Search Results

Latest News Read More 12 Nov 2024 How Wellington's DAT Festival aims to be an arts show Read More 15 Nov 2024 Open Legs Open Heart Book Buy Creatif Kate's new book Read More 21 Oct 2024 DAT Time of Year Read More 1 Jul 2024 Media Release 1 DAT Fest DAT FEST 2024 Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival 2024 Read More 7 Oct 2024 No Labels Interview with Susan and Lauren October 8th: Disabled Artists Theatre Festival Read More 30 Aug 2024 Media Release 2 DAT Fest 2024 Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival 2024 Read More

< Back How Wellington's DAT Festival aims to be an arts show Kathryn Ryan 12 Nov 2024 ​ Creatif Kate has done an interview with RNZ. What does it take to make an arts festival truly inclusive? Creatif Kate knows, she's is one half of the creative force behind Wellington's Disabled Artists' Theatre or DAT - Festival , along with Susan Williams. It's into its third year, helping to showcase hearing or vision impaired, neuro-divergent or disabled performing artists, writers and filmmakers. The festival is on now until November 17. It was born out of the cancellation of Disability Pride Week - and is getting bigger each year, despite the squeeze on arts budgets. Here's a link to the interview . www.rnz.co.nz How Wellington's DAT Festival aims to be an arts show What does it take to make an arts festival truly inclusive? Creatif Kate knows, she's is one half of the creative force behind Wellington's Disabled Artists' Theatre or DAT - Festival, along with Susan Williams. It's into its third year, helping to showcase hearing or vision impaired, neuro-divergent or disabled performing artists, writers and filmmakers. The festival is on now until November 17. It was born out of the cancellation of Disability Pride Week - and is getting bigger each year, despite the squeeze on arts budgets. Previous Next

< Back No Labels Interview with Susan and Lauren ​ 7 Oct 2024 October 8th: Disabled Artists Theatre Festival Our co-director Susan Williams and Accessibility Co-ordinator Lauren Hayes were interviewed on the No Labels podcast about DAT Fest. To listen to the podcast, follow this link ( link to No Labels podcast ). Previous Next

< Back DAT Time of Year Regional News 21 Oct 2024 ​ Link to Regional News write up on DAT Fest . Article is in the bottom left of the page with a mid shot of Susan. Susan is wearing their awesome glasses and a stripey coloured shirt. The article text reads: In 2022, the Disabled Artists Festival of Theatre entered stage right, making its grand exit arm in arm with a Wellington Theatre Award for social change. DAFT returned in 2023, delighting audiences anew. Now, the festival returns bigger, brighter, and more accessible than ever before as DAT Fest. Showcasing Wellington based d/Deaf, neurodivergent, and disabled (DND) performing artists, writers, and filmmakers, DAT Fest will take over Te Auaha’s fourth floor for two weeks from the 2nd to the 17th of November. This means there will be multiple spaces for workshops, classes, rehearsals, and even hanging out and chilling – co-director Kate Spencer has already earmarked a room for a low-sensory quiet zone. The kaupapa of DAT Fest is making sure every person possible can enjoy the events, co-director Susan Williams [pictured] says. Every year, the festival ensures that celebrating and recognising the identity, community, and work of DND artists and audiences in the performing arts in Wellington remains front of mind. This principle rings true in 2024 too, with all kinds of inclusive and accessible events to look forward to. Starting with a launch and lunch on the 2nd, the DAT Fest in-person and online programme includes a poetry session on the 3rd, a comedy night on the 7th, a jazz evening on the 8th, a whānau-friendly day on the 9th, a sexy cabaret brunch on the 10th, Science for Sociopaths on the 15th, and the closing event DAT’s All, Folks on the 17th. This is just the start, so get hyped for the one and only DAT Fest. Previous Next

< Back Media Release 2 DAT Fest 2024 Creatif Kate 30 Aug 2024 Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival 2024 For an easy read version of this release, please email media.datfest@gmail.com DAT Fest is a Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, New Zealand). DAT Fest is led and directed by disabled folks. We welcome the financial support and volunteership of our allies. Venue Confirmed! Dates Confirmed! DAT Fest 2024 is officially on the calendar! Our official venue is Te Auaha, 65 Dixon Street . Te Auaha is home to an incredible creative school that houses students studying Theatre, Film, Photography, and the arts and is now the home to DAT Fest 2024. Te Auaha have been super generous. Not only are they offering their 65-seater theatre Tapere Iti for shows and workshops, they’re also giving us their entire 4th floor to “take over” for the entirety of the Festival. This means we have multiple professional spaces for workshops, classes, rehearsals, and even the space to hang out and chill. Kate Spencer (Co-Director) has already earmarked a room for a low sensory quiet zone for those who need a safe space. We can’t thank Te Auaha enough. We can now make the festival bigger and better than we’d ever hoped! DAT Fest 2024 will launch on Saturday 2nd of November , with Orientations. Lunch and a Gala showcase, giving tasters and teasers from festival performers who shall set the tone for the rest of the fest! DAT Fest will have a full 2 - week programme ending on Sunday the 17th of November. An important detail for DAT Fest, spearheaded by Susan Williams (Co-Director), is making sure that every person possible can enjoy this festival. Arts Access Aotearoa has topped up the funding for DAT Fest so we can comfortably increase accessibility to Te Auaha. There are rarely any accessible parking spaces in the CBD. With Arts Access Aoteaora’s help, we are setting up multiple shuttle services from Te Papa and the Wellington Train Station in order to be able to accommodate and facilitate easier access to the festival. We want as many people as possible to attend without worrying about the cost of transport/parking/the stress of public transport. This is so important to the festival and is core to our Kaupapa of inclusion and access. Expressions of Interest opened earlier this month, responses have been flooding in, we will keep the form open till the end of August so everyone has had equal opportunity to access this festival in the way they wish. Whether its performance, volunteering, tech, behind the scenes, there are roles for everyone disabled and allies alike. EOI Form: https://forms.gle/PG8AFerNXfsL4Vp39 If you would like to contribute further to the work of DAT Fest and have the financial means, we welcome donations to the DAT Fest bank account: 02-1248-0617172-032 We acknowledge and are grateful to CNZ, Arts Access Aoteroa, and Te Auaha for their enormous support. DAT Fest 2024, 2nd–17th November, Te Auaha. Susan and Kate are both available for Media interviews, please email: media.datfest@gmail.com to arrange. We look forward to working with you. Previous Next

