Find a Youth Theatre

Established in 2017, Act Out Youth Theatre’s remit is to create quality theatre experiences with young people aged 12 and over in the Meath area. AOYT is a not-for-profit charity, partnered with Solstice Arts Centre, Navan, and supported by Meath Arts Office. Act Out Youth Theatre is a proud member of the Irish youth theatre community that provides an annual programme of activities that responds to the needs and interests of the young people and is committed to an ethos of accessibility, diversity, and inclusion.

Now over 25 years old, Activate Youth Theatre is a creative, vibrant, and energetic space for young people aged between 10 and 18. The participants’ creative, artistic, personal, and social skills are developed through weekly workshops with professional facilitators. The workshops are aimed at developing a range of skills for members including performance, writing, movement, design and production. Based at Graffiti Theatre Company in Blackpool, Cork, Activate supports three youth theatre groups: Activate Junior (ages 10-12) Activate Pre-Senior (ages 13-15), and Activate Senior (ages 15-18). Activate is committed to providing high quality, accessible arts experiences, and opportunities for young people from all walks of life.

Based at An Grianán Theatre in Letterkenny, An Grianán Youth Theatre offers children and young people ages 7 to 21 opportunities for creative and personal development through drama and other performance techniques in a professional theatre environment. Classes are held weekly from September to June. With a focus on performance, participants are offered an insight into many aspects of professional theatre production. Previous productions include an immersive version of Bugsy Malone, an outdoor version of Alice in Wonderland in Glenveagh National Park and Blackadder Goes Forth for the Earagail Arts Festival.

BYT was founded in 1995 and is a 100% voluntary run group. Membership is for young people aged 13 to 18 and is drawn mainly from County Longford. Membership is capped at 60 young people, and the membership fee is €10 per annum to make the group accessible to all. BYT’s main fundraiser is their annual pantomime in January. BYT performs all their own original scripts and engage a professional director each summer to produce a play in collaboration with Backstage Theatre. In May, BYT usually produces a charity fundraiser for which members write, direct, perform, choreograph, dance, sing, and play music. BYT is a social group that likes to perform.

2019 Blessington Community Award Nominee

Bui Bolg’s Youth Arts Group members aged 13 to 18 meet weekly and are offered training in drama, improv, street arts, puppetry, circus skills and stilt walking. The Bui Bolg Youth Arts Group is a core element of the Wexford-based Bui Bolg Outdoor Arts Company and plays a valuable part in realising their full artistic vision by bringing their outstanding floats, costumes and characters to life. Members of the Youth Arts Group can perform annually at public parades, festivals and street theatre shows, most notably at the National Saint Patrick’s Festival Parade.

Cabinteely Youth Theatre focuses on the artistic, social, and personal development of their members through Drama. The members develop their drama skills through weekly workshops in areas such as improvisation, script-work, movement etc. CYT have won many awards over the years both nationally and internationally. They have taken part in and run festivals, and produced their own productions. For more information, please message CYT via their Facebook page.

Celbridge Youth Drama is an entirely voluntary organisation founded in 2002. Since its first session, CYD has provided a creative and social space for young people to meet and express themselves through the medium of drama. CYD aims to bring in young people who have interest in any aspect of drama, not simply performing. CYD strives to build talents in all areas of theatre and does so by providing workshops on different aspects of theatre while making it as fun as possible.

Clare Youth Theatre (CYT) has an ensemble esprit de corps where, in the making of art, it is “all for one and one for all". Since its inception, participating in community events has played a significant role in the style of creative work produced. Relationships have been established and developed with local festivals, community celebrations, and in care settings. In recent times CYT has performed internationally at the interWINED Festival in Germany. Clare Youth Theatre also creates work around issues pertaining to mental health. CYT’s training programme creates an atmosphere that allows each young person to feel safe and supported both personally and creatively.

Since its foundation in 2010, Complex Youth Theatre has facilitated creative workshops with young people in a range of artistic disciplines to produce new, engaging, and original theatre. Through the provision of a wide range of quality structures, CYT encourages the personal and professional growth of its members. CYT also emphasises the development of the imagination, individual creativity, and freedom of expression through performance. CYT promotes excellence in theatre practice and is committed to delivering a high-quality process and outcomes that engages with and articulates the collective reality of the young people.

