people, two in wheelchairs making a chain in a line by touch arms or hands with eyes closed in rehearsal space with wooden floors.
ABOUT US
IMAGE:
Weave members at rehearsal
We are a bold, diverse dance/theatre company made up of disabled and non-disabled performing artists. Committed to providing high level training opportunities and powerful performances, we aim to challenge conventions and subvert audiences’ expectations. We pave the way for inclusive practices to become the norm, making the stage an area for dynamic and exploratory practice. A space to challenge power and celebrate movement.
MISSION
IMAGE:
Weave workshop in conjunction with Arts Access Victoria
Woman with one leg holding up arms in strong proud motion with crutches with a small group of people sitting watching.
Accessible Training

To provide a platform for advanced performing arts training for people with disabilities.

Advocacy
‍
To set the standards for accessible practices and advocate for disabled artists to have equal opportunities.

Community and Collaboration

For the collective of Weave to drive the focus of organisation. For members ideas, input and interests to be facilitated to take shape.

Subversive Performances

To continue to create high quality performance pieces that have impact and cultural currency.
HISTORY
IMAGE:
State of Flux performers featuring Janice Florence, now Artistic Director of Weave
Five people in black and white holding different positions, leaning on one another, one woman is in a wheelchair.
A series of workshops led by Adam Benjamin, director of CandoCo, a world -renowned inclusive dance company from the UK was what sparked the formation of Weave Movement Theatre in 1997. Arts Access organised the workshops and called on Janice Florence to facilitate classes leading up to the workshops with CandoCo. Janice had been dancing with ‘State of Flux’, a contemporary dance group of four non disabled dancers who worked in the realm of Contact Improvisation, leading the way in inclusive dance in Melbourne. Janice had studied with Anna Halprin, Joan Skinner and Karen Nelson, so brought a wealth of experience to the group. Weave went on to perform in pedestrian settings such as in Melbournes CBD at Bourke St Mall, making an impact on Melbourne’s public as well as a memorable performance at the 1997 National Disability Conference.  Since then Weave has performed at venues across Melbourne such as Dancehouse, The Abbotsford Convent, Arts House and the Melbourne Museum and has collaborated with performing artists and facilitators such as Michelle Haven, Al Wunder, Nick Papas, Andrew Morrish, Sally Chance and Yumi Umimare amongst others.
WHAT
WEAVE
OFFERS
Weave has a core company of members who regularly rehearse for an annual performance season. Weave also runs public workshops and classes as well as sessions in accessibility in performing arts for facilitators. To find out when Weave’s next performance or workshop is please sign up to our mailing list. If you have any enquiries or requests about what Weave offers please get in touch using the email in the footer.

To register your interest in future classes please visit the 'What's On' page on this website or sign up to our newsletter.
Weave Movement Theatre is an NDIS performing arts provider who can accommodate NDIS participants with a self-managed plan or a Financial Plan Manager. If you are Agency Managed through the NDIS Portal please contact us for further information. Some or all of the workshop costs may be covered through the NDIS depending on your individual plan.  Non NDIS participants are encouraged to register and take part in classes.
NDIS
PROGRAMS
IMAGE:
Weave workshop.
Workshops

Weave Movement Theatre regularly runs classes and workshops for people interested in drama, movement, spoken word, improvisation and role play. Sessions take place at a range of accessible venues in central Melbourne. Please register your interest below and we will be in touch shortly regarding our upcoming classes.

Weave workshops are run by Janice Florence as well as a range of guest workshop facilitators. Weave works regularly with teachers such as Zya Kane, Yumi Umimare, Sarah Fiddaman and Nick Papas.
‍
Facilitators will lead you through improvisation, drama and movement exercises with an emphasis on creativity, fun, technique and skill development. You will play drama games whilst building confidence and communication skills. The classes will focus on group and individual work.

Disability Awareness Training

Performing arts teachers and facilitators are encouraged to undertake disability awareness training with Weave members and Artistic Director Janice Florence in order to broaden their knowledge and capabilities in accessible practices. Weave are able to travel to your place of work or training and take you through step by step methods of working with an inclusive approach that caters to all abilities.

Weave for Hire

Weave is able to perform one of their current performance pieces at your next conference or event. Weave has experience performing in a number of different settings from conferences to festivals, on the street and in theatres. Be part of a movement for change and feature an inclusive theatre piece at your next event.
Where are you based?
‍
Weave has no set physical location, rather, we operate within the inner north and central Melbourne using some of the best venues Melbourne has to offer. Our workshop and rehearsal spaces rotate but we regularly use spaces such as, Dancehouse, The Abbotsford Convent, Northcote Town Hall, NIDA, and Siteworks. 
‍
I’ve booked in to attend a Weave Workshop, what do I need to do to prepare?  

