Theatre Royal Stratford East, in association with Ramps on the Moon, has announced the participants for SLAMbition, a brand-new monologue slam-style competition putting a spotlight on Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent talent in the arts. The event will be held March 20 at 7 PM at Theatre Royal Stratford East's main auditorium.
Participants will include Eliz Avni, Nicole Botha, Jade Franks, Georgina Hart, Rhiannon Jones, Ella Maisy Purvis, Temi Majekodunmi, Jack Moorby, Fatima Niemoga, and Mik Scarlet.
The artists will perform a monologue in front of an invited audience of leading industry creatives including directors, casting agents, and casting directors, and will have the chance to win an exciting package of prizes, including a professional headshot package from photographer The Other Richard, a digital subscription for The Stage, tickets to Stratford East shows, and more to be confirmed.
SLAMbition will be co-directed by Theatre Royal Stratford East Artistic Director Nadia Fall and Julie McNamara, with hosting by Stratford East’s Sky Arts Artistic Associate Tabby Lamb. Guest performers will include spoken word artist Miss Jacqui and singer/songwriter Max Runham. The judging panel for SLAMbition includes theatre maker and poet Jamie Hale, director and performer Rachel Nwokoro, and casting director Jacob Sparrow.
BSL interpreters for SLAMbition are Peter Abraham, Anna Kitson, Jade Odle, and Tracey Tyer, with captioning by Claire Hill.
Ramps on the Moon is a collaborative network of six National Portfolio Organization theatres: New Wolsey, Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse, Leeds Playhouse, Sheffield Theatres, Stratford East, and strategic partner Graeae. Ramps on the Moon exists to enrich the stories we tell and the way we tell them by normalizing the presence of Deaf and disabled people both on and off stage.l
"This not only promises to be an extremely entertaining event, but it is a genuine step towards promoting and forging relationships with artists whose talent is all too often hidden in a very ableist industry," says Theatre Royal Stratford East Artistic Director Nadia Fall.
