AboutCollar & Cuffs Co was established in 2016 as an independent not-for-profit production and theatre company.
The company develops original touring works that are written, produced and promoted in-house, and we work in both the commercial and community sectors. We also provide support to other productions and arts venues around marketing, PR, staging, choreography, costume, and performer wellbeing; this includes supporting artists in managing anxiety, building confidence and reducing self-consciousness. Collar & Cuffs Co is particularly interested in multi-sensory and immersive productions for all ages, and in taking theatre and concept shows into non-traditional performance spaces. The Collar & Cuffs Co team is led by creative director, Julia Collar, alongside a pool of freelance technicians, designers, choreographers, actors, and musicians. In addition to developing productions, the company is also regularly commissioned to deliver community workshops, training courses, and consultancy around using performing arts to support emotional health, developing Relaxed Performances, and to design and deliver Sensory Familiarisation Tours for arts venues. AwardsCrabby won Best Children and Family Show at the International Youth Arts Festival 2018; and Little Meerkat's Big Panic won Best Family Show at Buxton Fringe Festival 2018.
Julia has won Community Project of the Year at Luton and Bedfordshire Community Awards for Little Meerkat's Big Panic in 2016. She has also won Business of the Week from Early Years Hour for her practice-sharing, support and advice work for other early years practitioners. Collar & Cuffs Co was a finalist for the 2018 Small Awards in the Sole To Sole category, and also for Community Organisation in the 2018 National Diversity Awards. Collar & Cuffs Co's work meets all criteria of the Family Arts Standards. ClientsCircus Starr
Rose Theatre, Kingston Highways England The Place Theatre, Bedford ACE, Luton Bedford Creative Arts Milton Keynes Council MIND (National) The Miscarriage Association Community Action MK Wolverton & Greenleys Council Bedfordshire YMCA T4EC Early Years SEN Heart FM INTU Shopping Centres Unit 9 & MKFM Festive Road Childminding UK Geronimo Festival Childcare Expo Luton Culture TES SEN Show Thrift Farm MK Gallery |
Julia has worked with vulnerable children, young people and adults for over 15 years in a variety of capacities from frontline work in schools and communities through to senior management roles in regional and national charities, including government advisory work around anti-bullying.
She delivers bespoke workshops and support for young people, as well as training for the adults who work with them, ranging from regular drama sessions in PRUs, one-off voice/singing workshops, one-to-one programmes in counselling or emotional management support, Forum Theatre programmes to explore community issues, and much more. She's a freelance writer, youth theatre director and facilitator, and currently appears on stage with both of the national touring shows in her current portfolio. She has previously performed in the West End, with various function bands - including surviving members of Freddie and The Dreamers - as a session singer for House/Dance producers, and originated the role of 'Ruby Skube' with The Hair Rock Experience ; she also managed, promoted and choreographed the production. Rock music is her passion, and she is a vocal advocate for live music venues and for women in the creative industries. Funded By:   QualificationsRhythmic Movement Therapy
Forum Theatre for Emotional Literacy Protective Behaviours Restorative Justice Mediation Future For Families Parenting Trainer Prince2 Counselling & Youth Work
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Areas of Expertise
Emotional and mental health - including handling anxiety, confidence, self esteem, body image, personal safety, trauma, self harm and bullying
Developing inclusive creative spaces, Widening Access and Audience Development, supporting and embedding Relaxed Performances
SEN/ESBD - especially working with trauma and closing developmental gaps, and mental health needs arising from or co-morbid with neurodevelopmental conditions
Alternative Education
Intergenerational work and inclusive theatre practice
Vocal and performance coaching to support self esteem, emotional regulation and confidence
Developing inclusive creative spaces, Widening Access and Audience Development, supporting and embedding Relaxed Performances
SEN/ESBD - especially working with trauma and closing developmental gaps, and mental health needs arising from or co-morbid with neurodevelopmental conditions
Alternative Education
Intergenerational work and inclusive theatre practice
Vocal and performance coaching to support self esteem, emotional regulation and confidence