Welcome to the Weave community! We can’t wait to have you at our workshops. Please make sure you are dressed in clothes you can move comfortably in. Please bring a water bottle and any snacks you may need to get through the class. There will be details of nearest transport and venue accessibility on our website so please check in before you come. All venues we use meet strict disability accessible standards. If you have any questions or concerns regarding transport or accessibility please contact Janice at info@weavemovementtheatre.com.au.
‍
Are Weave Workshops right for me?

Weave Movement Theatre is committed to working in an open and inclusive manner, supporting the voices and artistic expression of both disabled and non-disabled people. We encourage and celebrate cultural, physical and generational diversity, and are committed to working with individuals to meet their needs and requirements within a workshop setting. Weave workshops focus on broadening your skills and knowledge of performing arts and can increase confidence, self-empowerment, and education of accessible practices. We can provide support workers at your request or you are welcome to bring your own.
   
What will I learn in a Weave workshop? 

‍Weave workshops are led by a range of facilitators. What specific skills, themes or exercises you will be working with depends on the strengths and areas of expertise of the facilitator. These will be clearly outlined before each workshop and if you have any specific questions about what the individual classes may cover or need any further information please do not hesitate to send us an email. Overall Weave workshops aim to:
‍‍
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
About Us
We are a bold, diverse dance/theatre company made up of disabled and non-disabled performing artists. Committed to providing high level training opportunities and powerful performances, we aim to challenge conventions and subvert audiences’ expectations. We pave the way for inclusive practices to become the norm, making the stage an area for dynamic and exploratory practice. A space to challenge power and celebrate movement.
NDIS
Weave Movement Theatre is an NDIS performing arts provider who can accommodate NDIS participants with a self-managed plan or a Financial Plan Manager.  If you are Agency Managed through the NDIS Portal please contact us for further information. Some or all of the workshop costs may be covered through the NDIS depending on your individual plan.  Non NDIS participants are encouraged to register and take part in classes.
What Weave Offers
Weave has a core company of members who regularly rehearse for an annual performance season. Weave also runs public workshops and classes as well as sessions in accessibility in performing arts for facilitators. To find out when Weave’s next performance or workshop is please sign up to our mailing list. If you have any enquiries or requests about what Weave offers please get in touch using the email address in the footer.

To register your interest in future classes please visit the 'Whats On' page or sign up to our newsletter.
History
A series of workshops led by Adam Benjamin, director of CandoCo, a world -renowned inclusive dance company from the UK was what sparked the formation of Weave Movement Theatre in 1997. Arts Access organised the workshops and called on Janice Florence to facilitate classes leading up to the workshops with CandoCo. Janice had been dancing with ‘State of Flux’, a contemporary dance group of four non disabled dancers who worked in the realm of Contact Improvisation, leading the way in inclusive dance in Melbourne. Janice had studied with Anna Halprin, Joan Skinner and Karen Nelson, so brought a wealth of experience to the group. Weave went on to perform in pedestrian settings such as in Melbournes CBD at Bourke St Mall, making an impact on Melbourne’s public as well as a memorable performance at the 1997 National Disability Conference.  Since then Weave has performed at venues across Melbourne such as Dancehouse, The Abbotsford Convent, Arts House and the Melbourne Museum and has collaborated with performing artists and facilitators such as Michelle Haven, Al Wunder, Nick Papas, Andrew Morrish, Sally Chance and Yumi Umimare amongst others.
Mission
Accessible Training

To provide a platform for advanced performing arts training for people with disabilities.

Advocacy

To set the standards for accessible practices and advocate for disabled artists to have equal opportunities.

Community and Collaboration

For the collective of Weave to drive the focus of organisation. For members ideas, input and interests to be facilitated to take shape.

Subversive Performances  

To continue to create high quality performance pieces that have impact and cultural currency.
PROGRAMS
Workshops

Weave Movement Theatre regularly runs classes and workshops for people interested in drama, movement, spoken word, improvisation and role play. Sessions take place at a range of accessible venues in central Melbourne. Please register your interest below and we will be in touch shortly regarding our upcoming classes.

Weave workshops are run by Janice Florence as well as a range of guest workshop facilitators. Weave works regularly with teachers such as Zya Kane, Yumi Umimare, Sarah Fiddaman and Nick Papas.
‍
Facilitators will lead you through improvisation, drama and movement exercises with an emphasis on creativity, fun, technique and skill development. You will play drama games whilst building confidence and communication skills. The classes will focus on group and individual work.

