Meet the Team

Debbie Beadle, Director and facilitator of PAD  

My name is Debbie Beadle and I am the Director of Play-a-Part. I hold a First BA Hons Degree in Community Drama, Theatre and Television and a Masters Degree in Theatre and Media for Development. I have worked in consultation, research and training with child rights and youth participation through drama in the U.K and Internationally for over 10 years.

I started Play-a-Part because I believe that active youth participation is a vital element to protecting the most vulnerable children.

I hold a strong believe that by becoming more aware of the world and our place in it, we will build a deeper sense of identity and realise the importance of community both locally and internationally.

Children and young people are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. They have no voting rights, often experiencing change through decisions of adults with no formal channels to exercise power or fight injustices they suffer from. I want to encourage children to use their natural curiosity to learn more about the world they live in and how they fit into that world. By coming more aware of their rights children gain a sense of responsibility and what it means to be a member of society enabling them to challenge the oppressions in their lives.

From my experience participatory arts have been a very effective way for children to explore these issues and gain a sense of identity in a world which is so diverse and challenging.

Facilitators

Play-a-Part has a pool of facilitators with a wealth of experience in youth participation and children’s rights.

See how Play-a-Part can help you!