Since its foundation in 2000 initiated through the Arts Office of Carlow County Council, Carlow Youth Theatre (CYT) has empowered hundreds of young people through its commitment to youth centred drama practice. The long-term investment by the Arts Office and Youth Theatre Leaders has ensured that young people can discover the joy of theatre making in their early life no matter what their background or abilities. The reward is exciting and captivating theatre for, by, and with young people. Carlow Youth Theatre is open to young people from the ages of 11-19 and is hosted in VISUAL Carlow where the group meets weekly. CYT is led by experienced facilitators Eimear Cheasty and Anna Galligan.

The County Limerick Youth Theatre, known as the Co.LYT, is an ensemble founded in 1996 under the auspices of Limerick Arts Office for young people who are interested in drama and theatre. The Co.LYT facilitates weekly workshops for its members aged 8 to 18 with two other groups in association for younger members and older members in the County Limerick area. The Co.LYT prides itself in developing personal and social theatrical experiences and theatre skills utilizing theatre as a pedagogical tool. The Co.LYT produces 2 performances annually and has not only a local presence but also a national and international network through its work with European projects under the Erasmus+ funding, sending members to further their theatre training in seminars, training courses, youth exchanges and European Volunteership services.

CWYT responds to the needs of young people in County Wexford by providing a creative outlet in the form of acting workshops, theatre productions, training opportunities and social interaction. The aspirations of CWYT are to provide for the personal and social development of its members through participation in drama workshops and productions, and to attain a high artistic standard in the public performance of plays, which includes work relevant to the lives of these young people today. CWYT emphasises fostering emerging young Irish talent, and members are encouraged to involve themselves in every stage of the theatre making process, gaining key leadership and organizational skills.

Based at Ballybofey’s Balor Arts Centre, Donegal Youth Theatre is a youth centred organisation, fostering the theatre skills of 15 to 21 year olds in a fun and creative environment.

Dreamstuff Youth Theatre provides high quality collaborative performing arts opportunities in a safe and accepting family setting where young people’s voices are heard. This ethos builds a creative space that is welcoming, inclusive and open to all young people regardless of disability, race, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, or economic status. Dreamstuff’s work creates and promotes theatre with young people that is democratic, enriching, empowering, and inspirational to nurture the imagination, confidence, self-esteem, and creativity of their young people.

Droichead Youth Theatre (DYT) has been providing a creative, personal, and social outlet for Drogheda’s teenagers since 1991, through drama workshops, theatre skills, trips and public productions. DYT has a strong devising history and has worked with groups like Mosney Refugee Centre, BelongTo, NYCI, Dochas, Youth Theatre Ireland, Irish Aid, and Upstate Theatre Project. Droichead Youth Theatre is keen to use its work to interrogate the world around them through high quality, ambitious artistic projects. Through its theatrical practice, DYT aims not only to stimulate an early love and appreciation of the arts, but to encourage mutual respect, intellectual questioning, and active citizenship.

Since its foundation in 1977, by Educational Psychologist Paddy O’Dwyer, Dublin Youth Theatre has forged a unique contribution to the worlds of theatre and youth work. DYT successfully delivers quality creative experiences that promote artistic, personal, and social development for young people aged 14 to 22 in Dublin. DYT delivers quality artistic experiences through a full and varied drama workshop programme and the production of excellent, exciting, and challenging theatre made by young people. DYT is committed to maintaining a high artistic standard in productions and to engaging with contemporary theatre and youth theatre on a local, national, and international level.

Dundalk Youth Theatre was established in 2005 in conjunction with Create Louth and Dundalk Institute of Technology’s Community Drama Project. DYT develops drama programmes using professional training techniques and creates a professional environment for youth groups to access the arts. Young people are engaged as active participants by using ensemble approaches. DYT encourages the development of the whole person by using drama methods which respond to the developmental needs of participants. DYT is committed to meeting best practice in all areas of its work with young people and the community.  All programmes use evidence-based approaches and young people are trained, supported, supervised, recognised, and rewarded for their participation. DYT encourages creativity, diversity, self-awareness, acceptance and empathy for everyone.

Explore Youth Theatre is a voluntary, non-profit organisation based in Leixlip, North Kildare, for young people aged 14+. EYT encourages members to explore their creativity in a safe, friendly environment, to develop social and personal skills through professionally facilitated workshops in various aspects of theatre, and to encourage teamwork and responsibility by providing opportunities in directing, sound, and set design. In November 2019, EYT was awarded the Youth Theatre Prize and the Best Actor Award at Insight Theatre’s One-Act Festival.