< Back Media Release 1 DAT Fest Creatif Kate 1 Jul 2024 DAT FEST 2024 Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival 2024 DAT is a Disabled Artists’ Theatre Festival based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, New Zealand). DAT is lead and directed by disabled folks. We welcome the financial support and volunteership of our allies. New Look! New Name! New Diagnoses! DAT Fest 2024 coming in hot! The Team is assembled and ready to bring the most inclusive festival in Aotearoa, New Zealand. From humble beginnings in 2022, to a six week turn-around in 2023 to now a CreativeNZ funded fully staffed phenomenon of a festival. DAT Fest, co-directed by disabled royalty Creatif Kate (She/Her) and Susan Williams (They/Them), have assembled a fully D/deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse team of specialists to ensure inclusivity and accessibility are at the heart of everything they do and everything the festival is. DAT Fest is a two-week spectacular, designed to showcase and elevate the abundant talent in the DDN communities, and provide opportunities to practice, upskill, and connect. DAT Fest’s aim is to provide accessible opportunities for DDN performers and creatives to upskill, showcase work, and connect with peers; to provide accessible and welcoming public shows; to provide accessible and relevant workshops to DDN performers; to lead by example, and to centre intersectionality, inclusivity, with a human rights based approach (especially the UNConvention on the rights of people with disabilities, and #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs ) and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi; to hold accessibility at the centre of what we do, and do our best for everyone involved with the festival; to respect each other’s, energy, abilities, individuality, and needs; to uplift each other and our communities; DAT Fest aims to be better each year than the year before, to take individual needs into account, and to seek and reflect community feedback. This is the first of our media releases. More will be sent out as we announce programming and scheduling. Susan and Kate are both available for Media interviews, please email: media.datfest@gmail.com to arrange. Welook forward to working with you. Previous Next

< Back Open Legs Open Heart Book ​ 15 Nov 2024 Buy Creatif Kate's new book Creatif Kate's new book, Open Legs Open Heart , is now available. You can purchase it on her website . Kate describes Open Legs Open Heart as " A collection of poetry, some very filthy indeed. 18+". The book costs $30 plus $7.95 postage within New Zealand and $15 international postage or free pickup. Previous Next

November 2nd to 17th, 2024 Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington, NZ ​ Updates Creatif Kate's Double Book Launch now online Creatif Kate's Double Book Launch is now online. Here is the link to the zoom .​ Jules Daniels Development Show cancelled ​Jules Daniels Development Show is cancelled. The show is being turned into a podcast. We'll post a link to this podcast here and on Facebook. ​NZSL Online Edition of DAT's Hilarious More info coming soon...​ Basic Programme DAT Fest 2024 Programme.docx DAT Fest 2024 Programme.pdf Quick Programme DAT Fest 00:00 / 03:11 Saturday 2nd November 12pm Launch! (free) 1pm Lunch! (free) 2:30pm Opening Gala (ticketed) (Audio Described, NZSL) Sunday 3rd November 1pm Lunch (bring your own) 2pm Board Games & hangouts (free) (Audio Described) 5:30pm Online Poetry Show (ticketed) Tuesday 5th November 1pm-3pm Circus Workshop (sign up, pay what you can) (Audio Described) Wednesday 6th November 10:30am-12pm Write DAT Story! Workshop online (sign up, pay what you can) Thursday 7th November 12pm-2pm Peer Support Lunch (free, bring your own food) 2pm-4pm DAT’s Dramatic! Acting workshop with Kate Hood (sign up, pay what you can) (Audio Described) 7pm-9pm DAT’s Hilarious! Comedy Night (ticketed) (Audio Described) Friday 8th November 6pm-8:30pm ALL DAT JAZZ* (and other genres) (ticketed) (Audio Described) 9pm-10pm Disco with DJ Thane (free) Saturday 9th November FAMILY DAY 10am-2pm loads of activities and shows, ticketed (Audio Described, NZSL) 2:30pm-5:30pm: DAT’s Unexpected! Intro to Improv workshop (sign up, pay what you can) (Audio Described) Sunday 10th November 11:30am Cabaret Brunch, food included (ticketed) (Audio Described) Tuesday 12th November 6pm-8pm Let’s Talk About DAT!” Access in the Arts Panel Discussion (ticketed) (Audio Described) Wednesday 13th November 1pm-4pm DAT's Technical! Tech Workshop (sign up, pay what you can) 6pm-8pm Get DAT Act Together! Workshop (sign up, pay what you can) Thursday 14th November 7pm blip solo show (ticketed) (Audio Described, NZSL) Friday 15th November 6:30pm Science for Sociopaths solo show (ticketed) (Audio Described, NZSL) Saturday 16th November 11am-1pm Write DAT Song! Workshop with Maggie Cocco (sign up, pay what you can) 1:15pm Creatif Kate’s Book Launch “Open Legs Open Heart” (free, books $30!) 2pm Jules Daniel’s Development show (ticketed) 5pm Peer Support (free, bring your own dinner) 7pm Redundant solo show (ticketed) (Audio Described) Sunday 17th November Closing Day 12pm Where to Next panel discussion (free) (NZSL) 1:30pm Closing Speeches and Lunch (free) (NZSL) 2:30pm DAT’s All Folks! (ticketed)(Audio Described) 4:30pm Afterparty (free) About DAT Fest DAT Fest 2024 is presented by and showcases Wellington based d/Deaf, Neurodivergent and Disabled (DND) performing artists, writers, and filmmakers. The Festival is being held over two weeks at Te Auaha, as well as online. ​ D.A.F.T (the Disabled Artists Festival of Theatre) stormed onto the stage in 2022, snagging a Wellington Theatre Award for social change, and delighting disabled and non-disabled audiences alike! D.A.F.T returned for a longer season in 2023... Now D.A.F.T returns as DAT Fest, and with support from Creative NZ, it's more accessible, bigger, and better than before! ​ This annual event celebrates and recognises the identity, community, and work of DND artists and audiences in the performing arts in Wellington. DAT Fest will provide a platform for DND artists to develop and showcase their work and offer accessible events to DND audiences and the wider community. Festival Directors ‘Creatif’ Kate Spencer and Susan Williams return in 2024. They are both proudly disabled, neurodivergent, queer, theatre makers, performers, poets, comedians, and competitors in the race to remember all their diagnoses first! Both are bringing more talent than you can shake a walking stick at (don’t take Kate’s, she’ll fall over), or shake a white cane at, in Susan’s case. Creative NZ, Arts Access Aotearoa, Disability Pride Aotearoa, Barbarian Productions & Silver Noodle Soup Film & Theatre Company have all been key supporters, enabling DAT Fest to reach its third year. If you would like to present your work at a future DAT Fest, or perform at this year’s Scratch Night, or become part of the leadership team in future please contact us . We are looking for volunteers, disabled and non-disabled alike, to make the 2024 festival a reality. If you would like to be an usher, or a Wellbeing Wingperson (helping to make sure everyone is safe and cared for, and has a friendly face to point them in the right direction), then please email hello.datfest@gmail.com . NZSL Programme and About DAT Fest Videos A sneak peek of what we're about from 2023... Click here to watch the AD Version of DAFT2023 Trailer . Click here to watch the AD Version of What to look forward to at DAFT2023.

