Festivals
The National Festival of Youth Theatres is a highlight of the Youth Theatre Ireland calendar.
It is the largest gathering of Irish youth theatres in the year and it is a chance for youth theatres members and leaders to:
- develop new skills
- meet and work with other youth theatre members from all over the country
- and have the craic!
Created by Young Irish Film Makers
About the Festival
The festival takes place over 5 days in early July and involves a residential programme of theatre skills workshops delivered by expert facilitators and a packed calendar of social activities.
Participation is open to Youth Theatre Ireland affiliated youth theatres. 13 youth theatres participate each year. Each participating group can bring up to 8 youth theatre members (aged 12 or over) and must bring two adult leaders aged over 21.
A social activity takes place each evening. A leader’s programme is organised that includes workshops, skills share and clinics on various aspects of youth theatre. It is a valuable opportunity for youth theatre leaders to meet each other, network and develop future collaborations.
How does my youth theatre get involved?
A call for youth theatres who are interested in participating goes out in April. Priority is given to youth theatres who have not participated in previous festivals. Other factors considered when choosing youth theatres for the festival are geographical spread and age range of participants.
What can you expect as a participant?
If you want to find out more about the participant experience, watch the presentation below, created for participants coming to the 2016 Festival.
Banner Photo: Colin Thornton