Flocking Arts is a not for profit organisation that offers an extensive range of workshops to promote the Artistic, Social, and Personal Development of all its members. They aim to engage professional artists and facilitators to deliver a varied programme of theatre workshops that give members opportunities to learn stagecraft and technical / off-stage craft. Flocking Arts aims to present showcase and full production events, along with public, street, and site-specific events.

Fracture Youth Theatre offers fun and excitement to young people aged between 13 and 17 through its excellent programme that allows them to make new friends, develop communication skills and build confidence through theatre games and improvisation. FYT presents two plays a year during which participants work together to accomplish their goals in a supportive and rewarding environment.

Free Radicals Youth Theatre, resident at Siamsa Tíre, The National Folk Theatre of Ireland in Tralee, is among the leading, innovative youth theatre’s in Kerry and welcomes its extraordinarily diverse members from all parts of the county and beyond. Many have graduated to successful acting careers. Under the directorship of Neil Flynn, FRYT is uniquely committed to premiering contemporary youth drama on the world-class Siamsa stage every year and in so doing imbuing its members with practical, in-depth knowledge of stagecraft taking in scripted and devised, individual and ensemble, and the essential fundamentals of live performance art where it matters most.

Galway Community Circus is Irelands flagship organisation for youth and social circus, located in Galway City with a local, national and International remit. Our aim is to advance the artistic, personal and social development of young people through Circus Arts. We are committed to creating an innovative and imaginative learning experience where all young people can realise their full potential. Through our ground-breaking programmes and high-quality productions, Galway Community Circus has proven itself to be a cradle of artistic excellence and educational innovation in Ireland, working with over 600 young people from diverse backgrounds every week.

Giant Wolf Youth Theatre was founded in 2017 in the Civic Theatre, Tallaght. Working with the Tenderfoot project, Giant Wolf has grown and now offers two classes that meet weekly. Giant Wolf has attended two international theatre festivals in Germany, performed their shows internationally, and creates work with groups in greater Europe, encouraging exchanges with groups in Italy, Estonia, Poland, Germany and France. At home, Giant Wolf focuses on making original devised work, especially work based on movement and physical theatre.

Glengarriff Youth Theatre Group (GYTG) is a branch of the Glengarriff Theatre Group (GTG) and was formed in 2011. Traditionally young people were included in GTG’s annual December pantomimes, and the Youth Theatre Group was instituted to allow help young people develop their theatrical abilities year-round. Glengarriff Youth Theatre Group members are responsible for all aspects of production not just acting. They are responsible for set design, stage management, sound design, and lighting design, showcasing the importance of all aspects of theatre production. GYTG meets on Monday evenings in the Glengarriff Parochial Hall and is active from January to June and from September to December.

Gonzo Youth Theatre, established in 2010, aims to provide access to drama for young people aged between 8 and 23 years of age by promoting, developing, and supporting high-quality youth theatre with an emphasis on the attainment of artistic excellence and on personal and social development. Gonzo Youth Theatre is aimed at any young person with an interest in any aspect of drama. Professional theatre practitioners are regularly invited to provide specialist workshops. This specialist training is an intrinsic part of the Gonzo experience and skill-building of youth theatre. Gonzo Youth Theatre also organises annual trips to see professional theatre productions.

At Griese Youth Theatre, the approach is a holistic one that nurtures both the artistic and social development of the young person. Following a proposal by founder Leish Burke and artist Jacques Candelay put to Kildare County Council Library Services and Action South Kildare to provide a complimentary learning experience for local young people through the medium of art and drama, Griese Youth Theatre (named after the local river) began in July 1999 in the Meeting House in Ballitore village as a week-long art and drama workshop. Over the past 20+ years, GYT has grown to offer over 100 members, aged 6 to 20, weekly drama workshops. GYT has performed both nationally and abroad and have been fortunate to work with many of Ireland’s leading theatre practitioners. Other activities offered to members include workshops in scriptwriting, dance, art, yoga, participation in street theatre, local festivals, programmes with other youth theatres, training for young leaders, Youth Initiative projects and Youth Exchanges.

Established in 1996 by Peter Hussey of Crooked House Theatre, Kildare Youth Theatre is a large, multi-award-winning project based in Newbridge with a history of presenting ambitious work. Using Crooked House’s wide network of connections, and the EU’s Erasmus+ programme, young people collaborate with several European youth theatre-making projects a year. KYT stages classical and new plays, supporting young people to audition for third level actor training programmes. It is free of charge and open to all aged 11 to 24, maintaining 5 year-round ensembles who engage full-time in multiple projects for up to 6 years each. It is supported annually by Kildare County Council and receives project funding from the Arts Council.

