The Imaginate Disabled Production Traineeship is a paid professional development opportunity designed to support two disabled freelancers to build skills and experience in theatre, dance and festival production teams. Embedded within the delivery of the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, the traineeship offers hands-on, mentored learning across key areas of production and Technical theatre. Trainees work alongside experienced industry professionals, gaining practical insight into both the creative and logistical aspects of producing a large scale international festival, while also receiving tailored support to develop confidence, networks, and pathways into sustained employment in the arts sector.
These traineeships started in January 2026 and are being offered in partnership with Birds of Paradise.
Ryan Graham is working on the production of Boys Don’t Dance by Marc Brew Company, Imaginate's 2026 Festival commission.
Frazer Kirkland is working on the two works-in-progress which are being presented as part of the Edinburgh International Children's Festival delegate programme - PALS by Ellen Renton (supported by Unlimited) and Daydream T.V (supported by the Expo Fund).
Frazer trained as an actor, graduating from Glasgow Clyde College in the summer of 2024. Since then, he has been in a number of short films and theatre performances. Frazer has taken a keen interest in backstage work, producing his own Scratch night in his hometown of Girvan last November, and working with the committee of the Girvan Arts Festival on some further potential theatre projects.
In August 2025, Frazer underwent surgery for a below-knee amputation on his right leg, due to chronic pain after a motorbike accident. The amputation has been successful and he is adjusting to a life with new possibilities, which have been greatly enhanced with the disabled traineeship at the Edinburgh International Children's Festival.
The Disabled Production Traineeship programme is supported by the Scottish Government's Festivals Expo Fund.