Celebrating the power of play, the joy of communication and the positive force of friendship,
Stan (named after the T–Rex at Manchester Museum) is a powerful and poignant new
production, commissioned by Z–arts and developed by Art with Heart with the help of over 200
deaf and hearing primary school children from Greater Manchester.

The production positively demonstrates how we can overcome language barriers, and challenges preconceptions of deafness.

Sam (Ross Thompson) is a happy, dinosaur loving 8–year–old whose world turns upside down
after his parents separate. As he takes himself off to the far end of the school field, he meets
Alex (Alexandra James), a deaf girl with a vivid imagination – and an impressive collection of
dinosaurs. Alex is from a proud deaf family and despite being socially isolated at school, she is
strong, smart, sociable and imaginative. The pair form an unlikely friendship and when things at
home become too difficult for Sam, Alex whisks him away on an astonishing adventure to meet
the almighty Stan, the gigantic T–Rex at Manchester Museum.

Stan from Sarah Emmott (Secret Diaries, Declaration) is written and performed in English and
British Sign Language and embeds creative captions within the set. The play will be
accompanied by post–performance workshops, an education pack including a video of BSL signs
to help hearing and deaf children communicate, three Deaf Awareness training events and a
dinosaur object handling box with some fascinating objects from Manchester Museum’s
collections. The post–performance workshop will be BSL Interpreted and has been designed
with both deaf and hearing children in mind.

Sarah Emmott comments Growing up, my parents lived very separate lives (so) my imagination
was both my safe escape and my resource to help me understand myself, my feelings and our
family situation. I wanted to create a play that reflected how vital imaginative play is as a form
of communication, not only with others but with ourselves.

Z–arts commented Art with Heart have put children at the heart of the creation of Stan and
tackled tricky issues whilst creating positive representation and a super fun show for families to
enjoy. We are so excited to bring this show to Z–arts and for as many of our friends, families and
schools to see it as possible.

 Stan: Running time 50 minutes, followed by a 30 minute workshop

Box Office Tickets are available from individual theatre box office
See www.artwithheart.org.uk   for more information and performance venues and dates

Facebook @weareartwithheart
Twitter @artwith_heart
Instagram @weareartwithheart

Sam – Ross Thompson
Alex  – Alexandra James
Mum – Gemma Green

Writer Sarah Emmott
Director Jonathan McGrath
Movement Direction Deborah Pugh
Lighting and Sound Design Adam Steed and Alex Willy
Animation and Captions Triple Dot Makers
Set and Costume Design Irene Jade
BSL Consultant Raphaella Julien