D.15 Youth Theatre Affiliates with Youth Theatre Ireland

April 20th, 2024 marked a significant milestone for youth theatre in Dublin as D.15 Youth Theatre proudly affiliated with Youth Theatre Ireland. Based at Draíocht in Blanchardstown, this affiliation signifies a major step forward in the ongoing development and expansion of youth theatre in Dublin, an area particularly underserved by such provisions.

D.15 Youth Theatre, established in October 2011, offers young people aged 14-18 a vibrant space to create, express themselves, and explore new ideas.

Meeting every Tuesday evening, their 28-strong membership works weekly with dedicated facilitators from October to June. The Youth Theatre produces a major theatre show every two years, with smaller projects in the interim years.

Core facilitators Eimear Morrissey, Alexandra Conlan, and Eva-Jane Gaffney, along with a diverse range of gallery, theatre, and performance artists that Draíocht partners with annually, guide the creative journey of these young artists.

D.15 Youth Theatre’s affiliation with Youth Theatre Ireland not only strengthens the network of youth theatres in Dublin but also enhances the creative growth and artistic expression of its members.

Alan King, Deputy Director of Youth Theatre Ireland, shared his enthusiasm about this new affiliation:

"I'm thrilled that D.15YT have joined Youth Theatre Ireland. I am excited for D.15's members as they can now access the vast array of free programmes available exclusively to our members. These include the Young Critics, National Festival of Youth Theatres, and the National Youth Theatre. I'm also excited about the possibility of collaborating further with Draíocht to host more Youth Theatre Ireland events in the future."

This new affiliation is part of a broader trend of arts centres and venues incorporating youth theatres into their programming, enriching the local cultural landscape, and providing invaluable creative opportunities for young people.

Notably, Draíocht co-hosted the Youth At the Centre event with Youth Theatre Ireland in 2018, an initiative that directly inspired the establishment of several venue-based youth theatres. These include Dlr Mill Youth Theatre Group at the Mill Theatre Dundrum and St. John’s Theatre and Arts Centre, Listowel, Co. Kerry. Both groups recently affiliated with Youth Theatre Ireland.

This collaboration heralds a promising future for youth arts in Co.Dublin, reflecting Youth Theatre Ireland’s vision to provide access to youth theatre to every young person in Ireland.