Established in 1980, Youth Theatre Ireland is the national development organisation for youth theatre.
Our Vision
To empower young people through youth theatre.
To provide access to youth theatre to every young person in Ireland.
Our Mission
To support the social, personal and artistic development of young people through youth theatre.
Youth Theatre Ireland is unique in our commitment to youth-centred drama practice and know that youth theatre is a place to develop young artists and young citizens. We promote youth drama opportunities that focus on the artistic, personal, and social development of young people by supporting the following:
A network of youth theatres who deliver year-round programmes which include drama workshops and performance opportunities for young people aged from 12 to 21 in cities, towns, and villages across Ireland.
Supporting the sustained development of youth theatre by working in partnership with local and national stakeholders to advocate the benefits of youth theatre participation and provide leadership for the sector. We develop new youth theatres in partnership with local groups and agencies.
Supporting youth theatre in practice by offering:
Opportunities for young people through our annual programme activities including the National Youth Theatre, the National Festival of Youth Theatres, and the Young Critics Programme.
Support for youth theatre leaders and directors including training and mentorship, commissioning new writing, publications, resources and other services as well as research and policy development
We Promote
Youth Theatre as a medium for learning and as a means of expression for young people the advancement of the artistic, personal and social development of young people through drama and performance-related skills
Youth theatre as a medium to extend and enhance young people’s understanding of theatre as an art form
Our Core Values
Youth Theatre Ireland is committed to:
Access
We believe youth theatre should be diverse, inclusive and accessible to all young people in Ireland.
Sustainability
We believe in sustainable youth theatre practice, that is adaptive and responsive to local needs and that incorporates long term planning as a key goal to success.
Artistic Experience
We believe in every young person’s potential to be a creative artist. We work with and support volunteers, professional practitioners, creators and producers to support young people to achieve their creative potential and to ensure high quality artistic experiences for all young people in their youth theatre locally and at national programmes.
Empowerment
We believe in the voice and vision of young people. We work to empower young people involved in youth theatre to achieve their full social, personal and artistic potential by including their voice in our strategic and artistic planning.
Collaboration
We value partnership and collaboration with new and existing partners, funders and youth theatres to deliver our strategic objectives.
Communication
We are committed to communicating the value of youth theatre practice to all our audiences and stakeholders.
We Provide
Training for youth theatre leaders and directors
Advice, guidance, and support to existing youth theatres
Advocacy for youth theatres to champion the benefits of youth drama for all young people
A Garda Vetting Consortium for youth theatres
A platform to push forward youth theatre practice through research and debate
A range of practical and artistic resources for Youth Theatres
Our Reach
Up to 3000 young people annually participate in approximately 4000 hours of drama activities with over 55 affiliated youth theatres across Ireland
Reaching hundreds of young people directly every year across seven high-quality national programmes including the National Festival of Youth Theatres, Young Critics and National Youth Theatre
Over 2000 hours of advice and guidance are given annually to affiliated youth theatres, emerging youth theatres, other youth services and individuals developing youth drama activities in Ireland
"I think youth theatre is hugely important for confidence, for discovering ourselves, and each other, and building friendships. To turn up and commit to something is a huge ask for a teenager, but actually, you’re committing with your heart. It is a choice to be there and that fills you with a huge love for something. Youth theatre gives people a chance to have that experience." Eileen Walsh, Actress and Youth Theatre Ireland patron
"You've helped me instil a concrete passion for theatre, acting and creating, something that I know I had before, but now I am certain that this is what I want to do with my life. This wouldn't have been possible without NYT, which opened my eyes to the huge world of theatre that's out there." Previous National Youth Theatre Participant
"I wish I'd done this training 30 years ago...I have discovered a practice of open hearted supportive and creative people.... everything about the drama facilitation training embodied this interpersonal care and support...I came to the course from a community development background and have found drama to be an excellent tool to bring people together and to develop empathy in a playful and gentle way." Drama Facilitation Training Course Participant