Sheffield looks to raise awareness ahead of Neurodiversity Celebration Week with a neurodiversity performing arts showcase at the City Hall this Sunday.
The event, run by local charity Triple A Performer, hopes to spread awareness and prove that just because you’re neurodivergent, means in no way you are any less talented.
Tracey Green, 45, co-founder of Triple A Performer said: “Performing arts is an area where neurodiverse people tend to thrive and the talent level is high.
“However, fair access to training, auditions and rehearsals is not consistent and can cause a huge amount of stress and rejection.”
A wide range of acts will be performing, including The Voice semi-finalist Rachel Modest, award winning comedian Madeline MacMahon and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Maxwell Thorpe as well as many other talented individuals.
One of the performers, Luke Byeford, 23, said: “ Charity’s like this are so important as it’s making sure employers understand that all autistic people are different and need to be supported in different ways. Not a one size fits all approach. ”
“It’s going to be a great night filled with laughter and perhaps a few happy tears.”
The charity was founded in December 2021 by Mrs Green and her son Joseph Green, who is just 17 years old, after he received unfair treatment in rehearsals due to the fact he was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and anxiety.
Determined not to accept this barrier into the performing arts sector, Mrs Green and her son originally created a blog to inform others about the frustrations and unfair challenges faced by those with an invisible disability.
Eventually, this blog became Triple A Performer and since their inception, they have worked hard to highlight just how important the performing arts sector can be for those who are neurodiverse.
Singer Henry Bradshaw, 21, said: “ A lot of people don’t look past other people’s difficulties. However these charities do look further into a person to understand what they are actually good at.
“They have brought so many like minded people together to have an amazing show.”
The show comes just before Neurodiversity Celebration Week, which will run from Monday 13th March to the 19th March 2023.
After being set up in 2018, the week will be celebrated in over 1400 schools and is a worldwide initiative that aims to break down stereotypes about autism and learning difficulties.
Events will include online webinars and discussions to further educate and inspire those who are neurodiverse.
For tickets to the show at City Hall this weekend click here: