Youth Theatre Ireland support material for Arts Council application

Supporting Inclusion in Youth Theatre – Learning from practice

A Youth Theatre Practice Symposium

How can youth theatre practice support inclusion of young people both within a workshop space, in performance spaces, and in wider contexts across their lives?

This year’s symposium explores how youth theatres are currently developing inclusive practice, offering skills workshops to examine approaches to inclusion with opportunities to discuss and share practice and work towards shaping future supports.

The symposium is aimed broadly at those already engaged in youth theatre practice as well as participants with an interest in youth theatre from the theatre, education, youth work and community sectors.

The symposium is open to adult practitioners aged 18+.

Workshops and presentations across a range of areas including Exploring Inclusive Methodologies in Youth Theatre Facilitation, Demystifying and developing Inclusive Drama and Story-Making and Dyslexia in Youth Theatre the symposium facilitates a chance to reflect on what is working and what could be different.

The Youth Theatre Practice Symposium 2022 was hosted by the Department of Theatre, University College Cork and Youth Theatre Ireland.


Participants could:

Hear inspiring voices from the youth theatre sector and beyond
Explore current youth theatre practice through a series of presentations, discussions and practical workshops
Discover recent projects, case studies and developments through the lens of the ’Supporting Inclusion’ theme
Learn new skills and approaches through participation in specialist drama workshops
Network and socialise with organisations and individuals interested in youth theatre practice
Discuss key questions and themes with other participants and share practice
Discover new writing for youth theatre in association with the Scripts Festival and the George B. Miller Award.
Reconnect with colleagues and friends old and new


Young people were welcome to attend the Playshare staged extracts on Saturday 19th November at the Granary Theatre. Open to young people aged 12+ accompanied by parents or youth theatre leaders.

The Youth Theatre Symposium is delivered in partnership with Youth Theatre Ireland the Department of Theatre, University College Cork. It is supported by The Arts Council and The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Workshops
Our workshop programme featured expert facilitators with strong youth theatre connections and a wealth of knowledge on Inclusive Practice.

Barry McSkeane, National Network Coordinator for Belong To and Youth Theatre Ireland Board member delivered Youth Theatre – A place you Belong To! In this session, Barry explored what it means to be LGBTQ+ in today’s society, the complexity of language, sexuality, gender identity, and the barriers some face when 'coming out'.

Donna O Keeney, Inclusion Officer at Graffiti Theatre Company, workshop is Demystifying and developing Inclusive Drama and Story-Making. The workshop provided an insight into working with young people with physical disabilities and offered tips on how to adapt our work to ensure equity for all within our YT spaces.

Aoife Anderson, is the Information Officer with the Dyslexia Association of Ireland and wellbeing officer for Dreamstuff YT. Her workshop, Dyslexia in Youth Theatre, deepened our understanding of dyslexia for what it is, alongside what it isn’t. Participants stepped inside the space of inclusive learning as they explored how we as facilitators and advocates can make our youth theatres more dyslexia friendly.

Regina Crowley, MTU Cork School of Music & GAITKRASH Theatre Company delivered a one off workshop Awaken Your Voice! which drew upon the work of world-renowned voice specialist Kristin Linklater.

Presentations & Discussions

Returning once again to the hallowed halls of University College Cork, we put together a remarkable and exciting programme with on focus on Inclusion.

Our inspiring panel of speakers included:

The Act of Creation: Being trans in the world of youth theatre
Kel Menton.

Kel is a non-binary writer from Cork. They currently work as an assistant youth theatre facilitator at Graffiti Theatre Company, and as a coordinator for Fighting Words Cork. You can find some of their work published in the Irish Examiner, Playshare, Good Day Cork, and the ROPES literary journal.



Ballyfermot Youth Theatre: From Zoom to in the Room
Steven Tully

Steven Tully is an a Youth Arts Worker, Artist and Youth Theatre Facilitator currently working for Familibase in the Ballyfermot, Dublin 10 community. Steven has spent the last three years establishing the Ballyfermot Youth Theatre, of which he is the lead facilitator. With the support of both Youth Theatre Ireland and Familibase, Steven has taken the youth Theatre from a small online group during the pandemic to a large, diverse group of young people all from the Ballyfermot community.



Towards inclusion - insights from the creation of What I (Don't) Know About Autism
Jody O'Neill in Conversation with Katie Martin

Jody O’Neill is an autistic writer and actor for theatre and screen. She is a recipient of the 2022 Markievicz Award, is Theatre Artist-in-Residence at UCC and Cork Opera House . Katie Martin has worked in a myriad of capacities in youth theatre. She has also worked as an editor, writer and social justice advocate. Her poems have been published in a number of anthologies, magazines and journals both in Ireland and abroad.

Fionn Woodhouse, our academic partner at UCC hosted a short Q&A with our presenters and our delegates.

Over the two days hosted a series of Conversation Hubs, where delegates could have a deeper dive and some more meaningful conversations on topics, themes and responses to our presenters and the workshop programme.

Playshare - The George B.Miller Award

In 2021, Youth Theatre Ireland announced a new collaboration with Scripts, Ireland's Playwriting Festival - The George B. Miller Award.

Inspired by the work of the late George B.Miller, this award offered three playwrights the opportunity to each work on writing a play for youth theatre ensembles aged 11-14. Following a shortlisting process, three writers were selected to work on their plays with the support of Dramaturg Pete Mullineaux over a 10 month period.These three plays were presented as staged extracts by Youth Theatre Ireland members as part of the symposium. The plays and Playwrights are:

Initiative by Isaac Quinn

Shadow Selves by Bridgid Galvin

Seabourne by Carley Magee

These were performed by the members of Activate Youth Theatre, Cork, Griese Youth Theatre, Co. Kildare and Co. Roscommon Youth Theatre.

You can read more about the George B.Miller Award and our playwrights here.

TICKET PRICING

€10 symposium only. This includes access to the full symposium programme, including workshops as well as tea/coffee and lunch

€45 as above + 3 course dinner at Jury's Hotel, Anderson's Quay, Centre, Cork, T12 DCR9 available until Oct 19th

Early Bird

€100 As above, +1 night single room B&B & Dinner at Jury's Hotel, Anderson's Quay, Centre, Cork, T12 DCR9 (Single Room Occupancy - save €85) 10 available until Oct 19th

€150 2 x Symposium Entry , Dinner x 2 people +1 night twin room B&B & at Jury's Hotel, Anderson's Quay, Centre, Cork, T12 DCR9 (Double/ TWIN Room Occupancy - save €90) 5 available until Oct 19th

Participant feedback

“The theme was inclusion, which I took to mean the inclusion of various groups/individuals (LGBTQ+, Autism, Dyslexic etc) but what actually happened was the privilege it was for me to be included in these areas. I felt that I was given a safe space to ask (possibly stupid/ignorant) questions and to be allowed insight. I attended Barry Mac's workshop and felt so welcomed and permitted to enter into the LGBTQ+ world for a while.”


“Everything! The chance to meet colleagues, the workshops, the sense of community and the big conversations had around inclusion. Play share was really wonderful, especially hearing the voices of younger youth theatre members. It was brilliant to see young people from Breaking Barriers attending the symposium, they helped show us who is missing and reminded us of the work that we need to do.”

“I liked the feeling of community that existed throughout the whole event. It was a safe space filled with people that wanted to learn and communicate with others. All the facilitators were well picked and made us safe to make any question needed.”

“Donna O'Keeney's workshop was energizing, informative and inspirational; as were the wonderful Opening Remarks/Speakers. The performances of the selections from the 3 GBM Award were fascinating/well-done; each company approaching their piece in such different ways...and especially enjoyed the young people's contributions to the discussion following the performances. I loved getting to meet 2 of the GBM Award playwrights. The Friday dinner was also such a nice to get to mix and talk and get to know folks better...just lovely.”

“Two days not enough? Full 3-day weekend if possible! I wish we had been able to attend all 4 workshop presentations in some form of rotation.”

“The emphasis on disability be it hidden or seen was very helpful the facilitators enabled us to see from the other perspective as over the years would have come across people of various abilities but would not have had the confidence or training to maybe deal as effectively as we could have now more than ever inclusion is the way forward donna”

Evaluation insights

65% of participants rated the Symposium as Exceptional

30 % of participants rated the Symposium as Very Good

Youth Theatre Development.

A major element of Youth Theatre Ireland’s work is youth theatre development. In the main this is supporting individuals and community groups to establish sustainable youth theatres in their communities that align with the Criteria for Affiliation with Youth Theatre Ireland.

Youth Theatre growth, development and sustainability is a labour intensive endeavour that requires patience, grass roots cultivation and continued mentorship. To sustainably grow the number of affiliated youth theatres a proactive, innovative, and targeted approach is needed. This is achieved through focused stakeholder engagement, building leadership capacity, increased funding, and visibility & advocacy.

At present there are 30 “developing youth theatres” in the youth theatre development book. These “developing youth theatres” range from people who we have had one or two conversations with to those who are developing policies and building teams, to those that are close to affiliation.

Each of these leads in hugely demanding of time, energy and expertise. Development is done on a case by case , in a bespoke manner to respond to the needs of each individual organisation. This is done through countless emails and phone calls, zoom meetings, site visits and thorough feedback and support in writing policies, developing Governance structures and Artistic mentorship.

