The Engross Story
How It All Began
Yvonne Moore - artistic director and co-founder of Engross says:
"My son is autistic and attended Saltersgate Special School in Dalkeith, in Midlothian, Scotland. In 2006, parents were asked if they had any information about World War Two as that was what the class were studying at the time. So I sent in some books etc. One day, shortly after I had sent in the books, I had one of those lightbulb-above-the-head moments and I suggested to Bobby, that as drama is our forte, we should take a play about WW2 into the school, as a favour to them, and to repay them for being so wonderful with my son. A writer acquaintance wrote a short script for us about life on the home front. We developed this piece into a 20-minute play, adding a lot of animation and humour which the pupils could relate to.
"The Living Memory Association kindly lent us genuine 1940s props and in May 2006, we performed the play for my son’s class. Afterwards, we carried out a short Question and Answer session in character. The whole event was a huge success!
"The school said there was a real need for this type of education in special schools, as pupils with learning disabilities find it difficult to focus, absorb and retain. But through having live drama performed right before their eyes, they become totally engrossed. This was proved when they were able to answer every question correctly!
"This was it - this was what I always wanted to do - draw upon all my experiences, teaching, acting and having a son with additional support needs! We were very pleased that one of the teachers at Saltersgate had filmed our performance and had done an excellent job! I arranged meetings with appropriate staff at Special Schools. Using the film as illustration of our work, and having discussions with teachers, we were able to establish that the schools were extremely enthusiastic that our educational plays would give additional support to many subjects and would fit in with the Curriculum for Excellence.
For years, we had always intended to form our own theatre group, but had to 'put it on hold' for several reasons, but the success of our Pilot Project, together with the immense pleasure of working with people with Learning Disabilities, spurred us on - and thus Engross was born!"
Registered Charity No. SC042241