The curtain is rising on a new career for aspiring actor Dominic Ledger – thanks to the help of our Trust.
Dom, who was diagnosed with autism as a child, studied performing arts at college and has long cherished the ambition of turning professional.
Now, thanks to our Trust’s Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service, he is starting to turn his dreams into reality – after securing a job in a theatre.
Born to perform
“I don’t know what initially sparked my love for performing arts but when I got called a drama queen at school, I embraced it and decided to focus on acting,” he said.
“Over the years I got bullied for having autism and ADHD but, even though I have disabilities and disorders, I am living proof that you can still do what you want to.”
Dom, 20, who lives in Teesside, studied for a BTEC Level 3 in performing arts at college, and also joined the Daisy Chain musical theatre group to gain stage experience.
Over the years he has played a wide range of parts, from Bugsy in Bugsy Malone to Polonius in Hamlet and Lennox in MacBeth – as well as a host of panto roles.
It was only after he was referred to TEWV’s IPS service, however, that he finally achieved ambition of working in a professional theatre – thanks to his IPS advisor Zainab Nabeel.
“My career goal is to be an actor and work in that industry. Zainab spoke to me about how it is important to find work in the field you have a passion for,” said Dom.
Life in the spotlight
“Due to a lack of local opportunities, I was unable to find professional acting work, but Zainab asked me if I would be interested in working for a theatre – and I was.”
Zainab managed to track down an opportunity for Dom at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm – where he now works as an usher and Front of House staffer.
Over the past few months he has worked with acts including The Drifters and Redcar performer Tom Rolfe and, although not yet a professional actor, he is enjoying life in the spotlight.
“When I first got the job, it felt unreal,” said Dom. “It was amazing to be working in a theatre environment. I felt I didn’t have to try to fit in, I just did. Everyone is so kind.
“Zainab and the IPS service have given me the support, confidence and strength to believe that with my disability I can still get a job within the theatre world.
“It may not be acting yet – but it’s within the world I love.”
Taking centre stage
Dan Brookes, manager of The Princess Alexandra Auditorium, today praised Dom’s work ethic and the skills he has brought to his new theatre role.
“Dom is a valued member of our team,” he said. “The support he’s had from IPS has really helped the transition into work be smooth and seamless.”
Zainab, Dom’s advisor, added: “Working with people like Dom, and seeing them go into work with the support we give at IPS, is the main reason I do the job I do.
“There is still a lot of work left for Dom to achieve his ultimate goal as an actor, and we will support him every step of the way.”
- Find out more about IPS and how it can support you: www.tewv.nhs.uk/services/individual-placement-support-adults