In 2023, two youth theatres, so far, have become affiliated to Youth Theatre Ireland. The timeline from initial conversation to full affiliation was on average 2 ½ years for each group.

Funhouse, Youth Theatre, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

Funhouse Youth Theatre was established in Autumn 2020 with the assistance of a Creative IrelandDevelopment Grant, facilitated through Youth Theatre Ireland. An Unincorporated Association with volunteer committee and paid facilitators. Currently have 13 members and have re-established affiliated youth theatres in Co. Offaly. Two lead facilitators were participants on our inaugural Drama Facilitation Training Couse 2020-2021


Wonder Youth Theatre, Ballyjamesduff, Co.Cavan

Wonder Youth Theatre was set up during the COVID-19 pandemic to try combat isolation for the young people and to reach the diverse community in Ballyjamesduff, which has many different nationalities living side by side. Established by Emma Reid, who graduated Artstrain in 2011. An Unincorporated Association with volunteer committee and 1 paid facilitator. Currently have 18 members and operate from Saint Joseph’s Parish Hall in Ballyjamesduff.



In September 2023, 5 youth theatres are ‘close to affiliation’:


New Stage Youth Theatre, Foxford, Co. Mayo.

A volunteer led youth theatre, with one paid facilitator, run through an amateur drama society. Supported by small contribution from Mayo Co.Co. Currently working with 25 young people. Expected to be affiliated by Dec 2023. Lead facilitator has been accepted onto our Drama Facilitation Training Couse 2023-2024



Theatre Making and Citizenship Cork

An programme of the Everyman, Cork. Currently working with 15 young people. Professional venue led youth theatre. Expected to be affiliated by Dec 2023. Programme Manager Maev O’Shea was participant on our Drama Facilitation Training Couse 2021-2022

Castletownbere Youth Theatre

Newly established YT in West Cork. An Unincorporated Association with volunteer committee and paid facilitators. Numbers unknown at this point. This has taken several years to get to this point. Expected to be affiliated by Feb 2024. Lead facilitator and main leader was participant on our Drama Facilitation Training Couse 2022-2023.



Breaking Barriers, Crann Centre, Ballincollig, Cork

Breaking Barriers is a creative and fun theatre group for young people with a neuro-physical disability and their families. Working with 10 – 15 young people. Supported by the Crann Centre and a small development grant from Creative Ireland through Youth Theatre Ireland. Established organisation with paid staff and facilitators. Expected to be affiliated by Dec 2023.

D.15 Youth Theatre, Blanchardstown, Co. Dublin.

A programme of Draiocht Blanchardstown. Professional venue led youth theatre. Currently working with 18 young people. This has taken a long time to get them to this point. Expected to be affiliated by Feb 2024.

4 Youth Theatres are doing “Focused Work”

A further four youth theatres are developing policies, sourcing leaders, and recruiting young people. The timeline for these could be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years from now.

6 Youth Theatres have “stalled.”

Considerable time and energy has been invested in developing groups but this has now slowed down for a variety of reasons. These include a lack of interest, change in personnel or management, change in organisational focus, overworked in other areas or lack of funding.

15 groups are in “early-stage development.”

These would include those where we held a number of meetings (online or in person) and would be talked through the affiliation process. They may be developing policies, or they may no longer continue to respond or develop any further.

In addition, there were 10 leads they were moved into the archive file. These were leads, that substantial time and attention was given to , but for a variety of reason, decided to no longer continue the process of affiliation. They may pick this up in the future but at present they don’t warrant a commitment of any further time on Youth Theatre Ireland’s behalf.

Other areas of development

Pilot project with Exchange House

Facilitator Betty Duffy

Introduction

The purpose of this pilot Drama programme was the introduction of young female members of the Ballymun settled travelling community from primary school age to participate for the first time in drama workshops. This programme was supported through funding for the Creative Ireland programme.

Venue: Exchange House and St Margaret’s Travellers Community Hall

Time: 5pm – 6.30pm

Day: Friday

Dates: Start dated 21st February 2023 – 19th May 2023, inclusive.

Pilot Modules

The scope of the pilot was planned to include the following types of drama workshops.

Improvisation
Drama techniques’
Role Playing
Exploration of identity both positive, neutral, and negative.
Exploration of street theatre
Theatre visits

Pilot Participants

12 young girls from traditional traveller communities attended on time each week. Fully engaging each week with enthusiasm and energy. This group were incredibly open to all drama techniques’ and exploring their own identity.

A theatre visit to the Gate Theatre again open their minds into this unique world. Getting to see backstage, dressing rooms, lighting box etc the excitement of the day ended with this young group performing a song and a dance on the Gate Theatre with no inhibitions whatsoever.

