With just over three weeks to go, we are thrilled to announce our programme of events for Building and International Stage - A Youth Theatre Practice Symposium at UCC.The theme for the 2023 was inspired by Youth Theatre Ireland's participation in the BUZZ Network
Created by leading arts organisations from Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Belgium and Germany, and with funding from the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union, BUZZ aims to cross-pollinate youth theatre practice, enable the sharing of knowledge, skills, contacts and resources across seas and borders.
As the final event in the current BUZZ programme, up to 20 artists and creative professionals working in youth theatre across Europe and beyond will attend our international Symposium in Cork.
Presentations & Discussions
Returning once again University College Cork, we have put together a remarkable and exciting programme with on focus on building your international network and practice.
Our inspiring panel of speakers include:
The Trouble with Borders - Peter Hussey
Peter’s presentation will outline the background of Crooked House’ international work, how they got started in this area, and what benefits can accrue from collaborating internationally. It will also look at why we believe this kind of work is now critically important for Ireland.
Theatre as a Unique Artistic Language - Manfred Schewe
The limits of my language mean the limits of my world. (Ludwig Wittgenstein)
This philosophical quote serves as a reference point to explore how 'going international' can widen our horizons. If we consider theatre as a unique artistic language, what are the characteristic features of this language and why is it so fascinating? In what sense is it perhaps a universal language that is understood in Ireland in the same way as it is understood in other countries; in what sense is it perhaps a culturally-specific language? To address these questions, the speaker will make special reference to intercultural Drama in Education (DiE) and Theatre in Education (TiE) practice as well as introduce a project that he is currently involved in. The collaborative project aims at the development of an international glossary in the performative arts, participants are very welcome to contribute to the project from a Youth Theatre perspective.
Going abroad : the benefits of international artistic practice - Narod Shahinian
Narod Shahinian (she/her) is an Armenian theatre-maker from Greece, with background studies in acting . She has worked as an actress, assistant director and translator for several productions. She volunteered in Crooked House Theatre Company through the European Solidarity Corps programme where she started training in drama facilitation and is currently managing and facilitating international projects for artists and young leaders on drama and theatre-making.
Fionn Woodhouse, our academic partner at UCC will then host a short Q&A with our presenters and our delegates.
Workshops - Detailed information
Our workshop programme will be an opportunity for creative expression for all attendees. The exciting selection of workshops for participants are:
Circus skills - Cormac Mohally, Circus Factory.
This workshop will use some simple circus props to challenge us individually, and as a group. Through structure and guidance, Cormac will share the simplicity of throwing and catching 1 ball, increasing the level as we go. The question is how complicated can simplicity get! While juggling challenges our hand eye coordination, we will use a jump rope to bring spatial awareness and physical movement into the workshop. Over the course of the workshop Cormac will give you an introductory taste to a circus workshop.
Shadow Puppetry - Daniel Livingston
Shadow puppetry is an ancient storytelling tool used to tell great stories. In this workshop we will explore this theatrical tool using shadows and light creating new ways to tell shadow stories . During this workshop you will create shadow puppets but also look at what shadow stories could be.
Ways of Seeing and Being - Catherine Sheridan
Dig deep. Dive in. Play.This workshop is a place to meet, to learn, to create, to inspire and to be inspired! Gain new insights, perspectives and ways of seeing & being through drama. Use this opportunity for professional development through a practical scaffolded training practice. We will build ensemble, collaborate and use creative methodologies whilst engaging in relationship and partnership building activities using drama as a tool for learning. Your participation will play an active role in shaping the direction of the workshop by being at the heart of the decision making or creative choices. Enjoy and experience the freedom to play and make work without any predetermined outcomes.
Performing as an Ensemble in Public Space - Maria Tivnan, Macnas
For Macnas, any site, a street, a field a car park can be a site of performance, and this workshop investigates how we may explore, discover and make connections with each other and with an audience within public space. Collaboration and ensemble work are core aspects of the work of Macnas, and this practical workshop looks at how a group can embody space to express a theme or story in public space. The workshop will focus on devising group images and movement based on curiosity, imagination and exchange. Performance in public space is subject to many variables, including weather, movement of the public and the geography of the space itself, therefore a sense of play is vital. The workshop will explore techniques that encourage connection, responsiveness and spontaneity as group in performance.
International funding opportunities and networking
The Symposium will also feature presentations on International funding opportunities available to youth theatre artists across Europe, presentations on developing partnerships and structured networking opportunities with other artists attending the Symposium.
Erasmus+ Opportunities for Youth Workers, Organisations and Young People - Leargas
Did you know that Youth workers and young people can travel to another country for training, exchange, or collaboration activities ? Have you heard of Erasmus+ European Programmes, but you are not sure where to start ? This presentation will give you an overview of the exciting international opportunities available for Youth workers and young people through Erasmus+ projects. We will explain the ins and outs of these projects, where to find more information, and how to apply. The presentation will be delivered by Léargas staff.
Shout Out youth theatre present an 'in-progress' production of Seabourne by Carley Magee Tollerton.
With thanks to the Climate Justice fund supported by DCEDIY, Shout Out youth theatre will present and 'in-progress' production of 'Seaborne' by Carley Magee-Tollerton, ahead of its premiere in Kerry later this year.
“Seaborne” is an environmental play aimed to be performed by 10-14-year-olds, wherein the world has flooded into pockets of isolated communities, one of those being a group of children left alone by adults to survive. The play’s purpose is to have a vital role in introducing the issue of the climate crisis to young people, through the imagined event of a global natural disaster caused by climate change. Set in a “not too far future”, these children are grappling with the responsibility of looking after their sinking home, as well as their mental health and those around them. Climate Justice is a key global issue that will disproportionately affect young people and this play allows young people to engage with a topic that will be very important to their future and the future of our planet.
Plain text version of timetable here
Workshop Selections - Once you purchase your ticket you will be emailed a separate link to select your workshop preferences for Friday and Saturday. Please note, workshops will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis.
A two day ticket for the Symposium costs only €10. Available from Eventbrite here
Dates: Nov 10th and 11th 2023
Venue: University College Cork, The Granary, Mardyke Road