Founded in 1991, Kilkenny Youth Theatre is an anchor programme of Barnstorm Theatre Company, producing theatre with young people for young people. Child and young person centred, KYT encourages the personal, social and artistic development of its members, 11-18 yrs. Previous experience or a wish to have a career in theatre is not required. The programme includes weekly workshops and one production a year. Youth theatre members have taken part in the South East Network of Youth Theatre Festivals, youth theatre workshop exchanges, and Youth Theatre Ireland programmes such as the Young Critics Programme and the National Youth Theatre, and have attended numerous National Festivals of Youth Theatres. All facilitators are experienced and have trained in facilitation.

Laois Youth Theatre supports opportunities for new experiences and encourages creativity and skills development. LYT members have the opportunity to travel to theatre shows, to network nationally with other youth theatres, to participate in local festivals, to collaborate with other youth theatre groups locally and nationally, and to prepare and presente an end of year performance. Established for over twenty-six years, many past LYT members have gone on to study and pursue careers in theatre nationally and internationally. New members are always welcome so If you are interested in drama, making plays, learning creative skills, and meeting new people, this is the opportunity for you.

Leitrim Youth Theatre in Carrick-on-Shannon encourages young people to explore all branches of creativity affiliated with the theatre. From set design to acting, costume design and lighting. There is a space for everyone to learn, grow and experience the joy that only a theatre community can bring. We actively encourage creative writing and devising new projects along with annual productions and weekly training as part of our workshop series. 

Leitrim Youth Theatre in Manorhamilton is housed in the Glens Centre. Members attend weekly workshops that offer strong skills training. Many members later become involved in wider community-based theatre projects or going on to further training.

Lightbulb Youth Theatre (LYT) is based in Mallow, Co. Cork and has been in existence for 15 years, having been established by a group of local people, with support of the Cork County Council Arts Office and Blackwater Development group. The group has been affiliated to Youth Theatre Ireland since its inception. LYT provides drama workshops to youth members aged from 11 to 20 years. Each year LYT produces one to three performances locally and participates in other activities such as youth theatre exchanges and collaborations with other youth theatres both nationally and internationally.

Limerick Youth Theatre (LYT) is a company of young performers, dancers, writers, designers, directors, producers, and filmmakers aged between 16 and 23 located in Limerick. LYT was set up in 1997 to provide an opportunity for young people from all backgrounds to cross social divides through youth drama experiences. It runs a two-year training course in theatre and the performing arts. Over 40 young people participate in its main programme annually.

M.A.D Youth Theatre has been working with children and young people between the ages 6 to 21 years old in Dundalk and wider community since 2011 by providing professionally led weekly drama workshops and quality arts experience in a variety of arts disciplines.  M.A.D YT focuses on creating a fun an innovative approach to drama and challenges the thinking and attitude toward the arts in our community.  M.A.D YT endeavours to create new and exciting work with relevant themes that are youth centred. M.A.D YT plans to continue to honour Irish heritage and contribute to the new voices that will help shape the Ireland of tomorrow.

Twitter @M.A.DYouthTheatre

Based in Greystones, Co Wicklow, Making Waves Youth Theatre is a non-profit community theatre group supported by Greystones Studios and the Whale Theatre. Founded in 2018 by Ciarán Coogan and Aideen Walton, MWYT aims to provide young people from the environs with a fun and supportive creative space in which they develop personal skills and learn about the process of making great theatre through weekly workshops, regular productions, engagement with Youth Theatre Ireland programmes, and exposure to other theatrical work. Since 2018, the group has developed and produced its own dynamic style and work including two original pieces conceived by co-founder and facilitator Ciarán Coogan.

Mayo Youth Theatre, an initiative of Mayo County Council, was set up in 1999. MYT provides a stage for young people to engage in theatre making by engaging with all aspects of the genre. It involves continued development of quality youth theatre in partnership with Ballina Arts Centre. Masterclasses are provided by external expert facilitators. Participants are encouraged and facilitated to see professional productions and have also availed of Youth Theatre Ireland’s Go See Youth Theatre funding; members have also taken part in Youth Theatre Ireland’s programmes such as the National Festival of Youth Theatres, the National Youth Theatre Ensemble, and the Young Critics Programme. 