Project insights

This community of girls needed these workshops, the reason being as the travelling community are so traditional these Fridays was an escape into a different world using so many drama techniques and a safe environment to preform and simply be the young girls they want to be.

Moving forward, if there is a plan for these girls to put an actual performance together, my recommendations would be to change the timing. I noticed that Friday evenings there is more energy as school has finished and routine has ended for the week.

This overall project is definitely worth exploring within the travelling community, as mentioned before identity is a huge role among this community and with the use of drama workshops this can safely be explored and give confidence as these young girls enter into the teenage years.

From Betty Duffy, Lead artist and facilitator. Sept 1st 2023

Collaboration with ReWrite

In March 2023, we were approached by Melatu Uche Okorie and I work for an organisation called ReWrite, a creative arts initiative, who work with young people between the ages of 18-25 from migrant communities in Ireland.

They wanted make connections within the theatre organisations for future collaborations. We held a number of meetings and offered support in kind for their Creative Now summer project. Unfortunately this project was unsuccessful in securing funding. We would hope to develop this relationship further in 2024, should they receive funding.

Programme details

The Youth Theatre Ireland Roadshow were piloted in 2023. The Roadshow provides an immersive experience that offers valuable insights into the unique work we do at Youth Theatre Ireland, exploring our methodologies, practice, and career opportunities within youth theatre.

One of Youth Theatre Ireland’s key responsibilities is youth theatre development.

Crucial to this development is fostering new relationships with artists, youth workers and stakeholders of all levels of experience and enhancing their understanding of youth theatre practice.

Engaging with youth workers and students across theatre or performance or arts and social studies courses is vital for youth theatre growth, sustainability, and individual career pathways.

The Youth Theatre Ireland Roadshow acts as a catalyst for students or staff as they navigate the exciting journey of their career progression.

These 1- 3 day events are designed to inspire, engage, and empower participants.

Typically, Alan King, Deputy Director, Dave Kelly, Youth Theatre Ireland’s National Training Co-Ordinator, and Barry Morgan, Special Projects Officer, would deliver the programme.

During the day, attendees will have the opportunity to:

Participate in a creative workshop that encourages creativity, teamwork, and self-expression, led by Dave and Barry. Here they will experience first-hand the dynamic approach of Youth Theatre Ireland.
Find out more about the QQ1 Level 6 training course
Gain an in-depth understanding of the impactful work Youth Theatre Ireland is doing across the country.

Evaluate their own practice and find out more about career opportunities across the youth theatre sector.
Network and make valuable industry connections

In 2023 Roadshows were delivered in conjunction with Cork Local Creative Youth Partnership, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Maynooth University and Youth Work Ireland Midlands.

Evaluation insights

The Roadshows were trialled in 2023 in partnership with a number of institutions and organisations. They were part of existing academic work, or were managed by another party. As such, evaluation insights were not available to Youth Theatre Ireland. From late 2023 onwards a simple evaluation form will be developed for participants

Youth Theatre Facilitators Directory

The Youth Theatre Facilitators Directory aims to connect facilitators with potential employers efficiently, enhance professional development, and maintain quality standards. It balances accessibility with privacy and membership benefits, with potential for expansion into the broader youth arts sector. Regular monitoring, data standardization, and clear user responsibilities are crucial considerations for its successful implementation.

Aims and Objectives:

Efficient Facilitator Matching: The database's primary aim is to facilitate quick and efficient matching of youth theatre facilitators with individuals or organizations in need of their services. This will allow Youth Theatre Ireland core staff to focus on other areas of work.
Membership Requirement: Facilitators need to become individual members of Youth Theatre Ireland to be included in the database, ensuring they adhere to certain standards and requirements.
Professional Development: The database promotes professional development and statutory obligations by ensuring facilitators have trained in Child Protection Training (CPT) and maintain updated profiles.
User-Friendly: It should be user-friendly, allowing easy access to contact information, skills, interests, location, and availability of facilitators.
Vetting: Facilitators should be Garda vetted by each individual potential employer in accordance with Children First legislation.
Accessibility: The Directory in open and searchable by members of the general public.

Functionality:

Facilitator Profiles: Profiles should include contact information, skills, specializations, location, willingness to travel, last training, and availability.
Membership-Based: Facilitators must become individual members to access and be listed on the database, promoting professional standards.
Regular Monitoring and Updates: Regular checks and to ensure accurate and updated information on the database. This can be done once per year, on membership renewal.


User Groups:

Facilitators: Facilitators benefit from increased visibility, professional development opportunities, and potential job offers.
Members of Youth Theatre Ireland: Membership offers various benefits, including access to the database.
Contractors/Employers: Users seeking facilitators for projects, workshops, or programs can access and contact facilitators through the database. This includes affiliated and developing youth theatres, community groups, schools, and youth work organisations.


