Solar Bear
LightNews LightNews
banner
thesolarbear.bsky.social
Solar Bear
@thesolarbear.bsky.social
110 followers 81 following 78 posts
Deaf artists leading the way - theatre, digital, outreach. #deafyouththeatre #deaftalent #deafculture #deaftheatre #deafdigitalart 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 www.solarbear.org.uk
Posts Replies Media Videos
thesolarbear.bsky.social
At Solar Bear, accessibility is at the heart of everything we do. 🌟
We caption all our video content—and whenever possible, we go further by including sign language, captions, and voice-over. Plus, our media hubs provide full transcripts for maximum inclusivity.
Bright gradient background with overlapping speech bubbles in yellow, orange, red, and purple. Bold white text reads: “Captioning Awareness Week 2025.” Smaller text says: “10–16 November #CAW2025.” At the bottom, faint pink text reads: “Celebrating 25 Years.”
November 12, 2025 at 1:16 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
Only 5 days to go until the premiere of the Solar Reels films at GMAC. We can’t wait to share these powerful stories with you.
Over the course of just two weeks, our three filmmakers developed, filmed, and edited their short films from the ground up — an incredible achievement.
A warm, intimate scene set in a cozy café with exposed brick walls and soft string lights. Two people sit across from each other at a small round table, holding hands over a simple centerpiece of white flowers in a glass vase. The image is divided into three vertical panels, creating a triptych effect. At the top, the names “Benedetta Zanetti,” “Bea Webster,” and “Petre Dobre” are displayed. At the bottom, bold text reads “THE UNSPOKEN PATH,” accompanied by production credits and the Solar Bear logo.
November 10, 2025 at 2:54 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
A massive thank you to Owen Sutcliffefor delivering a brilliant storytelling workshop with Deaf Youth Theatre! ✨

Next week we’re heading to see his play Óran at the @citizenstheatre 🎭

To get involved email – alice@solarbear.org.uk
#DeafYouthTheatre #DYT #Storytelling #CitizensTheatre
A group of four people sit in a semi-circle on black chairs in a theatre-style room with dark walls. They appear relaxed and engaged in conversation. The person on the left is gesturing with both hands while speaking, holding a blue notebook. The second person sits casually with legs crossed, smiling. The third person playfully reaches an arm toward them, also smiling. The fourth person sits comfortably with legs crossed, watching the interaction. The room has two small high windows and minimal decor.
October 29, 2025 at 12:08 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
🎬 Exciting news! The 3 short films created during our Solar Reels Film School are almost ready to share with the world — we’re just adding the finishing touch: captions! 💬✨
Image: The top section is yellow with blue text reading “The Conversation,” overlaid on an image of a tree and a pedestrian bridge. The middle section is purple with a large TV showing static, and the word “STATIC” in bold white letters across it. The bottom section is blue, showing a person’s hands on a café table with a coffee cup and flowers, with yellow text reading “The Unspoken Path.”
October 22, 2025 at 3:07 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
✨ Stepping into Technicolour ✨
This week we took a big step forward with a work-in-development sharing at the RCS. Thank you to everyone who came along and for the generous feedback – it means the world 💛
Two performers sit at a small table on a dark stage, each with a suitcase beside them, as the audience watches. A lively post-show discussion with performers and creatives seated on stage, facing an engaged audience. A wide shot from above showing a full audience and panel discussion on stage. Close-up of two performers at a table with suitcases, mid-performance under bright stage lights.
October 1, 2025 at 2:42 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
🐻 No real bears at our stand (sorry!) — but even better… the brilliant Jamie Rea and Klarissa Webster will be at the Solar Bear Freshers Fair stand @rcsofficial.bsky.social They’ll be sharing all the amazing things Solar Bear does and the many ways students can get involved.
September 10, 2025 at 1:31 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
A big thank you to We Are Crew HQ for hosting a fantastic Careers Day.

We:

🎭 Joined workshops in Costume, Production Design & SFX
💡 Heard from trainees about career pathways into the industry
🎥 Watched The Conjuring followed by a Q&A with HODs

A brilliant mix of insight, learning and networking
A person smiling and pointing up at a large vintage King Kong movie poster hanging on a patterned wall. A sign for The Conjuring: Last Rites displayed against a bright pink wall, with plants and decorations in the background. Four Solar Reels graduates standing together indoors, smiling at the camera in front of a chandelier and colourful wall designs. A group selfie outdoors in a courtyard with fairy lights and plants. Four Solar Reels graduates and a staff member smile happily at the camera.
September 9, 2025 at 1:04 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
This online event brings together arts organisations, producers, and Scotland’s deaf talent 💡 Expect a short but packed session full of ideas, creative possibilities, and practical tips. Creative Scotland
🔗 Sign up via Eventbrite - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1317202170...
Poster for Solar Bear Connects. The background is pink with circular patterns. At the top, text reads: “Solar Bear Connects – Fostering artistic connections with Scotland’s deaf talent.” A QR code is displayed on the right-hand side. Below, white text reads: “Free online event, Wed 24th Sept, 1.00 – 2.30pm.” At the bottom, there is a photo of five people standing in a circle, smiling and connecting with a piece of string. Text overlay reads: “Sign up on Eventbrite.” Logos for Creative Scotland and Solar Bear appear in the bottom-right corner.
September 5, 2025 at 11:45 AM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
✨ STEPPING INTO TECHNICOLOUR ✨

