Picture the Difference CIC

Picture the Difference (PtD) is a Kettering-based, non-profit organisation offering the creative and performing arts to young people and adults with additional needs. It has an inclusive team ethos of co-production to ensure that everyone has a voice, has a role, and can contribute to creative outcomes. All productions are shaped around the interests and talents of participants.

PtD participants actively engage with the wider community to make a difference by providing performances, workshops, and skill-sharing with others. PtD offer creative training and enterprise opportunities with projects to support employability, social skills, and communication skills. Some go on to develop their creative skills and then work with PtD as Arts Leaders.

Picture the Difference has an inclusive policy. It is run both by experienced special needs teachers and those with a lived experience of SEND.

Food Offer:

PtD have an exciting food offer that has evolved from the health and cooking skill needs of their participants. Staff engage those with poor eating habits to cook healthy meals from scratch. 

Project Information (Term-Time Only):

• PtD Monday Nights (7.30pm-9.30pm)

A relaxed social night where people enjoy music jam sessions, drama games, board games, and art. A number of skilled musicians play and perform as part of the PTD House Band.

• PtD on Stage (Wednesdays 10am-3pm)

PtD on Stage (Wednesdays) supports participants who want to join a pop-up theatre company. PtD co-produce original performances and participants are usually involved in one or more aspects: acting, music creation, props, and scenery design. These performances are offered for free to local schools and community groups and PtD usually have one public performance.

• PtD on Stage (Thursdays 10am-3pm)

PtD on Stage (Thursdays) supports participants to develop thoughtful and creative responses to a specific theme (esuch as 'Difference'). Currently, PtD offer this to Isebrook School pupils aged 14-19. However, there is an option to offer additional places as from September 2022. PtD's additional needs arts leaders assist in mentoring the pupils. They co-produce creative outcomes that are presented in a showcase at the end of the academic year. 

• PtD Lead and PtD Learn Day (Fridays 10am-3pm)

PtD Lead is for participants with fewer needs who want to work on independent projects with other participants. For example, participants can create original artwork (for sale to the public) and will be promoted as artists. Participants can also learn about music production, writing and recording radio plays, composing original music, and producing podcasts. Alternatively, participants can help run Café Mango, and develop their cooking and customer-service skills and experience. Staff are always on hand to offer guidance and support, and to facilitate as needed.

PtD Learn is for participants with more complex needs who want to develop their creativity, communication, and social skills through drama games, improvised roleplay, British Sign Language, relaxation techniques, and arts & crafts. PtD's arts leaders help support and run some of the sessions.