Considerations:

Access: Access to the directory is free for all members of the public who have access to the world wide web.
Criteria for Inclusion: Criteria for listing facilitators on the database will include qualifications, training, experience, and areas of expertise. Members of Youth Theatre Ireland core team including the Deputy Director, National Training Co-ordinator and National Programme Co-ordinator will be the selection committee.
Incentives: Potential facilitators will be offered free Youth Theatre Ireland membership and inclusion on the Facilitator’s Directory for one year, as an incentive to join.
Data Collection: Standardized data collection is crucial to ensure uniformity and avoid issues with input data.
Regional Representation: The database aims to have a balanced representation of facilitators in various regions.
Privacy and User Control: The database should strike a balance between facilitating contact and protecting facilitators' privacy.
Responsibilities: Youth Theatre Ireland core staff will be responsible for maintenance, monitoring, and promotion of the database.
Expansion: There's consideration for expanding the database's scope beyond youth theatre to include youth arts, with input from relevant stakeholders.

Timeline

The build had been completed on Sept 1st, 2023. Testing will run in September 2023.

Facilitator section and population will happen between Oct – Dec 2023.


The Facilitator’s Directory will be launched, and open to the public via the world wide web to coincide with the graduation of the QQ1 Level 6 participants in Drama Facilitation and Leadership (Class of 2023) in February 2023


Play Share Database

Youth Theatre has developed the online Playshare Directory. The Playshare Directory allows users to search for and access a comprehensive list of plays using various search criteria. Playshare is a collection of plays suitable for youth drama and theatre groups, made available through Youth Theatre Ireland. The majority of Playshare scripts have been specifically written for young people. They vary in length, content and style, but all the plays have been produced by a youth theatre/youth drama group at least once. There are now 135 plays here to suits all tastes and needs


Key Features and Functions:

Comprehensive Play Listings: The Playshare Directory will contain a diverse collection of plays suitable for youth theatre productions. Currently 135 plays, this will be expanded in 2023- 24.
Search Criteria: Users can search for plays based on criteria such as genre, author, length, themes, or age appropriateness.
Easy Access: The directory aims to make it easy for theatre professionals, youth theatre leaders, and educators to find the right play for their specific needs.
Managed Backend: Youth Theatre Ireland will take responsibility for entering and updating play information, ensuring accuracy and quality of listings.
Annual Updates: The directory will be refreshed once a year to include new plays and update existing listings.
Privacy: Since there won't be a front end for the public to enter details, the directory maintains a controlled and curated collection of plays.

The Playshare Directory serves as a valuable resource for anyone involved in youth theatre, providing easy access to a curated collection of plays that align with their specific requirements. It ensures that the information remains accurate and up to date while minimizing the risk of irrelevant or inappropriate entries.


Timeline

The build had been completed on Sept 1st, 2023. Testing will run in September 2023.

Existing Playshare entries will be populated between Oct – November 2023.

The Playshare Directory will be launched at the Youth Theatre Practice Symposium in November 2023.

Currently there are 57 affiliated Youth Theatres. Each youth theatre is autonomous with independent Governance Structure. They are operated by a combination of wholly volunteer organisations, volunteer organisation with one or two paid positions, or as programmes of venues or larger organisations with paid staff.

Youth Theatre Ireland provides extensive support to its 57 affiliated youth theatre groups across Ireland. Their work is essential in nurturing young people’s social, personal and artistic development, fostering creativity, and empowering young individuals through the medium of theatre.

Some of the support work we undertake:

Training, Workshops and Programmes: Youth Theatre Ireland offers a wide range of training opportunities and workshops for young people and youth theatre leaders. These programmes enhance the skills of both youth members and adults guiding them. These include Young Critics, Leading On, National Festival or Youth Theatres.
Resource Sharing: Facilitates the dissemination of suitable scripts through the Playshareinitiative, making it easier for them to access and utilize essential materials for their performances.
Networking Opportunities: Organize events, conferences, and networking sessions, creating a platform for youth theatre groups to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Funding and Grants: Youth Theatre Ireland provides financial support through grants and funding opportunities, such as the Youth Theatre Support Scheme. allowing affiliated groups to produce quality productions and invest in their facilities.
Quality Assurance: Maintaining a high standard of Health and Safety, child protection, and ethical practices, ensuring all affiliated groups operate securely and responsibly. Youth Theatre Ireland must support affiliated groups to apply for the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme, funded through the Dept. Of Children, Equality, Integration, Disability and Youth. Currently there are 25 groups that must adhere to the National Quality Standards for Youth Work. Each of these 25 applications must be reviewed and signed off on by a core member of Youth Theatre Ireland Staff prior to submission.
Access to Professional Expertise: Youth Theatre Ireland connects its members with industry professionals, offering mentorship and guidance to young talents seeking to pursue a career in theatre.
One on One Advice and Support: Other areas of work often include conflict resolution and HR related matters, advice on crisis management, advice of a delicate and upsetting nature on Child Protection and Welfare, advice on artistic programming and a multitude of management matters.