Events Basic Programme DAT Fest 2024 Programme.docx DAT Fest 2024 Programme.docx Saturday 2nd November, 12pm-1:30pm Te Auaha NZSL/Audio Described DAT Fest 2024 Lunch & Launch It's happening!! Join us for the grand opening of DAT Fest 2024, with speeches from Co-Directors Creatif Kate & Susan Williams. Plus free feed and tours of the venue. See this event on Facebook: DAT Fest Launch & Lunch Buy tickets here: Dat Fest 2024 Launch & Lunch DAT's Entertainment! Launch Gala Te Auaha NZSL/Audio Described Tickets from $5–$40 (pay what you can) Get ready! We’re giving you a taster menu for the festival, with a sprinkle of everything. Short sets, fast paced; new performers and seasoned pros; whet your appetite for the coming weeks. NZSL translated and Audio Described. ​ See this event on Facebook: DAT's Entertainment! Launch Gala Buy tickets here: DAT's Entertainment! Launch Gala Saturday 2nd November, 2pm-3:30pm DAT Hangs & Games Sunday 3rd November, 1pm-4pm Te Auaha Free Bring your own lunch then stick around and hang out with people. Board games, card games, and other tabletop games aplenty! (Co-Directors Kate & Susan have so many games!) ​ See this event on Facebook: DAT Hangs & Games ​ DAT Online Poetry Night Sunday 3rd November, 5:30pm-7pm Te Auaha NZSL Tickets $5–$40 (pay what you can) Zoom into Sunday evening’s poetic parlour and let the words wash over you. With a mixture of live and pre-recorded pieces, vital voices give verse to their world. Hosted by festival Co-Director Creatif Kate from the comfort of her home, and featuring Bennie Greer, Kristeene Parkes, Helen Vivienne Fletcher (video), Maggie Rose (video), Trish Harris (video), Laura Yakas, Ryn Richmond, Soul In Bones (video), and more!​ Zoom link will be sent via email to ticket holders. ​ See this event on Facebook: DAT Online Poetry Night Buy Tickets: DAT Online Poetry Night Get DAT Peer Support! Thursday 7th November, 12pm-2pm Saturday 16th November, 5pm-6pm Te Auaha Free Come to one, or come to both! Thursday 7th November, 12pm-2pm Saturday 16th November, 5pm-6pm Bring your own food, meet other makers, chat about your projects, network, and hang out with other people from the D/deaf/disabled/neurodiverse community. ​ See this event on Facebook: Get DAT Peer Support! DAT's Hilarious! Comedy Night Thursday 7th November, 7pm-9pm Te Auaha NZSL added in post production Tickets $5-$40 (Pay what you can) Fabulous funny folk doing their very best stand-up material (and, in some cases, their very worst puns). Laugh or groan, it’ll be memorable! Emceed by DAT Fest media man Keegan Thomas, the line-up includes Semi Cho, Wesley Hollis, Agnes Widfeldt, Dahlia Dahlin, Shāni, Bennie Greer, DAT Fest design guru Liv Ward and more! ​ See this event on Facebook: DAT's Hilarious! Comedy Night Buy tickets here: DAT's Hilarious! Comedy Night All DAT Jazz (and other genres) Music Night Friday 8th November 6pm-9pm Te Auaha Tickets $5-$40 (Pay what you can) Bands, solo artists, and dance troupes mix and mingle in our magnificent musical extravaganza! With Isadora Gallagher, Danica Bryant, Just Dance Krazy, Big Rock, Te KuraHuia, Golden Galaxies Dance Group, and more! Stick around for Feel DAT Beat disco from 9pm–10pm with DJ Thane via Twitch stream! See this event on Facebook: All DAT Jazz (and other genres) Music Night Buy tickets here: All DAT Jazz (and other genres) Music Night Feel DAT Beat! with DJ Thane Friday 8th November, 9pm-10pm Te Auaha Free entry with "All DAT Jazz (and other genres)" ticket or koha at the door. DJ Thane, streamed in via Twitch, gets the party people pumping! Dance the night away and show us your best moves! Free entry with "All DAT Jazz (and other genres)" ticket or donation at the door. See this event on Facebook: Feel DAT Beat! with DJ Thane DAT Family Friendly Day Saturday 9th November 10am-2pm Te Auaha $5 entry ticket then donation for all events & activities Fun for all the family with events in Tapere Nui and on Level 4. Tapere Iti schedule: 10:15–10:45: Drag Storytime (with NZSL) 11–11:30: Danica Bryant singing 11:45am–12:45pm: Kapiti Art: mark-making and movement (with NZSL) 1–1:25pm: Taxidermy (with NZSL) 1:30–2pm: Te KuraHuia singing Level 4 includes: Leo Hollbrook portraits Nail salon Face painting Ask About My Special Interest: mix and mingle See this event on Facebook: DAT Family Friendly Day Buy tickets here: DAT Family Friendly Day ​ ​ DAT Sexy Thing! Caberet Brunch (R18) Sunday 10th November, 11:30am-2pm Te Auaha NZSL, Audio Described Tickets $5–$40 (pay what you can) Easy like Sunday morning? Not today! Raunchy, risqué, and radical: DAT Sexy Thing! is definitely R18 (nudity, adult themes). Ticket price includes brunch food during the interval (alcohol available from the bar). Hopefully hosted by Creatif Kate (health dependent) and starring Natasha Ploy, Shazzah, Shāni, Caryl Loria Illana, Crystal, Ness Quick, and more See this event on Facebook: DAT Sexy Thing! Caberet Brunch Buy tickets here: DAT Sexy Thing! Caberet Brunch Let's Talk About DAT! Access in the Arts Panel Discussion Tuesday 12th November 6pm-8pm Te Auaha NZSL, Audio Described Tickets $5–$40 (pay what you can) Three artists with disabilities discuss how accessibility needs to be at the forefront of arts. With a performance from each panellist that leads into conversations about access. Audience Q&A. Moderated by DAT’s Access Co-ordinator Lauren Hayes, panel confirmation coming soon! See this event on Facebook: Let's Talk About DAT! Access in the Arts Panel Discussion Buy tickets here: Let's Talk About DAT! Access in the Arts Panel Discussion blip – DAT Fest Solo Show (Cancelled) Thursday 14th November 7pm-8pm Te Auaha Audio Described, NZSL Tickets $5-$40 (Pay what you can) blip is an interactive, family friendly, underwater adventure by award-winning performance artist Isaac Hooper. The pioneering production of 'Cyborg Sound Poetry', blip harnesses embodied electronics for voice, light, and wordplay through clown. Cast your voice into the whirlpool and reel in the world we sing to life.