Over 2 weeks — a film about life, being deaf, queerness, politics, family, and dreams… all set on a train 🚆

We shared a glimpse of the performance with a small audience — and it’s no exaggeration to say they were blown away. 💥
Image 4 Two performers sit at a table, both wearing blue beanies and denim jackets. They look outward with expressive faces, while rehearsal notes, props, and snacks are scattered across tables in the foreground.
September 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
✨ Your Deaf Youth Theatre Team 2024–25 ✨
Craig McCulloch & Benny Zanetti
Are you Deaf / CODA / Hard of Hearing / Deafblind aged 11–21? 🎭 Come and get involved!

📩 To find out more, email: jamie@solarbear.org.uk
Two smiling people stand together in front of a blue background under a graphic spotlight. The text above them reads: “Deaf Youth Theatre Co-Directors, 2024/25.” On the left is Craig McCulloch, wearing glasses and a navy blue jumper. On the right is Benny Zanetti, wearing a black top with denim overalls. Labels in coloured boxes identify them: “Craig McCulloch” in red and “Benny Zanetti” in blue. In the top left corner, the Deaf Youth Theatre (DYT) logo is visible.
August 27, 2025 at 11:14 AM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
Join us. Sign up or learn more - www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1317202170...
August 25, 2025 at 11:39 AM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
✨ The Super Team Jamie Rea and Drew Taylor-Wilson are back in the building for 2 weeks of RnD on an original theatre performance: Stepping Into Technicolour 🎭🌈
We’re also thrilled to welcome Drya Maria to the cast! 💫
Two smiling people stand in front of a blurred, speeding train backdrop. One wears a patterned jumper, orange hat, glasses, and has a bright blue beard; the other has curly hair and a light shirt. Text in the top left corner reads: “Stepping Into Technicolour.” A group of four people sit around tables in a rehearsal or workshop room. Papers, notebooks, and water bottles are spread across the tables. One person at the back gestures, while the others read or listen. On the wall, handwritten notes are pinned up, one reading “BIG QUESTIONS.”
August 20, 2025 at 11:35 AM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
JOIN US - DRAMA WORKSHOP
This Saturday part of Edinburgh Deaf Festival
🕐 1 – 3pm
📍 49 Albany St, Edinburgh EH1 3QY
🎟️ Pay what you can
👥 Age 16+
edinburghdeaffestival.com/mec-events/d...
A group of nine people stand in a semi-circle in a drama studio, laughing and smiling. Some are signing, others are mid-gesture. The mood is playful and inclusive, with a black curtain and wall in the background A woman holding papers speaks while a group of four participants stand in front of her, smiling and signing. The scene feels interactive and warm, with a black stage curtain behind them. A small group of people in warm clothing stand in a semi-circle facing a woman who is signing expressively. Colourful paper signs are pinned to the wall behind her.
August 13, 2025 at 2:57 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
🎭 Join us at the Edinburgh Deaf Festival ! 🌍✨

We’re hosting a vibrant networking event connecting deaf and hearing creatives from Scotland and around the world!

Link - edinburghdeaffestival.com/mec-events/d...
Image - Poster for a "Deaf & Hearing Networking Event" as part of the Edinburgh Deaf Festival. The background features hand-drawn icons of people connected by colorful arrows, representing communication and networking. Text details: Header: "Deaf & Hearing Networking Event" Date & Time: "Thurs 14th August 5PM – 7PM" Location: "Deaf Action, 49 Albany St, Edinburgh EH1 3QY" Call to Action: "Sign-up Now" (with a QR code included) Highlights at the bottom: "Experience Edin Deaf Fest / Connect with deaf artists" "Learn sign language / Expand your network" Logos included: Solar Bear and Edinburgh Deaf Festival The color scheme uses soft blues and pinks for contrast and emphasis.
July 30, 2025 at 12:02 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
🎉 As part of our Community Engagement programme, we partnered with Deaf History Scotland for a fascinating Deaf Heritage Walk around Glasgow.⁠
⁠
💬 Back at Impact Arts, we created artwork inspired by the experience + we’re putting together a mini exhibition, open to the public soon!
⁠
A group of people sit around a table in a creative workshop space, focused on making colourful mixed-media artwork using fabric, yarn, paper, and paints. The atmosphere is collaborative and relaxed. A small group gathers outside the Glasgow Film Theatre, listening to a guide who is signing and speaking. The historic cinema building with its classic signage is visible in the background. Three people sit at a table in a studio space, closely examining black-and-white printed images. One person is demonstrating with stamps, while the others watch and discuss. A group of participants stand around a large tactile bronze model of Glasgow city centre on the street. They are engaged in discussion, exploring the raised map with their hands.
July 28, 2025 at 11:25 AM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
Day 3 Deaf Youth Theatre, Summer Project.

A week exploring fiction and fantasy characters and worlds.

