Deafinitely Youth Theatre announces patron

ROSE AYLING-ELLIS has been named Patron of Deafinitely Youth Theatre (DYT), a deaf-led professional theatre company producing bilingual theatre in British Sign Language and spoken English. 

The youth theatre provides opportunities for 14–25 year olds with varying communication methods to have access to drama training. 

Beginning her artistic endeavours in 2012 as part of DYT, Ayling-Ellis is now a deaf actress and activist, who is currently performing in As You Like It at Soho Place. Her other theatre credits include Mother Courage at the Manchester Royal Exchange and Peter Pan at Birmingham Repertory Theatre. 

“DYT, under the direction of Paula Garfield, was my first experience of deaf performing arts and I loved my time there,” Ayling-Ellis commented.

“Without DYT, so many deaf young people would have limited opportunities to explore or develop their sense of deaf identity. DYT believed in who I was as an actress and who I could be, which is something I want for generations of aspiring deaf actors and theatre makers in the years to come.”

Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre PAULA GARFIELD said she is delighted Ayling-Ellis is joining the organisation: “Having a role model is so important, especially for young deaf people who may not have had opportunities to meet others like themselves.

“Rose continues to be a role model providing inspiration, hope and positivity to the deaf community and beyond, proving that deaf people can achieve big dreams.”