​​​​​​​ Science for Sociopaths - DAT Fest Solo Show Friday 15th November, 6:30pm-7:30pm Te Auaha NZSL, Audio Described Tickets $5–$40 (pay what you can) "Science for Sociopaths – A Multimedia Show + Art Exhibition" is an electrifying performance art piece that explores societal issues from a feminist lens. Featuring original music, guest artists, and interactive audience participation, the performance encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences in order to contribute to an evolving communal artwork. Complementing the live show is an exhibition showcasing artworks that have been made with audiences at previous shows, providing deeper insight into the powerful message and creative process. Prepare to be challenged, inspired, and immersed in a world where art and activism collide. See this event on Facebook: Science for Sociopaths - DAT Fest Solo Show Buy tickets here: Science for Sociopaths - DAT Fest Solo Show Creatif Kate's DAT Fest Double Book Launch Saturday 16th November 1:15pm-2pm Online NZSL FREE (No need to register, just show up!) Creatif Kate doesn’t know how to have a quiet life. In the midst of co-directing the festival, she has also put together two new books. "Heavenly Haiku" was written during the Oasis group at church over the past year. "Open Legs Open Heart" has been in the works since 2020. It's a sexy yet wholesome confessional, an almost sequel to Squirt (her first book). Both books will be available to buy for $30 each. No need to register for this event, just show up! See this event on Facebook: Creatif Kate's DAT Fest Double Book Launch ​ Jules Daniel’s Development show (cancelled) Saturday 16th November, 2pm-2:45pm Online (Podcast) Pay what you can ($5-$40) More info coming soon... Redundant – DAT Fest Solo Show Saturday 16th November 7pm-8pm Te Auaha Audio Described, NZSL Tickets $5-$40 (Pay what you can) Comedian Jess Karamjeet had plans – ambitious ones and downright evil ones – but lately she’s been feeling redundant. Her dad died, and she’s in the queer dating-pool again after four years. There’s also the tiny issue of being a writer and performer with cuts on the horizon... But Jess is fighting! ‘Redundant’ is a rally cry for creatives, misfits and contradictory humans: an hour of stand-up and songs navigating queer and bi-racial identity, grief, and the taboo powers of hidden disabilities. R16, discussions around sex & sexuality ​ Buy tickets here: Redundant – DAT Fest Solo Show Where's DAT? Next Steps Discussion Sunday 17th November, 12pm-1:30pm Te Auaha FREE (No need to register, just show up!) What's next for DAT Fest? Where do you fit in? What can we improve? What would you like to see more of? Have your say! Ask core members of the team all those questions you've been wanting to ask. No need to register, just show up! See this event on Facebook: Where's DAT? Next Steps Discussion Closing Speeches and Lunch Sunday 17th November, 1:30pm-2:30pm Te Auaha NZSL Free Speeches from our co-directors Susan Williams and Creatif Kate and free lunch. DAT's All, Folks! Sunday 17th November 2:30pm-4pm Te Auaha NZSL, Audio Described Tickets $5-$40 (Pay what you can) The finale of the festival, featuring some of our favourites from the past two weeks – plus new acts worked on during workshops. Cast includes: Natasha Ploy, Caryl Loria Illana, Rx Tosterone, Mercury Ava, Just Dance Krazy, Golden Galaxies, Big Rock, Mark & Robert in their debut drag performance, and more!! NZSL interpreted and Audio Described See this event on Facebook: DAT's All, Folks! Buy tickets here: DAT's All, Folks! DAT's A Wrap! Afterparty Sunday 17th November, 4pm-6pm Te Auaha FREE (No need to register, just show up!) Join the loud party in Tapere Iti, or the quieter one on Level 4. Celebrate the sensational season and party! Hang out with your new friends up on level four, or get moving to the music in Tapere Iti (or go between the two!) No need to register, just show up! See this event on Facebook: DAT's A Wrap! Afterparty Audio Versions lunch and launch 00:00 / 00:23 Dats entertainment 00:00 / 00:29 DAT hangs and games 00:00 / 00:20 DAT Online Poetry 00:00 / 00:41 Get DAT Peer Support! 00:00 / 00:22 DAT's Hilarious! 00:00 / 00:33 All DAT Jazz 00:00 / 00:31 Feel DAT Beat! 00:00 / 00:23 DAT Family Friendly Day 00:00 / 00:46 DAT Sexy Thing! 00:00 / 00:38 Let's Talk about DAT! 00:00 / 00:28 Science for Sociopaths 00:00 / 00:49 Creatif Kate Book Launch 00:00 / 00:39 Where's DAT 00:00 / 00:24 DAT's All, Folks! 00:00 / 00:34 DAT's a Wrap! 00:00 / 00:26

Previous Years This page contains information about previous years' programmes. DAFT 2023 DAFT 2023 was the second year of DAFT. Events Saturday 16th September, 5pm-7:30pm Two/Fiftyseven NZSL/AD The Launch Party It’s back! Bolder, longer, more accessible, and with slightly more joint pain, it’s DAFT 2023! Join us at two/fiftyseven on Willis St at 5pm to celebrate the launch of DAFT 2023. There'll be speeches (short ones), mini performances, food, the chance to speed date an artist, and plenty of opportunity to celebrate the talent found in the d/Deaf, Disabled, and neurodiverse communities. All welcome. ​ Facebook Event: The Launch Party Your Body Is a Wasteland Saturday 16th to Saturday 30th September, 5pm Online Sometime in the future, their world ends. That's only the beginning. Piece together digital remnants of a forgotten world, following our protagonist as they travel the apocalyptic wastes. A deeply felt story of chronic illness, time, and hope. When your body betrays you, where can you turn? You will be able access the show on this website. ​ Facebook Event: Your Body Is a Wasteland Social Sundays Sundays 17th and 24th September, 2pm-4:30pm Two/Fiftyseven NZSL/AD Spend time getting to know your fellow artists and build community! Bring your crafts, your art, your writing, your favourite board games, some snacks, and hang out! Stay for the whole time or drop in for a quick chat. Everyone welcome. ​ Facebook Event: Social Sundays ​ Five Slices of Another Life – development season Thursday 21st to Friday 23rd September, 7pm-9pm Sunday 24th September, 4pm-6pm ​ BATS Theatre NZSL, AD Two women wait to be rescued from a burning building. Another finds salvation in a box of chickens. Things get awkward in a cafe. A detective investigates himself, and a blind seer delivers one last prophecy. Five new Kiwi short plays, written by and featuring disabled