Youth Theatre Ireland, Strategic Plan 2021-2023

The plan provides a framework for empowering young people in Ireland through accessible and effectively resourced youth theatre.

Launching the strategic plan, Catherine Martin, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media praised the importance of the work of Youth Theatre Ireland for young people. “For many years, Youth Theatre Ireland has been a very important “actor” (excuse the pun) in not only promoting a love of drama and theatre – and indeed the arts in general – but also as a key support network for young people. A great example of the synergies that can be achieved between the arts and youth work – and I am very pleased to note that your new strategic plan underpins this dual contribution to the lives of young people.”

To coincide with the launch, Youth Theatre Irelands members across Ireland will celebrate with ‘I Heart Youth Theatre Day’, a national day of recognition for the work of Youth Theatres. The Youth Theatre community has forged ahead, either online or with limited capacity offline, throughout 2020, working with and supporting hundreds of young people. They continue to provide a vital lifeline and creative outlet for so many in multiple locations across the country.

Eoghan Doyle, Director, Youth Theatre Ireland recognised the work achieved by members in Ireland in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Despite everything that has gone on in the last year, youth theatres across Ireland kept their doors open. When they could they met in person, and when they couldn’t they moved online. What never changed was the passion and love for youth theatre that was shown by our amazing leaders and young people all across the country. Work was created and the creative voices of young artists were still heard. Youth theatre has always been a place for young people to express themselves creatively, to examine the world around them through theatre, to learn new things and meet new people. The events of 2020 did not and could not change this.”

In its 40 year existence, the role of Youth Theatre Ireland and its members has been crucial to the personal, social and artistic development of young people in Ireland and is now more important than ever. Strategic plan 2020-2023 will be available to download from YouthTheatre.ie, the organisations newly designed website which features additional resources and supports for members.