ActOne ArtsBase runs vibrant all-ability dance, theatre and arts projects all over Hertfordshire and the surrounding area.

We work in inclusive spaces where everybody feels valued. We create inspiring performances of dance and drama with people from all backgrounds, whatever their abilities.

Our goal is to make the performing arts accessible to all, regardless of disability or circumstance. Using this approach, we break down prejudice and barriers to participation for hundreds of young people.

• Read about our commitment to inclusion
• See what's coming up in the Artsbase calendar

Our History

ActOne was started in January 2000 by freelance dancer and choreographer Suzie Birchwood who is herself a wheelchair user. Having worked extensively in both disabled and mainstream arts Suzie recognized the boundaries between disabled and mainstream groups and the lack of opportunities for disabled people to access to access training and professional work in the arts.

In January 2002 we opened the first of our regular projects ‘DramaBase’ in Potters Bar. A year later we launched DanceBase in Hatfield and at the same time formed partnerships with a number of community groups in the Hertfordshire area including HIT in Bushey and Special Act in Harpenden; both of whom we still share valuable links with today.

The success of DanceBase Hatfield showed a clear need for more accessible dance projects. This lead us to set up a second project in Ware in 2005. In January 2010 we expanded to 4 DanceBase projects setting up new sessions in Stevenage and Hemel Hempstead.

Alongside DanceBase a trainee programme developed; the result of a need for disabled dancers aged 19+ to have access to a professional standard of training and work experience in the dance industry. In August 2009 we received funding from Awards for All to develop the programme. It is now regularly and successful training young people in dance technique, arts leadership and arts appreciation.

In October 2005 Hertfordshire County Council approached ActOne to set up and run an inclusive club night for young people. We jumped at the chance! We secured a Big lottery Fund grant to run a series of 8 ‘UV Club Nights’ between 2006 and 2009. This project demonstrated the desperate need for accessible dance in a social setting. This became an important aim for us to adopt into our ethos build on for the future.

Our professional performance company ARC first came together in April 2007. The aim was to create more opportunities for disabled people to dance professionally and promote integrated professional dance regionally and eventually nationally. The company is now recruiting for 3 new dancers to join the company of 6 disabled and non disabled dancers. This summer we start rehearsals for a number of repertoire pieces to be toured to schools and the community from September 2010.

In August 2009 ActOne secured an Arts Council grant for to fund the Artistic Director’s post and recruit a Development Director. With these 2 posts in place, ActOne were able to establish a sound working administration base enabling the company to plan and schedule long term, retain key staff on full time contracts, widen our scope of activities and meet a growing demand for our work.

ActOne projects now regularly involve approximately 150 young people from all over Hertfordshire and our workshops and projects reach around 500 participants per year. The company has 13 members of the team in full and part time roles and is governed by a board of 6 Directors/Trustees. All members of the team are highly skilled at drawing out the very best in each individual and are fully committed to the inclusive arts.

I like making friends, the staff are very friendly and kind.