This is achieved through innumerable emails, phone and video conferencing calls, research, and long email threads on a case-by-case basis. This is shared by every member of the Youth Theatre Ireland team, is incredibly time consuming and labour intensive.

In summary, Youth Theatre Ireland plays a pivotal role in empowering and enriching the lives of young people by providing comprehensive support to its 57 affiliated youth theatre groups. Through training, resources, advocacy, and a strong sense of community, they help these groups flourish and contribute to the vibrant cultural landscape of Ireland.

NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE 2022 / 2023

Excellent Contemporary Theatre By, With & For Young People

‘Like We Were Born To Move’

OVERVIEW

For the 2023 National Youth Theatre, director Niall Cleary and playwright Eimear Hussey have worked with an ensemble of sixteen young actors and four young designers from youth theatres across Ireland over the last eighteen months to create a new play about dance, care, and agency, Like We Were Born To Move!

Director Niall Cleary on the importance of having these voices on a national stage. "Young people’s voices belong on our National stage. It’s a real honour to direct the National Youth Theatre this year, and to continue a long and happy association with YTI. I’m so proud to be working with a brilliant young playwright like Eimear Hussy and a talented and dedicated young ensemble and creative team. It’s always exciting to breathe life into a new play. “Like We Were Born to Move” is going to be very special."


How long do you wait for your Mam to come home before you have to do something about it? Who gets to fall apart? Who just has to cope? Why does asking for help feel impossible when it’s something everyone needs? Like We Were Born To Move is about waiting to be old enough to make your own decisions, and how terrifying it is when you realise you finally have to. It’s about dancers and dancing, adultified youths, and systems of care. There are catty siblings, guilty daughters, and Mam friends, fragile bodies, half-lies and honest ones. It’s about the work we’re not paid for, the pain you shouldn’t ignore, and that boyfriend you really should break up with.

Speaking at the first day of rehearsals, Youth Theatre Ireland Director Eoghan Doyle said ‘The National Youth Theatre is a highlight of the Youth Theatre Ireland calendar. We are so excited to have this ensemble of young people from all over Ireland showcasing youth theatre practice at the National Theatre. Our creative team, led by Niall Cleary, are crafting something very special. It’s also great to see the culmination of the 5-year vision for the National Youth Theatre programme, set out by Veronica Coburn being realised with a new play from by Eimear Hussey, a former youth theatre member.’

The selection of Eimear Hussey as playwright for NYT 2023 achieves one of the key artistic goals laid out in The National Youth Theatre 2019 – 2023 vision document by Veronica Coburn as Artistic Director of NYT 2018 – 2021, to have a National Youth Theatre written by a young person from an affiliated youth theatre. As Artistic Director NYT 2018 – 2021, Veronica oversaw the implementation of the initial phases of the Programme including directing the National Youth Theatre productions at the Abbey Theatre Dublin in August 2019 and 2021 with an emphasis on connection between the material being performed and the young people performing it. The concept of an artistic youth voice being key.

As part of the strategy to develop the capacity of young playwrights Veronica developed and implemented ARTiculate, a dedicated play-writing programme for young people in collaboration with ARTiculate’s current programme director Carys D. Coburn. It was through the ARTiculate programme, and its follow-on programme ARTiculate Brief, that Youth Theatre Ireland selected the playwright for NYT 2023.

PRODUCTION RUN. 14TH – 19TH AUGUST 2023. PEACOCK THEATRE

The National Youth Theatre (Like We Were Born to Move) ran from the 14th – 19th of August 2023. Final attendance figures for the run are still being calculated, but we currently estimate a 95% capacity attendance across the production run. This equates to 865 tickets out of a capacity of 910 seats.

INCLUSION

During the run of the production a relaxed performance took place on the 15th of August and an ISL (irish Sign Language) performance took place on the 17th of August.


PRESS COVERAGE

Like We Were Born to Move received a 4-star review in the Irish Times.

https://www.irishtimes.com/cul...

A profile on writer Eimear Hussey appeared in the Irish Independent

https://www.independent.ie/ent...

Various local press releases for the Ensemble were featured. Selection below.

Setanta Flood - https://www.longfordleader.ie/...


Andrew Keegan - https://tippfm.com/news/tipper...

