The Young Critics Programme is part of Youth Theatre Ireland’s commitment to developing youth theatre members’ awareness and appreciation of the aesthetic of theatre.
ABOUT YOUNG CRITICS
Young Critics is one of Youth Theatre Ireland's longest-running and most innovative programmes. This innovation really came to the fore in the last two years, as our programme was forced to move online.
For Young Critics 2022, we are taking all we’ve learned, to offer a Young Critics programme that blends the best of the online working, in-person workshops, and the magic of seeing live theatre in a packed auditorium once again.
Over six months, the Young Critics will participate in online workshops, visit Cork and Dublin for two incredible meet ups, see some amazing shows, make new friends and learn the art of theatre criticism.
It is open to youth theatre members who are interested in watching theatre, discovering how and why theatre is made, and learning how to critically discuss, analyse, and review this work.
During the programme, young people will see quality productions while developing their critical skills under the mentorship of international theatre critic and academic, Dr. Karen Fricker, and Youth Theatre Ireland’s expert facilitators. The programme will culminate with The Young Critics Panel in October.
Along the way, you will connect with other young people from across Ireland, make new friends, have fun and have some life changing experiences.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE YOUNG CRITICS?
The Young Critics will meet over a series of online workshops and for two action-packed meet ups in Cork and Dublin.
Sat April 9th, Online Workshop. 3- 5.30pm
Sat April 23rd, Online Workshop 3- 5.30 pm
Sat May 7th Online Workshop 3- 5.30 pm
Tues June 21st – Thurs June 23rd -Three full days in Cork
Sat Sept 10th Online Workshop 3- 5.30 pm
Fri Oct 7th – Sun Oct 9th – Full weekend in Dublin
In between the workshop sessions, the Young Critics will have the opportunity to see other productions and make critical responses through the use of digital technology including written blogs, podcasts, and vlogs.
Don’t take our word for it. See what 2019 Young Critic Jessie has to say about the programme here.
To see the Young Critics in action, check out the Young Critics Panel from 2021
THE YOUNG CRITICS 2022 ARE:
James Acheson Dennehy Stagecraft YT, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary
Mia Clinch – Sligo YT
Molly Crilly – Act Out YT, Navan, Co. Louth
Keeley Guilfolye – Co.Clare YT
Andrew Keegan – Fracture YT, Thurlas, Co. Tipperary
Cian Griffen -WACT YT, Co.Wexford
Ethan Mallon – Act Out YT, Navan, Co. Louth
Helen McCarthy – Explore YT, Leixlip, Co.Kildare
Becca McGlone - Sligo YT
Dearbhla McCormack – Monaghan YT
Nneka Okosi –MAD YT, Dundalk, Co. Louth
MJ O’Leary O’Connor – Activate YT, Cork
Liam O'Neill – Dreamstuff YT, Co.Kilkenny
Amelie Prone - Kildare YT
Chaya Smyth – Dublin YT & Dlr Mill YT
Yasna Tofail – Limerick YT
HOW DO I APPLY TO TAKE PART IN YOUNG CRITICS?
Participation in the programme is free: all costs are covered by Youth Theatre Ireland. This includes theatre tickets, accommodation, travel, and meals.
It is open to youth theatre members who will be aged 16 - 20 by April 8th, 2022. We are looking for young people who are comfortable meeting new people, working in a highly focused way, and are willing to share their thoughts and opinions in a group setting. A love of theatre and an enthusiasm for engaging with digital tools are a bonus.
We will provide you with all the skills and tools needed to take part fully in the programme. To be a Young Critic you must be available for all the dates listed above.
Applications are open again in spring 2023.
To offer individual advice and guidance on developing each young person's critical skills, places on the programme are limited to a maximum of 16. All applications will be considered fairly and be representative of Youth Theatre Ireland’s membership nationwide.
"The programme has given me a much better understanding of all the elements of theatre and how to implement them into my performance and writing. It has definitely helped me socially considering I didn't get many chances to meet new people over the past few years." 2021 Young Critic