A Monday Warm Up with The Gentle Stage: Bookings Now Open for Inclusive SEN Movement and Drama Sessions at The Holroyd Community Theatre.
The Holroyd Community Theatre is delighted to announce the launch of The Monday Warm Up, a brand-new weekly movement and drama session designed especially for young people and adults (16+) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Michael Jenkins, Creative Director of the Holroyd Community Theatre, commented: “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with The Gentle Stage. Projects like this align seamlessly with the values that underpin the Holroyd and Moreton Hall: embrace, achieve, enjoy. We are thrilled to provide a home for such an innovative and inclusive initiative, and we cannot wait to see the joy and inspiration it will bring to our participants and audiences.”
As part of its growing reputation, the Holroyd has developed a strong commitment to opening its doors to projects that truly make a difference to local lives, from weekly acting classes for young people to dance sessions for those with Parkinson’s and Buggy Walks for parents and their babies. There is something for everyone. The partnership with The Gentle Stage continues this mission, ensuring the theatre is not just a stage for performance but a space for the whole community.
Each two-hour session begins with a calming movement and relaxation routine set to music, designed to support posture, core strength, and overall wellbeing. The second half of the morning brings everyone together for a light-hearted drama workshop filled with imaginative games that encourage communication, problem solving, and performing confidence.
Beginning Monday, 10th November, these uplifting sessions will run every Monday during term time from 9am–11am, offering a welcoming and creative space for participants to relax, connect, and express themselves.
Led by Tara Edwards, an experienced drama teacher and qualified Behaviour Support Coach (British Institute of LD accredited), The Gentle Stage focuses on promoting regulation, confidence, and social skills through movement, music, and drama. With over 15 years of experience supporting adults and children with SEND across schools, colleges and community settings in Shropshire, Tara brings her signature warmth, creativity, and care to every session. Tara Edwards added: “Launching The Gentle Stage at the Holroyd feels like the perfect step. This is a space that champions inclusion and creativity, and we want to harness that energy to build a safe space where individuals can come and spend some time on themselves, improving their wellbeing. Tara is also qualified and experienced in communicating in both British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton, allowing her to adapt communication in class for those who benefit from signed support, ensuring that sessions are truly inclusive and accessible to all.
The idea was first sparked when Tara worked as a SEND Performing Arts Teacher at Derwen College, a nationally recognised specialist SEND college for 16+ young people and adults with learning difficulties.
Tara has since taken on the role of Events Manager at the Holroyd Community Theatre. With its ethos of creativity, accessibility and community at its heart, the Holroyd provides the perfect home for The Gentle Stage. Held in the theatre’s scenic foyer overlooking peaceful natural views, The Gentle Stage offers a truly gentle start to the week, a space to move, breathe, create, and connect. Nestled in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, the Holroyd Community Theatre has established itself as a hub for creativity. More than a performance space, it is a place where partnerships flourish and new ideas come to life, always with the community at its core.
Families and carers who would like to learn more or register for The Gentle Stage sessions can sign up now via the Holroyd Community Theatre website:
theholroydtheatre.co.uk/the-monday-warm-up/
Participants should bring:
A yoga mat, a water bottle, and an open mind! Please note that participants should be able to independently get on and off a yoga mat or be comfortable sitting in a chair during the session.
Booking information:
Bookings for The Gentle Stage open this week for the autumn term.
For more information, visit our social media pages or email thegentlestage@gmail.com
About The Holroyd Community Theatre
The Holroyd Community Theatre, based in Weston Rhyn, Shropshire, is a vibrant cultural venue dedicated to inspiring creativity, performance, and community engagement. Through an exciting programme of theatre, music, and arts-based projects, The Holroyd fosters inclusion and wellbeing by providing accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to connect through the arts.
Visit theholroydtheatre.co.uk to learn more about upcoming events and community initiatives.
