ABOUT

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

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

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 and fellow Flux member Martin Hughes 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, Northcote Town Hall and the Melbourne Museum and has collaborated with performing artists and facilitators such as Michelle Heaven, Al Wunder, Nick Papas, Andrew Morrish, Sally Chance, Sally Smith 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.

NDIS

Weave Movement Theatre can accommodate NDIS participants with a self-managed plan or a Financial Plan Manager. 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. Our rates for non-NDIS recipients are reasonable.

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 has worked with facilitators such as Zya Kane, Sarah Fiddaman, Nick Papas, Yumi Umiumare, David Woods, Michelle Heaven and Rebecca Jensen.

‍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.

Accessible Performance Practice

Performing arts teachers and facilitators are encouraged to undertake undertake accessible practice 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 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:

• Strengthen the disability arts community by cultivating inclusion and interaction through collaborative artistic practice.
• Build confidence by exploring new techniques and presenting the results in a group setting.
• Strengthen communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal.
• Explore and push the limits of movement, questioning the norms and socially acceptable ways of moving and dancing.
• Foster self-expression and be encouraged to find your unique voice within performance.