Ensemble member Faith Alasgoba contributed to a blog for the Creative Ireland programme which will be published in the coming weeks. The transcript is below.

How did you get involved in /apply for the NYT?

I found out about Nyt through my youth theatre (Kildare youth theatre)which is one of the requirements of being apart of this, alongside being a young person, aged 16-21, ready to take this on. I went to the website where I found a myriad of information about the process, like a vlog documenting the whole experience and giving me insight into this opportunity. I then began the process of applying by filling in the application on the website and then into auditioning.

How did you find the audition process? The audition process was stimulating and fun, as it was workshop based.As an actor, you expect to walk into a room full of professionals who may be expecting perfection from you, where you practised and dissected your monologues or audition pieces, but it was not like that. It still felt scary walking into an audition that you did not traditionally prepare for. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the experience of working with other young people from varies youth theatres. It felt like I was at a workshop at my own youth theatre. From a person who is apart of Nyt, I understand that this was done to get you to enter this experience as yourself and that is the most important thing.

Tell us a little bit about your journey through the NYT process and rehearsals. The first 2 residentials were in Maynooth. They were a little awkward and daunting. I knew a few people I meet during the audition process but the thought of spending a year working with strangers was so distant and something I could not fathom. We spent a week with people that were total strangers and became like a family in the blink of an eye. At the end of the first residential we were all ugly crying and melancholic when going home. We spent an incredible amount of time living together, working together and growing together. To be completely honest at certain times, you really needed your space but no matter what you knew everyone was there to support you. From our director (Niall Cleary) to assistant director and National Program coordinator (Rebecca Fely), choreographer (Olwyn Lyons), writer (Eimear Hussey), and our incredible welfare team coordinated by Cathal Thornton and everyone in between. It got busier and hectic as the weeks progressed. The first week was about getting to know each and the second week too, but then a draft of the script was added and we got a glimpse into the what could be. The design team spent time creating a phantom sketch of the play. Everything slowly but surely came together, in the final month we spend rehearsing in cork for three weeks then back to Maynooth for the last 2.

How has it felt performing on the Peacock stage at the Abbey Theatre?

The fact that it is the National theatre in Ireland does not quantify the sheer amount of pride and euphoria you feel. Working on a project for a year where you pour so much into it to get back something just as auspicious as the experience is something I will never forget. Every single one of us loved performing on the peacock every night. It felt so energising and safe knowing that your ensemble members would never let you fall.

How do you feel that this will influence or encourage you in the future?Nyt gave me experience in a professional and collaborative environment working as an actor in a setting like the abbey with all the adept staff and strict scheduling. It gave me a good sense of discipline and an insightful look into the world of theatre. It felt like an opportunity to make my dreams come true and peer into a possible future where theatre is at the forefront of my life. It encouraged me and strengthen my love for theatre, to continue to pursue it.

Would you encourage other young people to get involved in youth theatre and the NYT?

I would 110% recommend youth theatre to anyone who loves theatre and wants to meet liked-minded people to share in that and have fun. I would recommend Nyt to those who wants to pursue theatre with everything it has to offer in their future, you don’t have to have much experience but a passion to pursue and persevere. Nyt is intense and a big commitment that will and does pay off in the end. The highs are high and the lows are not that low, when there are a lot of people supporting you every step of the way. This was an unforgettable experience and I will always carry it around with me forever.

The Drama Facilitation Training Course is a cornerstone of Youth Theatre Ireland’s work and plays a pivotal role in achieving the goals and aspirations outlined in our Strategic Plan 2021 – 2023. As an organisation committed to empowering young people through youth theatre, this QQI Accredited training is a commitment to the long term vision of providing high quality youth theatre experiences for young people across Ireland.

Now in its third year since being relaunched as a part-time training course in 2020, the DFTC has experienced an unprecedented growth in applications. These applications span across a diverse demographic in terms of both geographical origin and age group. Additionally, strategic partnerships have been fostered with several County Arts Offices and Education Training Boards. These collaborations not only involved the promotion of the course but also encompassed provisions of support for participants hailing from their respective regions. This collaborative effort signifies an investment in local artists within these areas.


Mentor Programme


Continuing from the preceding year's integration of the Mentorship component into the course, we have observed a heightened influence as participants of the course have progressed to collaborate with their mentors beyond the course framework. Additionally, a number of participants have been positively influenced and motivated to explore diverse approaches to engaging with young individuals and effectively facilitating drama.


Post Training Internship


Building upon our previous successful endeavours, we have continued to develop a number of intern positions for present participants of the course within our annual National Festival of Youth Theatres. These roles grant participants a first-hand exposure to the organisational intricacies of the festival. Moreover, this initiative affords them the chance to network with fellow facilitators, interact with youth theatre leaders, and practically apply the insights gained from our training course.