Today we explored the world of Harry Potter with groups representing each house, and created digital art with our superhero ideas.
Two young people smiling and posing together. One is wearing theatrical makeup with a red nose and black eye designs, dressed in a white shirt and patterned black dress, making a rock hand gesture. The other has curly red hair, dark eye makeup, and is holding a blue prop resembling a cross. Both appear happy and playful, standing against a dark background with a flipchart behind them.
July 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
🌟 Day 2 | Deaf Youth Theatre Summer Project 🌟

Today we were joined by the brilliant Bea, who led us on an epic Dungeons & Dragons adventure 🐉✨
July 8, 2025 at 2:53 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
✨ Day 1 - Deaf Youth Theatre Summer Project 🎭✨

Today we:
🎨 Created bold, beautiful images for the @citizenstheatre opening banner
🧝 Imagined and developed our own fantasy characters
🗺️ Embarked on a treasure hunt

And this and it is only day 1!
July 7, 2025 at 3:25 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
🌞 Last Deaf Youth Theatre of the term tonight!
Image: A cheerful group of around 30 people pose indoors on a black stage floor, smiling and raising their hands in the air. The group includes adults and children, with some standing and others lying on the floor in playful poses at the front. The background features black curtains and walls, and there's a white fan and drinks on a folding table to the left. The atmosphere appears fun, inclusive, and celebratory.
June 24, 2025 at 7:10 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
#deafblindawarenessweek2025
Wise words from our good friend, creative writer, musician, performer and Solar Bear board member – Andrew Pettigrew
Image:Against a multi coloured backdrop there is a cream box, printed within this box in clear black font is the quote from Andrew - ‘Deafblind is not simply having both visual and hearing loss, but a unique identity with unique challenges and obstacles. Support intended for either group won't necessarily help us and quite often we fall through the gaps in between. But what deafblindness also means to me is pride—it's a refusal to accept negative labels like 'impaired' and 'loss' and fully embrace it as part of who I am.’ Andrew
June 23, 2025 at 4:21 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
✨ We’ve got some rather lovely news… ✨
Mother Goose has WON Outstanding Pantomime at the CATS Awards! 🏆🎭

It’s been a joy to support the brilliant team at the @thegaiety.bsky.social on this magical production.
Image: featuring two colourful, theatrical characters from the pantomime Mother Goose. On the left, a smiling performer in a white and gold costume with a crown; on the right, a performer in a frilly lavender outfit with animated hand gestures and a surprised expression. Bold text at the top reads “WIN WIN WIN WIN” in alternating pink and black. In the centre, stylised black text reads “MOTHER GOOSE.” At the bottom, the caption reads: Mother Goose – Outstanding Panto, CATS Awards, 2025
June 9, 2025 at 2:10 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
We delivered BSL Awareness training to the lovely team at Wonder Fools ahead of the Positive Stories for Negative Times festival at the @trontheatre.bsky.social this weekend & DYT will be performing
#WonderFools #DYT #TronTheatre #ExcitingTimes #AccessibleArts
Screenshot of a Zoom meeting with multiple participants smiling and waving at their webcams. The main speaker, Robbie Gordon, is centered and highlighted in a large window. Other participants, including individuals with name labels like Solar Bear, Imani Preyor, Emma Arbon, and Lucy W, are shown in smaller windows below.
June 4, 2025 at 10:41 AM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
👥 For Deaf, Deafblind & CODA young people (ages 11–21)
📅 7th–11th July
📍 Glasgow
🚨 Only 20 places available — don’t miss out!
Email: Jamie@soalrbear.org.uk or head over to the Solar Bear website.
#DeafYouthTheatre #DYTSummerProject #FantasyAndFiction #CreativeYouth #GlasgowEvents #DeafCreatives
June 3, 2025 at 2:39 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
To all our queer friends, artists, and adventurers — happy Pride Month! We will never let legislation define the meaning or breadth of being human! #PrideMonth2025
A vibrant neon heart made of rainbow-colored tubes glows against a dark wall, celebrating Pride. In the top left corner, white text reads “Pride Month 2025.” At the bottom left, the words “Solar Bear” are written in bold, multi-colored letters, with each letter featuring a different Pride flag design, including the Progress and Trans flags.
June 2, 2025 at 12:08 PM
thesolarbear.bsky.social
🌿🎬 A big thank you to @bectu.bsky.social Vision for hosting a brilliant online session on making video production more environmentally friendly!
We’re getting ready for our summer film school, Solar Reels, and sustainability is front and centre. ♻️☀️
A 3x3 grid of colorful flat-design icons on a light beige background, each representing eco-friendly practices. Top row from left to right: a green LED light bulb with a leaf inside, a yellow public bus with two passengers, a stylised bear figure in a red-orange-pink gradient. Middle row: a green t-shirt on a hanger, a cardboard box with a green chair and a picture frame, two reusable bottles—one blue and one orange, Solar Bear logo. Bottom row: a person filming with a camera next to another person in front of a house, a pair of recycling and trash bins, and a computer monitor displaying an image next to a document.
May 19, 2025 at 11:39 AM