Disability Awareness Training

Performing arts teachers and facilitators are encouraged to undertake disability awareness training with Weave members and Artistic Director Janice Florence in order to broaden their knowledge and capabilities in accessible practices. Weave are able to travel to your place of work or training and take you through step by step methods of working with an inclusive approach that caters to all abilities.

Weave for Hire

Weave is able to perform one of their current performance pieces at your next conference or event. Weave has experience performing in a number of different settings from conferences to festivals, on the street and in theatres. Be part of a movement for change and feature an inclusive theatre piece at your next event.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
Where are you based?
‍
Weave has no set physical location, rather, we operate within the inner north and central Melbourne using some of the best venues Melbourne has to offer. Our workshop and rehearsal spaces rotate but we regularly use spaces such as, Dancehouse, The Abbotsford Convent, Northcote Town Hall, NIDA, and Siteworks. 
‍
I’ve booked in to attend a Weave Workshop, what do I need to do to prepare?  

Welcome to the Weave community! We can’t wait to have you at our workshops. Please make sure you are dressed in clothes you can move comfortably in. Please bring a water bottle and any snacks you may need to get through the class. There will be details of nearest transport and venue accessibility on our website so please check in before you come. All venues we use meet strict disability accessible standards. If you have any questions or concerns regarding transport or accessibility please contact Janice at info@weavemovementtheatre.com.au.
‍
Are Weave Workshops right for me?  

Weave Movement Theatre is committed to working in an open and inclusive manner, supporting the voices and artistic expression of both disabled and non-disabled people. We encourage and celebrate cultural, physical and generational diversity, and are committed to working with individuals to meet their needs and requirements within a workshop setting. Weave workshops focus on broadening your skills and knowledge of performing arts and can increase confidence, self-empowerment, and education of accessible practices. We can provide support workers at your request or you are welcome to bring your own.
   
What will I learn in a Weave workshop? 

‍Weave workshops are led by a range of facilitators. What specific skills, themes or exercises you will be working with depends on the strengths and areas of expertise of the facilitator. These will be clearly outlined before each workshop and if you have any specific questions about what the individual classes may cover or need any further information please do not hesitate to send us an email. Overall Weave workshops aim to:

Accessibility

Here are the ways this site incorporates accessibility for all users:
  1. Screen reader friendly text
  2. Keyboard friendly web pages
  3. Alt text for main images
  4. Sufficient colour contrast across the site which has been tested
  5. Clear headings which assist with in-page navigation
  6. Captioned images 
This website is made for you. Accessibility for all users on all devices has been integrated into the design and usability for this site.

We are open to any feedback on how we can continue to improve accessibility for this site. Please emailwith any concerns, suggestions or questions.
‍
All events and performances listed on this website will have information on access for venues and facilities. All program venues we use are wheelchair friendly.

ACCESS SYMBOLS

Hearing loops, or assistive listening systems, amplify or enhance sound quality and eliminate background noise for people who are hard of hearing. The devices use standard headphones or can connect with your hearing aid via the T switch or a neck loop.
Audio description enhances the live theatre or film experience for people who are blind or have low vision. Through the use of a small radio receiver and a free, easy-to-use headset, audience members can listen to a description of the visual aspects of the performance during appropriate breaks in the dialogue. Please let us know when booking if you would like to take advantage of audio description, and we will reserve a headset for you.
For performance works, experienced Auslan theatre interpreters stand to the side of the speaker or performed action and translate the text and dialogue into Auslan, signing live.
The event contains no music or dialogue.
The event is fully surtitled or has minimal dialogue, some background music and/or sounds.
Events are partly surtitled or include dialogue, background music and/or sounds.
Captions are on screen text descriptions that communicate dialogue, identify speakers and describe other relevant sounds.
Relaxed performances create a safe and welcoming environment for patrons with autism spectrum conditions, sensory, communication or learning disabilities. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement, some small changes are made to the lighting and sound effects, and audience members can enter and exit the venue throughout the show.
Tactile tours allow patrons who are blind or have low vision to have a hands-on experience of the work. Depending on the production or installation, patrons are given access to costumes, props, and other materials in order to capture the atmosphere of the work. For performance works, the tour takes place directly before the scheduled performance time and is also an opportunity to meet the artist or performers. Patrons and companions must book in advance for all performance works.
Weave makes an effort to ensure that all our program venues and works are wheelchair accessible.