Conclusion


In Summary, the Drama Facilitation Training Course forms an essential pillar of Youth Theatre Ireland’s vision as it underpins sectoral development, drives artistic excellence, and ensures organizational effectiveness all with shared goal of empowering the voices of young people. As Youth Theatre Ireland continues its journey, its dedication to training will undoubtedly contribute to a vibrant and impactful youth theatre community.

Participant feedback

“The course really gave me more confidence both in myself and in my ability to facilitate drama workshops” “I wish I'd done this training 30 years ago...I have discovered a practice of open hearted supportive and creative people”

“It reinvigorated my classes in terms of approach and content. I felt i had great support from course leaders and I met a great bunch of people who loved drama just as much as I do”

“It was so much fun, I was using everything I had learned each week with my group. The people were lovely and we developed a bond as time went on. Our facilitators were superb!”

“Thank you for the challenges of this amazing course that exceeded all my expectations.”


Evaluation insights

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The Youth Board Programme has entered its second year of the current iteration. The Youth Board is designed to foster leadership, encourage active participation, and develop the civic knowledge of young people within the wider youth theatre community. This year, our Youth Board members have been involved in several key initiatives, including our whole organisation think-in day, a members' forum workshop at the national festival, the launch of a national Youth Theatre Survey, and regular monthly meetings.

Youth Board Representatives are also selected to attend events on behalf of the organisation or speak with the press, for example: https://www.newstalk.com/news/young-people-and-culture-the-arts-can-be-quite-exclusionary-1492809

In late 2022, the youth board ran a Youth Board Grant scheme, whereby youth theatres could identify an artist with whom they wanted to work, and apply to the youth board for a bursary to bring this artist to their youth theatre. The applications were assessed by the youth board and four youth theatres were successful in receiving this funding.

The Youth Board actively participated in our annual whole organisation think-in day last December, where they met with the staff, and the board of directors, to discuss and share valuable insights. Their involvement facilitated a two-way learning experience, enabling the young members to gain a deeper understanding of the organization's operations and challenges, while providing fresh perspectives to our strategic discussions. We believe their participation has strengthened the overall cohesion in the organisation. The members of the youth board who attended this event were very vocal regarding how much they learned about the organisation from this day.

In February, a call out was made for new members of the youth board. Some current members stayed on, to ensure a new group would not be starting from scratch. This new youth board was made up of five members staying on and five new members.

The Youth Board, for the second year in a row, attended the National Festival of Youth Theatres and delivered a highly successful members' forum workshop. This workshop focused on fostering dialogue, exchanging ideas, and gathering informative, and useful data, from representatives from every youth theatre who attended the festival. The Youth Board members showcased their leadership and facilitation skills, creating an engaging and insightful workshop that encouraged active participation and collaborative learning. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, and greatly informed the Youth Board’s national survey.

Following on from the National Festival members forum, the Youth Board led the launch of a national Youth Theatre Members Survey. This initiative aimed to gather valuable insights from the wider youth theatre community, providing a platform for their voices to be heard. The information collected will help us shape future strategies and ensure that our programmes continue to meet the needs of our young members. The survey was shared in our Intermission newsletter, on social media, and at National Youth Theatre.

The Youth Board also held regular monthly meetings throughout the year. These meetings have been instrumental in driving the programme's activities as well as providing space for the participants to get to know one another. In November, the Youth Board plan to present on the main stage at our Youth Theatre Practice Symposium.


Participant feedback

Feedback was collected via an online session with the outgoing youth board before the changeover in February, excerpts below:

What were some of your highlights?

Definitely the in person meeting, as much as the online meetings were necessary and were fun too, the in person meet ups had just a nicer tone and feel. Especially after so many online things due to covid.

NFYT. It was wonderful for us to interact directly with YT members and get their valuable feedback, it was also very rewarding to execute the forum we had been working towards, and as always it was lovely to get together in person
What would you recommend to improve the youth board?

if possible being able to do more meet-ups in different parts of Ireland

More activities instead of sitting down all the time at the meetings


Programme insights

The youth board programme has progressed significantly in the last twelve months, making fundamental changes to how the programme has run since 2017. While the youth board is still finding ways to engage in a meaningful way with the organisation as a whole, events such as the whole organisation day, and the upcoming symposium presentation show that the youth board is building on its ability to act as a bridge between YTI staff and youth theatre membership.

The Youth Board Grant proved tricky in terms of timing and with attendance from youth board members and has been discontinued for 2023. However, the Youth Board is keen for more events with guest speakers and to that end we will be further engaging with more guests for sessions with the youth board.