and neurodiverse folk – are you ready to step into another life? This show has NZSL on Sept 21st and 22nd Audio Description on Sept 23rd and 24th Relaxed Performance Sept 24th ​ Facebook Event: Five Slices of Another Life – development season BATS Event: Five Slices of Another Life – development season Palsy it Up! Sunday 24th September, 2pm-3:30pm Friday 29th September, 6:30pm-8pm BATS Theatre AD, Subtitles If you liked ten minutes of Dave Batten last year, you're in luck! The rest of his set is HERE in full-length glory. Expect self-deprecation, social commentary, hearty guffaws, and unrestrained honesty. Dave presents his comedy as a slide show with inbuilt subtitles. He is a comedian with athetoied cerebral palsy who loves making people laugh. ​ Facebook Event: Palsy It Up! BATS Event: DAFT - Palsy It Up Scratch Night 26th September, 6:30pm-8:30pm BATS Theatre NZSL, AD All new performances from DAFT participants! Witness a wide range of talent from individuals and groups! Check out how many art forms we can cram into one evening! Bite-sized work-in-progress, raw, unpolished new and developing pieces from local writers, dancers, makers, and creatives. Have you (a disabled and/or D/deaf artist) got something you want to share? Get in touch! You're guaranteed a live, generous, art-loving audience. ​ Facebook Event: Scratch Night BATS Event: DAFT Scratch Night Body of Work 28th September, 6:30pm-8pm BATS Theatre AD ‘Body of Work’ by Melanie McKerchar is a poetry show that explores what it means to be a woman with a body that is chronically ill, disabled, and plus sized. There will be laughter, tears, wombs, and boobs. It is hard work loving a body that society deems unworthy, but this show shouts: all bodies are good bodies! ​ Facebook Event: Body of Work BATS Event: DAFT - Body of Work Chronic Club Caberet 30th September, 6:30pm-9:30pm BATS Theatre AD Celebrate the success of DAFT '23 with MC (and festival co-director) Creatif Kate as she hosts (probably horizontally) an extravaganza of talent from all corners of the cabaret scene. Opera, burlesque, drag, and performance art like you've never seen before! Starring: Laura Loach, Vixen Temple, ShaZaah, Blood Baby, Maggie Rose as LaLa, & more! Stick around for the closing ceremony and after party! ​ Facebook Event: Chronic Club Cabaret BATS Event: DAFT - Chronic Club Cabaret Workshops Accessible Improv Fun Tuesday 19th September, 10am-2pm BATS Theatre NZSL, AD Learn from a fellow disabled improvisor (and festival co-director!), and throw away your inhibitions, expectations, and a decent chunk of your dignity. Accessible Improv Fun. (A joyful taster for disabled and D/deaf people to try improv, play games, and connect.) ​ Facebook Event: Improv Workshop One BATS Event: DAFT Improv Workshop with Susan Williams Comedy Workshop Thursday 21st September, 2pm-5pm BATS Theatre NZSL, AD Getting Started in Stand-up Comedy A fun no-pressure overview of everything you need to know to get a mic in your face for the first time. Learn techniques for joke-writing and delivery, where and how to get practice, and how to avoid many common mistakes new performers make. Register via BATS website. Koha (suggested $20), but pay what you can. Facebook Event: Comedy Workshop with Neil Thornton BATS Event: Daft Workshop - Neil Thornton's Comedy Class Drama Workshop Friday 22nd September, 10am-1pm BATS Theatre Join award-winning Silver Noodle Soup Film and Theatre Company for a drama workshop like no other! These festival favourites create a safe and joyful space. Facebook Event: Drama Workshop with Silver Noodle Soup BATS Event: DAFT Drama Workshop with Silver Noodle Soup Techniques for Disabled Improvisors Tuesday 26th September, 10am-2pm BATS Theatre NZSL, AD Workshop two: Techniques for disabled improvisors. (For disabled and D/deaf performers with some prior experience, who want to take their improv skills to the next level.) Facebook Event: Improv Workshop 2 BATS Event: Techniques for Disabled Improvisers Writing Workshop Wednesday 27th September, 2pm-4pm Online Join festival Co-director Creatif Kate for an online writing workshop. Bring rough drafts, new ideas, and blank pages to shape into something special. Suitable for all levels. Please let the team know your accessibility needs when you sign up! Facebook Event: Writing Workshop with Creatif Kate ​ Booking Information: ​ Book via daftfestivalteam@gmail.com and you'll be sent the Zoom link. Drag Workshop Friday 29th September, 2pm-5pm BATS Theatre AD Discover your drag character, create a catchy name, and bring them to life! Learn about stage presence, song choice, incorporating your existing talents, and how to drive a crowd wild with excitement! Facebook Event: Drag Workshop with Willy SmacknTush BATS Event: Drag Workshop Dance Workshop Friday 29th September, 2pm-4pm BATS Theatre Join WIDance for a playful dance experience, where we will warm up to some fun tunes, create mini dances, and find new ways of moving and grooving on the dance floor. Facebook Event: Dance Workshop with WIDance BATS Event: DAFT Workshop - Dance and Movement ​ DAFT 2022 DAFT 2022 was the first year of DAFT. Events & Shows Launch Party & Living Library Sunday 18 September, 1pm - 3pm BATS Theatre ​ Book Tickets Here NZSL Interpreted Event Welcome speech/es, info about the Festival programme and kaupapa…, sharing food and drinks, a living library/speed date an artist component where launch goers can meet and interview DAFT artists about them and their creative work. Welcome to the launch of DAFT - the Disabled Artists' Festival of Theatre! We'll have welcome speeches, info about the Festival programme and kaupapa, we'll share food and drinks, and you'll find a living library where you can speed date an artist - meet and interview DAFT participants and ask about them and their creative work! Wellington Feminist Poetry Tuesday 20 September, 7.30pm Fringe Bar ​ Book Tickets Here The Wellington Feminist Creative Community brings you its curated Poetry Night, this month in association with DAFT. Eight disabled poets bring their finest work to your Tuesday night, with MC Creatif Kate. All proceeds go back to the poets. ​ DAFT x Barbarian SCRATCH NIGHT Thursday 22 September, 