Orla Gildea

I am a freelance Facilitator, Drama Teacher, Dramatherpist and voluntary Artistic Director with Explore Youth Theatre which I co-founded in 2016. We are affiliated to Youth Theatre Ireland. I am also a actor and writer.

I am passionate about the benefits of working through the medium of drama for creative expression, personal development and healing. I enjoy helping and encouraging people to find their voice and see them grow in confidence. I love the arts and its ability to inspire and empower. I worked with many organisations, schools and communities, that support people with life challenges and special needs.

I believe in Community Drama as it builds a sense of identity. Everyone has a story, and working creatively with our stories builds empathy, compassion and an appreciation for who we are. I enjoy the process of exploring, devising and creating something unique through characters and situations with the groups I work with. I find this process as exciting as the performance itself. Working with people using drama techniques brings them into the moment and gives them the freedom to allow their true self to emerge. Drama and Theatre is a fantastic outlet for people of all ages and ability.

MA Dramatherapy - NUI Maynooth
Licentiate - Irish Board Speech and Drama
Story Exchange Facilitator - Narrative 4
Laban Dance Leader - Laban
Techniques of Modern Realist Acting - Tom Kibbe
Standup Comedy - Gaiety School of Acting -Danny Kehoe
Clowning - Veronica Coburn
Devising Theatre - Louse Lowe
Theatre of the Oppressed - Chrissie Poulter