JYPA Nominated for Pride of Jersey Award

13th September 2024

We are beyond grateful to have been nominated for a Jersey Evening Post Pride of Jersey award for our Relaxed Performances.

We'd love if you would consider voting for us, although we know there are also many other exceptional nominees!

Jersey Youth Performing Arts, better known as the JYPA, has been nominated for Diversity and Inclusion Champions of the Year. The JYPA was the first local theatre company to introduce relaxed performances in Jersey, meaning that they adjust the lighting and sound and provide noise-cancelling headphones as well as making many other small but effective adjustments. This is designed to ensure that young people and adults with additional needs can still access theatre.

Kirsty Dunn said: "JYPA go above and beyond to make sure theatre is accessible to all, inviting local charities such as Autism Jersey, Mencap and Beresford Street Kitchen to attend their shows at an incredibly reduced cost, and they have offered complimentary tickets to those who would struggle even with reduced ticket costs." She added that "many families stated they worried about how their children may cope during the show and what others would think". Mrs Dunn said: "JYPA has really led the way with inclusive theatre performances, and other local theatre groups have since followed suit and now offer relaxed performances. Jersey Youth Performing Arts itself is a fully inclusive theatre company and now so are the performances it offers.