About us

STAGE 21 organises fun and inspiring acting workshops for young performers with Down syndrome, offering opportunities to gain industry experience and access by working with professional actors and directors.

With support from Arts Council England, Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association and Spotlight UK, STAGE 21 is dedicated to championing actors with Down syndrome, increasing disability representation in the arts, and creating joyful, ambitious opportunities along the way.

Our free two-day workshops give participants the chance to hone their acting skills in a supportive professional setting, guided by experienced actors and directors.

In 2025, we delivered workshops in London, Sheffield and Portsmouth, where 27 selected actors built confidence, gained valuable experience and formed creative connections that will help support greater representation of people with Down syndrome in the arts.

Watch the video below to find out what previous participants and mentors thought of our workshops…