AboutCollar & 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. All our artists are neurodivergent and/or disabled. 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 to enrich curriculum subjects including drama and RE. 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 and we are proud to display the logo and to represent all it stands for. ClientsThe British Museum
National Gallery South Shields Museum & Art Gallery Kew Gardens National Maritime Museum Farnham Maltings The Library Presents Mainspring Arts Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Circus Starr MK Gallery, Milton Keynes Aspex Gallery, Portsmouth 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 Stantonbury International School, MK |
Julia has worked with vulnerable children, young people and adults for over 20 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 9 year old twins, one is autistic/PDA with complex sensory processing difficulties, the other has hypermobility spectrum disorder and complex tics. She is autistic herself and has lived experience of mental health difficulties. Funded By:   Qualifications & TrainingSensory 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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Areas of Expertise
Sensory Approaches to access and inclusion in cultural spaces and venues, including Relaxed Performances and through sensory trails and tours.
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
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