7pm Two/Fifty Seven ( Venue entrance: 70 Victoria Street) ​ Book Tickets Here Volunteer Audio Described Scratch Night offers artists and audiences an opportunity to present short excerpts or ideas of work-in-development, offering audiences bite sized morsels of wild new work and artists an opportunity to test and present work in front of a live, generous, art-loving audience. Come and witness some of Poneke’s finest disabled artists in what promises to be an unforgettable night. If you are a disabled poet, dancer, comedian, writer, performer or singer and want to present your work please email Jessie . Illegally Blind Friday 23 September, 7pm Two/Fifty Seven ( Venue entrance: 70 Victoria Street) ​ Book Tickets Here Integrated Audio Description Touch Tour 6.30pm Tw: Ableism, fatphobia, queerphobia Tragedy! Hardship!! Inspiration!!! This. Is. NOT. That. Show. Susan is a perfectly normal queer, fat, functionally blind, Autistic, chronically and mentally ill, nonbinary person, who just happens to be collecting diagnoses faster than they collect eel facts. In this not-so-solo solo show, Susan just wants to get stuff done. Instead, they end up on an epic quest, battling sock-puppets, ableist audio-describers, a pile of laundry, and people who don’t provide digital copies of important documents. Drawing on twenty years of theatre and performance skills, Susan brings their real-life experiences to the stage. The result is a whimsical romp through the world of identity and shattered expectations, mixing traditional theatre with stand up comedy, poetry, improvisation, and more silly voices than you can shake an eel at. Content warning: Illegally Blind contains references to ableism, fatphobia and queerphobia. Spring Shoots: Performance & Film work from Silver Noodle Soup Saturday 24 September, 7pm Two/Fifty Seven ( Venue entrance: 70 Victoria Street) ​ Book Tickets Here Volunteer Audio Described Witness 2022 Wellington Airport Award Winners, Silver Noodle Soup. The Film & Theatre Company presents another legendary theatre performance programme and premiers their latest film SNS 4! SNS artists roll out the red carpet to showcase their ensemble skills in movement & song including resident writer Maggie Rose Paine’s Instruments Have a Christmas Party… where violins going by the clump, French horns sneeze and bassoons go unheeded… and some solo acts to boot! SNS4 is a 30 minute, captioned, roller coaster ride of Silver Noodle Film Making Workshop 2021 artists doing what they love best: big song hits, drag, storytelling, dance, movie scenes, magic tricks and comedy. Sexy Sunday Shenanigans Sunday 25 September, 7.30pm Fringe Bar ​ Book Tickets Here Volunteer Audio Described Slide into Sunday evening with a truly vaudevillian variety show, featuring tantalising talent from the top tier of Wellington’s performance world. All corners of the cabaret scene are covered: burlesque, pole, comedy, drag, poetry, music, a mixture of them all – we've found only the finest for you to wind down the weekend with. Starring: Laura Loach, Blood Baby, Nathan Bond, Vixen Temple, EJ Barrett, Dave Batten, ShaZaah, Ness Quick Created, produced, and hosted by Wellington's wildest woman – Creatif Kate (winner 2021 Welly Comedy Award for Innovation). Made possible with the support of the WCC Living Wage for Artists Fund. Workshops Intro to Improv Workshop Monday 19 September, 10am - 2pm (or come for the first two hours). BATS Theatre ​ Register Here ​ A workshop for disabled people which puts our experiences first. Have you always wanted to try improv, or do you already love it? ​ And are you disabled or have a long term mental or physical condition? Come along and learn how to make theatre on the spot, have some fun, and unlock your spontaneity! No experience necessary. This will be a fun jam, and an exploration of skills, for any experience level. ​ Learn from a fellow disabled improvisor, and throw away your inhibitions, expectations, and a decent chunk of your dignity. As we play games, look over some basics, and have an amazing time connecting with each other, and above all, making stuff up!!! All the exercises and games are adaptable, and no one will make you do something you are uncomfortable with. The tutor is blind and neurodivergent, so the day will absolutely be blind and ND friendly. Inside Drag with Les Femmes Wednesday 21 September, 1 1am - 1pm BATS Theatre ​ Register Here Les Femmes, New Zealand’s cabaret drag sensation is coming to DAFT! This trio of gals deliver slick vocals, tight choreography and bucket loads of belly laughs. Come behind the scenes and grab a taste of Drag prep and performance! DAFT 2022 are excited to be hosting the Les Femmes queens for an insightful performance preparation demonstration. Join us for a fascinating window into the complex 'getting ready' process the Les Femmes queens embark on each time they prepare for a performance. From makeup design and application, to body work, wigs, jewellery and costuming - watching the queens become 'Drop Dead Gorgeous' and performance ready is an education you won't want to miss out on! You will have lots of opportunity to ask questions and talk with Les Femmes about Drag performing. Silver Noodle Soup Drama Workshop Friday 23 September 10am - 1pm BATS Theatre ​ Register Here Would you like to try out drama in a no-stress, friendly and inclusive environment or check out how our Silver Noodle Soup Film and Theatre Company approaches inclusive performing arts practice? At the workshop you will meet and spend time with disabled performing artists, play games, share ideas, devise and perform pieces with a disability-led film and theatre company! Silver Noodle Soup Company members alongside tutors Madeline McNamara and Haidee Clark will lead this fun session. SNS Company members are young performing artists, film and theatre makers with intellectual disabilities and/or who are neuro-diverse. