The theatre group Paladio was established in 1996 and is affiliated with the Asociación Paladio Arte, headquartered in Segovia. In addition to the theatre group, this non-profit organization encompasses a specialized job placement center known as the Centro Especial de Empleo Paladio Arte and a drama school, all operating under the same roof. The primary objective of the Asociación Paladio Arte is to facilitate the social and professional integration of individuals facing various forms of social disadvantage, regardless of age. This includes individuals with physical, psychological, sensory, and mental disabilities. The theatre serves as a platform to empower them to advocate for their rights and interests and shed light on the specific challenges they encounter. Consequently, the association identifies itself as a cultural project for social inclusion, where its members contribute to society as artists.
The institution is dedicated to contemporary art. The Centro Especial de Empleo Paladio Arte, founded in 2007, is committed to producing and performing plays. It actively involves individuals with disabilities in both the professional ensemble and its management. This institution is a unique entity in Spain and has already received recognition as a social project from the Caja Segovia Foundation. For 25 years, the group has been performing in Segovia alongside national and international theatre ensembles and has toured across Spain, France, and Portugal. Their productions have a wide-ranging appeal. Additionally, the association has been organizing the Festival Internacional Paladio Arte since 2006, where performing arts ensembles from around the world showcase their work. The goal of this event series is to make the world of performing arts and diversity more accessible to society while highlighting the high quality of integrative art.
The Teatro Paladio school has been operational since 2004 and offers theatre education to individuals with and without disabilities. Daily courses cover topics such as voice, body language, improvisation, teamwork, reading, and memorization. Actor training provides participants with an opportunity to enhance their social skills, expressive abilities, personal autonomy, and self-esteem. Moreover, it fosters social integration, particularly in terms of inclusion in the labor market. As members of the Paladio theatre group, these actors participate in public performances.
Furthermore, the association is one of the founding members of the Federación Nacional de Arte y Discapacidad (National Association for Art and Disability). Their commitment extends to organizing workshops for school children, training sessions for integrative theatre instructors, and programs focusing on social competence.
