Tobi St Clair: Founder of The Deaf Set

The Deaf Set:

 This week, Signature reached out to The Deaf Set founder, Tobi St Clair.  The organisation collaborates closely with productions, casting directors and broadcasters, offering essential tools for collaborating with deaf talent. The Deaf Set commit to nurturing opportunities through striving to create pathways for young deaf actors aspiring to enter the industry.

 

To find out more about Tobi, carry on reading for more:

  1. Hi Tobi, please could you introduce yourself to our weekly readers.

Hi, I am Tobi St Clair, the founder and director of The Deaf Set. Here at the Deaf Set, we strive to champion the inclusion of deaf actors and creatives in the arts and media. This is one of my main passions.

  1. Where did the idea of The Deaf Set initially spark from?

The spark for The Deaf Set came from my families legacy in the arts. My mother, a pioneering deaf actress, was the first British deaf actress to perform in the West End, and my grandmother was a deaf model. Their experiences and struggles in the industry inspired me to create The Deaf Set, to bridge the gap between the hearing and deaf worlds in entertainment.

  1. How important is it to have organisations like yours for those in the deaf community?

It is crucial! Organisations like The Deaf Set not only advocate for deaf talent but also ensure they have the platform and support to shine. We are here to make the industry more accessible and inclusive.

  1. What do you hope to achieve with The Deaf Set?

Our goal is to celebrate the presence of deaf talent in all areas of the arts and media, ensuring they are given equal opportunities to showcase their skills.

  1. What achievements are you most proud of within The Deaf Set?

Every breakthrough and success story of our members fills me with pride. From seeing a new actor land their first role to watching a seasoned performer break new ground, each achievement is a step towards a more inclusive industry.

  1. For those who are deaf and wanting to pursue a future in acting, what advice would you give them?

Never underestimate your value. The industry needs your unique voice and experiences. Surround yourself with a supportive network, and don’t be afraid to seek out organisations and communities that can help you navigate your path.

  1. Can you go into more detail about the specific services that The Deaf Set provides?

At The Deaf Set, we offer end-to-end consulting services for productions working with deaf talent, including casting, script, and edit consultations, and bespoke deaf awareness training. We are also a boutique agency representing some of the most talented deaf actors out there. Our aim is to ensure smooth collaborations and create more on-screen and behind-the-scenes opportunities for deaf professionals.

  1. Do you have any specific goals or aspirations for The Deaf Set or within the deaf community?

Looking ahead, I want The Deaf Set to be at the forefront of change, not just in creating more opportunities for deaf talent, but also in shifting industry perceptions. I dream of a world where inclusion is the norm, and deaf artists are celebrated for their contributions across all platforms.

 

Here at Signature, we would like to thank Tobi from The Deaf Set for sharing more about this wonderful organisation. It is crucial that deaf and hard of hearing actors are represented, so that they can showcase their talent on stages and televisions across the UK and beyond. We look forward to seeing a world where inclusion is the norm. Here at Signature, we would like to wish all actors in The Deaf Set the best of luck in their future acting endeavours.

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