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend this workshop! MC Workshop Saturday 24 September 10am - 1pm BATS Theatre ​ Register Here Join Creatif Kate for a beginner's guide to MCing as a person with disabilities. Learn about stage presence, crowd work, and setting the scene for shows of all kinds. Practise your skills with the class, gain confidence in front of an audience, learn how to manage your disabilities, and have fun!! Creatif Kate is well-known on the poetry, comedy, and cabaret circuits of Wellington. She's a poet, producer, performer, photographer, preacher – basically, if it starts with 'p' she's in. She has done MC work of various kinds for many years and lives with multiple chronic conditions, both physical and mental.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Audio FAQ DAT Fest FAQ 00:00 / 07:24 When is DAT Fest 2024? Where is DAT Fest 2024? Am I 'disabled enough'? How does DAT Fest help performers during the festival? Can you help me with a new show that I’m working on? Can I present a work in progress? I don’t have much experience. Can I still perform? Who can perform, teach, and attend? Is participating in the festival only for Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent or chronically ill people? I’m in the wider Wellington region, but it’s hard for me to get to the venue. Can you help with transport? I am not from Wellington. Can I perform, teach, or participate? Will there be online events and shows? Do I have to be from New Zealand to attend an online event or show? Can I bring a support person? Can I bring a guide dog or disability assistance dog? How much are performers/shows paid? How much are teachers/workshop leaders paid? Do I have to use the online form to submit an expression of interest? How can I contact you? What access is available? When is DAT Fest 2024? When is DAT Fest 2024? 2nd November to 17th November 2024 Where is DAT Fest 2024? Te Auaha, 65 Dixon Street, Te Aro, Wellington https://www.teauahaevents.com/ Where Am I ‘disabled enough’? Yes, you are! You don’t need a diagnosis or proof to be part of the festival. We accept people who experience all kinds of disabilities. Disabled Enough How does DAT Fest help performers during the festival? We give you the following: A physically accessible venue, including accessible toilets technician basic theatre lighting and sound setup NZSL translation Audio Description Front of house ticketing volunteers to help the audience one or two rehearsals in the space some basic marketing some storage space for props/set/costume during the fest for online shows: streaming links, platform, and operation a quiet space other ways to help you, just ask! DAT Fest help performers Can you help me with a new show that I’m working on? We don’t have enough money to help you with the cost of writing, producing, and rehearsing. Sorry. My new show Can I present a work in progress? Of course! But, like we say above, we can’t help with the costs of developing the show. Work in progress I don’t have much experience, can I still perform? Yes. We welcome performers of all experience levels, and help you find the show or slot that might be right for you. not much experience Who can perform, teach, and attend? Is participating in the festival only for Disabled, d/Deaf, and Neurodivergent, chronically ill, etc. people? It depends on the role. Solo performers: DND identifying people only please. ​ Group performances: Some members need to be DND. ​ Going to a workshop: DND identifying only please. ​ Teachers: DND people are preferred, but it’s not a requirement. ​ Audio Describing: Everyone welcome. ​ Volunteering: Everyone welcome ​ Watching a show: Everyone welcome ​ Going to a social event: Everyone welcome Who can perform participating I’m in the wider Wellington region, but it’s hard for me to get to the venue, can you help with transport? Probably. Talk to us and we’ll see what we can do. transport I am not from Wellington, can I perform, teach, or participate? Yes. However, we cannot afford to transport people here, or pay for accomodation. If you can get here, you are very welcome. not Wellington Will there be online events and shows? Yes. Do I have to be from New Zealand to attend an online event or show? No, you can be from anywhere. All times are New Zealand Standard Time. All prices are New Zealand Dollars. Events are primarily in English, with translation into New Zealand Sign Language. If you want to be paid to perform in an online show, or teach a workshop, you will need to have the right to earn money in NZ, and an NZ bank account or payment method. online NZ Can I bring a support person? Yes, absolutely. Please book a free ‘companion ticket’ for them. support person Can I bring a guide dog or disability assistance dog? Yes, of course. That is the law and we are happy to uphold it. guide dog How much are performers/shows paid? We cannot guarantee an amount, sorry! performers pay How much are teachers/workshop leaders paid? Profit share, plus potential top-up. Our workshop participants pay koha, the total amount is then divided by the number of workshops, and paid to the workshop teacher(s). If we have the capacity in the budget, we hope to be able to top this amount up a little. teachers pay Do I have to use the online form to submit an expression of interest? No. We accept expressions of interest in audio, NZSL, email, messenger etc. If you want to know if we can accept your preferred format, or, how to submit, please reach out to us. How can I contact you? Fill in the "contact us" form at the bottom of this page, email: Hello.datfest@gmail.com or message the Facebook page. online form how contact What access is available? Please check each individual event to confirm. NZSL interpretation. Audio Description. Wheelchair accessible venue (wheelchair accessible bathroom, lift access, ramp access to theatre, wheelchair seating space in theatre) Quiet space for taking breaks as needed. Volunteers available to help people. Seating options including chairs with and without arms, soft seating (cushions/beanbags), floor seating space. Some assistance with transport within the region may be available. A code of Conduct, known as our Shared Expectations, to help protect against discrimination. An access fund to help people attend. Sliding scale ticket and workshop costs – pay what you can. Some online events. Please get in touch if there is something else that would support you to attend. Email access.datfest@gmail.com . what access

