New Stage Youth Theatre offers a yearly program for the young people of County Mayo, aged between 12-18 years of age. Empowering them to believe in their own creativity, skill set and in themselves, to live in the moment and see no boundaries in the world of theatre.
New Stage Youth Theatre was set up in October 2022 with fifteen members and by November 2023 had twenty-five members. It has a junior and senior group and is facilitated by Mary Ellen Doran.
The youth theatre is managed under the local amateur theatre group Aisteoirí Béal Easa and provides a programme of drama workshops and performances that is centred on creative opportunities, supports personal and social development for all our members.
With the support of Mayo County Council, New Stage Youth Theatre in Foxford becomes our latest affiliate.
Mayo County Council Arts Service had fully supported youth theatre provision since 1999. Youth theatre in Mayo was at a critical stage in its re-development with Mayo Youth Theatre being on hiatus as a result of Covid-19 in 2021.
In partnership with Youth Theatre Ireland, Mayo County Council Arts Service rethought how youth theatre provision could be delivered in the county.
May 2022 saw Mayo County Council Arts Service in partnership with Youth Theatre Ireland host an online session and an in-person event aimed at the youth theatre sector in Mayo to explore the future of youth theatre in the county.
The workshops and consultation were a first phase in determining the future of youth theatre in Mayo. Among the attendees were Mary Ellen Doran and Edel Doherty from Foxford.
Stemming from the consultation sessions, Edel and Mary Ellen submitted an Expression of Interest and began with an open workshop in October 2022, where fifteen young people arrived. They have continued to grow ever since
This programme is strategically funded by Mayo County Council in partnership with the Arts Council. They have also received from through MSLETB from their Local Creative Youth Partnership.
Mayo County Council Arts Service recognises the importance and power of youth theatre and what it contributes to the lives of young people.
This is outlined by Ann Marie Ging, Arts Officer, Mayo Co.Council:
"Youth theatre plays a crucial role in the development of young lives by fostering creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Engaging in theatre at a young age encourages self-expression and imagination, helping the young people involved explore different roles and perspectives.
It builds transferrable life skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Youth theatre provides a supportive environment where young people can understand and embrace their individuality and develop empathy towards other people’s experiences and perspectives.
Practically, involvement cultivates a sense of discipline and commitment through rehearsals and performances, teaching young actors the value and importance of hard work and dedication. Ultimately, through our support for youth theatre we aim to support the creative and social development of young people in the county."
"A fantastic creative opportunity for the teenagers of Mayo, we are delighted to host the Youth Theatre here in Foxford. We would like to thank facilitator Mary Ellen Doran, Mayo Arts Office and Youth Theatre Ireland for all their help over the last two years, and we very much look forward to working with them in the future." Edel Doherty, Co-ordinator of New Stage Youth Theatre