Dingle Youth Theatre Affiliates with Youth Theatre Ireland

Established in 2022, and based at Aiseanna na hÓige Family Resource Centre in Dingle, Co. Kerry, Dingle Youth Theatre has quickly become an important creative and social space for young people on the Dingle Peninsula. The group is the first youth theatre in Ireland to operate through a Family Resource Centre, placing it firmly at the heart of its local community.

Dingle Youth Theatre's Artistic Direction is led by Tara Downes, workshop facilitator and creative lead. Tara is a graduate of Youth Theatre Ireland’s Drama Facilitation Training Course and also works with Shout Out Youth Theatre in Listowel.

Supporting the artistic work is Fionnuala Donegan, Youth Theatre Co-ordinator. Iryna Kostetska has also joined the team in recent months, supporting the group’s successful journey towards affiliation. This is all overseen by Fiona Nic Gearailt, Aiseanna na hOige Manager, who has be a champion of the youth theatre since its inception in 2022.

Speaking on the announcement Fiona said " We're absolutely delighted to be now affiliated with Youth Theatre Ireland."

Initially, Dingle YT was supported through the Youth Theatre Grant Scheme, overseen by the Local Creative Youth Partnership at Kerry ETB with funding from the Department of Education and Youth, Kerry County Council and the Arts Council.

The youth theatre is now funded directly through a LEADER programme co-ordinated by North, East and West Kerry (NEWKD) reflecting growing confidence in its work and long-term sustainability. Furthermore, the Youth Theatre Grant Scheme now transferred from the ETB to the Arts Office of Kerry County Council is also maintained to support the growth and expansion of youth theatre in Kerry.

Commenting on the good news, Deirdre Enright, (Local Creative Youth Partnership Co-Ordinator at Kerry ETB) added; "The strategy in Kerry around youth theatre is very simple, in a county this large, can we provide access to quality youth theatre practice within a 50-minute drive of every young person’s home. This is the wish and the longer-term goal. Dingle Youth Theatre are a thriving example of committed leadership integrating youth theatre into the operational plan of a thriving Family Resource Centre."

Dingle Youth Theatre works primarily with young people aged 11–18, welcoming participants of varied abilities and needs.

Like many youth theatres across the country, it provides a space where young people come together to make friends, be creative and have fun, while developing confidence and artistic skills.

The youth theatre is now a recognised part of the local cultural landscape. On Saturday May 2nd, they performed their annual show as part for Féile na Bealtaine, the vibrant local festival with a strong artistic reputation. A full house attended their matinee performance as part of the festivities at the Wave Theatre.

This a significant endorsement of the quality of the group’s work and its place in the cultural landscape of West Kerry.