Young Critics Panel at Dublin Theatre Festival

The Young Critics programme is culminating at this year's Dublin Theatre Festival with 14 participants from 11 youth theatres across the country.

The Young Critics deepens critical thinking skills, asks participants to reflect on their experiences and opinions of live theatre, and challenges them to step outside their comfort zone.

Since April, the Young Critics have come together on zoom and attended Cork Midsummer Festival under the guidance of theatre critic and academic Karen Fricker and National Programme Co-Ordinator Rebecca Feely.

Now they are ready to take on what Dublin Theatre Festival has to offer!

Join us on October 11th at 1pm at the Project Arts Centre to hear what the Young Critics have to say. Tickets are free!

The 2026 Young Critics are:

Liam Donohoe Dunne, Roscommon County Youth Theatre
Cliodhna O’Grady, Nenagh Youth Theatre, Co. Tipperary
Megan James, Act Out Youth Theatre, Co. Meath
Tamzin McCreesh, M.A.D. Youth Theatre, Co. Louth
Daniel Foley, Explore Youth Theatre, Co. Kildare
Daniele C. Batacan, Dublin Youth Theatre
Matthieu Nargeolet, UCC Youth Theatre, Co. Cork
Teegan O'Connell, Lightbulb Youth Theatre, Co. Cork
Caoimhe Marjoram, Explore Youth Theatre, Co. Kildare
George O'Herlihy, WACT Youth Theatre, Co. Wexford
Ruairi O'Dwyer, WACT Youth Theatre, Co. Wexford
Iseult Murphy, Dublin Youth Theatre
Rossa Bracken, Mountrath Youth Theatre, Co. Laois
Sophie Stamatescu Rodrigues, Activate Youth Theatre, Co. Cork