Gosforth Civic Theatre is a 200 seat theatre and café. We are the only public arts venue founded by people with learning disabilities (PWLD) in the UK. GCT shows that people with learning disabilities have huge social value. Our long-term goal is that PWLD are valued members of society.
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Historically, people of all ages with learning disabilities have faced poor life chances, largely due to social exclusion. Society has created places for people with learning disabilities to go, often segregated with few opportunities to demonstrate social worth. PWLD often struggle with acceptance; face stigmatisation, prejudice and fear. Members of the public often have few opportunities to get to know PWLD & misconceptions develop because of a lack of opportunity to connect.
GCT creates opportunities to change minds. We create natural and structured engagement opportunities between PWLD and the community. Our work fundamentally alters expectations and self-perceptions about what PWLD can achieve; enabling PWLD to develop higher aspirations for themselves. “GCT’s patient encouragement has allowed her to develop potential we hadn't realised was there… The most beneficial experience Katie has had in her development” parents of Katie, a GCT company member.