Kaupapa and Shared Expectations This page contains DAT Fest's Kaupapa and Shared Expectations Contents DAT Fest 2024 Kaupapa & Goals ​What is DAT Fest? What are the DAT Fest Goals? DAT Fest 2024 Shared Expectations What are Shared Expectations? What we are asking you to do: Who Has To Follow The Shared Expectations? ​If you need help: Easy Read Versions Audio Shared Expectations and Kaupapa​​ DAT Fest 2024 Kaupapa & Goals What is DAT Fest? A two-week spectacular, designed to showcase and encourage the huge amount of talent and potential in the D/deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent (DDN) communities DDN led An all DDN lineup of performances Provide opportunities to practice, upskill, and connect. What are the DAT Fest Goals? Provide accessible opportunities for DDN performers and creatives. Help DDN performers and creatives to learn new skills, present and perform their work, and hang out with other people like them. Offer accessible and welcoming public shows. Offer accessible and relevant workshops to DDN performers. To lead by example. We keep intersectionality and inclusivity at the centre of what we do, with a human rights based approach (especially the UN Convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, and #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs). Make sure accessibility is at the centre of what we do, and do our best for everyone involved with the festival. We respect each other’s spoons, energy, abilities, individuality, and needs. We uplift each other and our communities. We will always try to improve. No festival is perfect, and there is no such thing as ‘completely accessible for everyone’. DAT Fest aims to be better each year than the year before, to take individual needs into account, and to seek and reflect community feedback. We contract DDN people whenever possible, as part of supporting and upskilling our communities, and providing opportunities. DAT Fest 2024 Shared Expectations What Are Shared Expectations? The DAT Fest Shared Expectations are a set of instructions to help keep everyone safe and well. If you have any questions or concerns please email: hello.datfest@gmail.com What We Are Asking You To Do: ​ Be a decent, kind human. ​ Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and dignity. ​ This means no: ableism (including lateral ableism) racism sexism transphobia fat-phobia queer-phobia religious discrimination ageism attacks on marginalised communities or identities (including in performances). ​ Please wear a mask when you can. Covid is still around! Please stay home if you are sick with a cold/flu/covid/anything infectious. Please do not touch people, or dogs, or mobility aids without asking first. Consent is very important. If you want to help someone, give them advice, learn more about their disability, or give them feedback, please ask them first if they are okay talking about it. Consent is very important. Remember that there are some disabilities that you can’t see. Someone’s disability might be “invisible” or “dynamic” or “complicated”. Even if someone doesn’t look like they are disabled, they are still welcome at the festival. Please respect people and the way they are. There are lots of people who take part in the festival, and that means there are lots of different ways to talk to them. Respect each other’s communication styles, cultural backgrounds, social behaviours, neurotypes, gender identity, and ways of being. Use requested names and pronouns (if you don’t remember, just ask again) Please treat everyone as an individual with the right and ability to make their own decisions, and to be responsible for their own actions and choices. Look after yourself. Do what you need to take care of your body, brain, and wellbeing. Let others do the same. DAT Fest is a safe space. Be your real self but don’t hurt people. Bring a support person if you want to. Lie on the floor if you want to. Leave the room if you want to. Go to the quiet space if you want to. We have a person looking after access. If you need to know more, email access.datfest@gmail.com Don’t bring alcohol. Te Auaha has a bar. Please don’t get drunk! Be professional, but the DAT Fest way! Respect your own limits. Care for your brain and body. Ask for help when you need it. Adapt as needed (pyjama zoom meetings for the win). Support and help each other. Communicate when you are able in a way that works best for you. Communication is key. If you are unwell, don’t have enough energy, need something, are running late, etc., please contact the team as soon as you are able to at hello.datfest@gmail.com Be a good audience member. Please support your fellow participants and performers by giving them your attention, in your own way. You can always move in and out of the room. You do not have to say how you identify unless you want to. Please be aware: it is public knowledge that all performers and workshop participants are d/Deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent, or chronically ill in some way. ​ If you need help, contact the team, or look/listen for a Wellbeing Wingperson. ​ The festival team can decide if someone is behaving badly, or is not acting respectfully, even if it is not clearly listed here. ​ We just want to keep everyone safe. ​ ​​ Who Has To Follow The Shared Expectations? ​ Everyone involved in DAT Fest 2024 must follow the Shared Expectations: ​ ​ ​ The DAT-Fest team Everyone who attends a workshop Performers Teachers Wellbeing Wingpeople Audio Describers Other volunteers NZSL Interpreters. If You Need Help: Look or listen for a Wellbeing Wingperson. They are wearing a fleuro pink vest and a small tinkly bell. Find a member of the DAT Fest Team, or ask a Wingperson to find one for you. Email hello.datfest@gmail.com Message the Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/DATFest In a life-threatening emergency always call 111 first. Easy Read Kaupapa and Shared Expectations Shared Expectations - Easy Read PDF Shared Expectations - Easy Read DOC Kaupapa and Goals - Easy Read PDF Kaupapa and Goals - Easy Read DOC Audio Shared Expectations and Kaupapa DATFest Shared Expectations MP3 00:00 / 06:16 DATFest Kaupapa MP3 00:00 / 02:18