Collar & Cuffs Co: sensory and inclusive musical theatre
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  • Covid-19 Projects
    • The Library Presents
    • Looking Out, In & Up
  • Productions
    • Be Not Afeard
    • Alice & The Very Happy Unbirthday Party
    • Crabby
    • I Saw Three Ships
    • The Christmas Clock
    • Little Meerkat's Big Panic
    • You, The Loo, and Nappy-Nappy Noos
    • The Girl From Mars
  • Sensory Trails & Tours
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All our work is Not-For-Profit.  All our work is for everyone regardless of ability.
​All our work smells, sounds, listens, tastes and feels the world around us.
​All our work is about feeling connected to others.

About

Collar & Cuffs Co was established in 2016 as a not-for-profit sensory musical theatre company. Our work focuses on supporting the mental health, wellbeing and emotional development of children in the early years and people with complex needs.

​The company develops original touring works that are written, produced and promoted in-house, and we work in early years settings, schools, theatres, festivals, historic properties, parks and gardens...virtually anywhere!

​We also provide sensory consultancy to other cultural organisations by developing Sensory Tours and venue maps, Sensory Stories or designing and delivering bespoke creative programmes for schools or community groups.

​Collar & Cuffs Co is particularly interested in  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. Julia is an Associate Artist with MK Gallery in Milton Keynes, delivering sessions within the 'Arts and Us' inclusive family arts programme.

​In addition to developing productions, the company is also regularly commissioned to deliver community workshops, training courses, and consultancy around using performing arts and sensory approaches to support emotional and mental health and in developing Relaxed Performances.

Awards

Crabby 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 and we are proud to display the logo and to represent all it stands for.
​

Clients


National Maritime Museum
Farnham Maltings
The Library Presents
​Mainspring Arts
​Shakespeare Birthplace Trust
Circus Starr
MK Gallery
​Rose Theatre, Kingston
​Highways England
The Place Theatre, Bedford
ACE, Luton
Bedford Creative Arts & Culture Challenge
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
Oakgrove School, MK
Stantonubury International School, MK
​
 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 children 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 all the 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 That 80s Rock Show ; 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.

Julia is Mum to 7 year  old twins, both have additional needs. She is neurodivergent and has lived experience of mental health difficulties.

Funded By:

Qualifications & Training

Sensory Circuits
​Rhythmic Movement Therapy
Forum Theatre for Emotional Literacy
Protective Behaviours
Restorative Justice Mediation
Future For Families Parenting Trainer
Prince2
Counselling & Youth Work
Story Massage
Dance Movement Therapy
​Play Therapy
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Member of Outdoor Arts & Creative Learning Guild

Areas of Expertise

Sensory Approaches to access and inclusion in cultural spaces and venues, including Relaxed Performances

Emotional and mental health - including handling anxiety, confidence, self esteem, body image, personal safety, trauma, self harm and bullying; all aspects can be tilted specifically to support the needs of children or young people with Autistic Spectrum Conditions, including PDA

Developing inclusive creative spaces, Widening Access and Audience Development, supporting and embedding Relaxed Performances

Building children's confidence, self esteem, and learning skills through creative and sensory programmes linked to their curriculum
​
Intergenerational work and inclusive theatre practice

Vocal and performance coaching to support self esteem, emotional regulation and confidence
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  • Home
  • About
  • Pathfinding | Lockdown Walks
  • Covid-19 Projects
    • The Library Presents
    • Looking Out, In & Up
  • Productions
    • Be Not Afeard
    • Alice & The Very Happy Unbirthday Party
    • Crabby
    • I Saw Three Ships
    • The Christmas Clock
    • Little Meerkat's Big Panic
    • You, The Loo, and Nappy-Nappy Noos
    • The Girl From Mars
  • Sensory Trails & Tours
  • Blog
  • Contact