Monaghan Youth Theatre was founded in 2007 and became an affiliated member of Youth Theatre Ireland in 2010. The company has 50+ members aged 12 to 18 years. MYT provides opportunities for young people to take part in high quality productions, receive training in a wide range of theatre and performance skills, and lessons in building confidence and self-awareness while making lifelong friends in the process. MYT aims to develop members’ skills as theatre-makers, performers and devisers as well as challenging them to embrace the full range of styles, forms and possibilities within theatre and the arts.

Since its foudning in 2014 and under the umbrella of Mostrim Players adult group, Mostrim Youth Players has greatly contributed to the world of art and entertainment. They have delivered many creative performances under the supervision of fully trained Drama tutors, volunteers, and mentors. MYP’s aim is to promote artistic, personal and social development through social interaction and performances. MYP are committed to delivering high artistic standards by way of showcasing their work on a local, county and national stage.

Mountrath Youth Theatre was founded up in 2017 with the support of Laois County Council's Arts Office. The aim of MYT is to provide a safe environment where young people can gain access to the arts through a theatre training programme. The training allows participants to acquire new skills in performance and to develop their confidence and self-esteem. MYT offers its main service provision to young people in Mountrath and surrounding areas.

Founded in 2016, Bray-based Mr. Sands Youth Theatre operates an open-door policy and welcomes second-level students from First Year upwards. Mr. Sands is a safe, non-judgmental, fun space where friendships are forged, and lasting memories are made.  Respect and teamwork are at the core of what they do. The result is a growing ensemble of young people who are motivated by a hunger to develop their performance skills and a passion for devising and producing bold and challenging work of relevance to them for their local community and beyond. Mr. Sands’ core activities include weekly workshops, theatre productions, filmmaking, theatre outings, and social events.

Nenagh Youth Theatre offers fun and excitement to young people aged between 13 and 17 through its excellent programme that allows them to make new friends, develop communication skills and build confidence through theatre games and improvisation. FYT presents two plays a year during which participants work together to accomplish their goals in a supportive and rewarding environment.

PlayActing Youth Theatre is a voluntary organisation established to create quality theatre experiences for young people aged 12 to 19 years who are passionate about performance.  PYT believes that creative engagement can support learning and nurture competent global citizens of the future. PYT offers weekly workshops in Celbridge Youth Café.  Each year has a theme, and PlayActing members have explored theatre for advocacy, for developing a sense of community, and for raising awareness of the sustainable development goals in the past.  PYT also participates in the National Theatre Connections programme, and their annual trip to Belfast is a highlight of the year.  To see PYT in action, please visit their YouTube channel here.

Roscommon County Youth Theatre is a professional youth theatre organisation established in 1999 by Catherine Sheridan (nee Simon) that provides opportunities for young people aged 14 to 22 who have a passion for acting and performance. Based on the concepts of opportunity, empowerment, access, group identity and artistic excellence, RCYT puts the integrity of the young people at the centre of a process valuing exploration, creativity, and appreciation of the arts in a non-judgmental atmosphere. RCYT provides an annual programme of quality theatre workshops, training, and professional productions. In addition to their Facebook page, you can also visit RCYT's website by clicking here.

Rusty Frog Youth Theatre is a high-quality, exciting drama theatre experience for teenagers in West Cork. Rusty Frog is managed by Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre and led by facilitators Ciara Morrin and Terri Leiber. The programme includes weekly training workshops in acting, improvisation, stagecraft, voice, script work, street theatre, puppetry, physical theatre, clowning, dance, percussion, devising, writing, directing, and technical skills plus an annual theatre production and theatre trips.

Since its foundation in 1998, Sligo Youth Theatre has been dedicated to engaging their membership of 10 to 18 year old members in a diverse, exiting theatre practice and to creating a vibrant engagement with the arts. SYT provides an annual programme of theatre workshops to more than 90 young people. Drama workshops encourage social and personal development through theatre practice and artistic expression. Specialist workshops include week-long courses in theatre, dance, and theatre design. SYT’s programme also includes high quality productions.

Stagecraft Youth Theatre is Tipperary's longest standing youth theatre. Founded in 1998, Stagecraft has brought the highest level of actor training to the South East. For over two decades, SYT has produced ambitious and original productions that aim to give young people a voice and create work which is authentic to their generation. Stagecraft continues to push boundaries and innovatively transform their art by devising original productions, creating pop up theatres, and using new media to expand the group and influence their process.

Based in the Department of Theatre, University College Cork, UCCYT is an inclusive, safe place of self-discovery for young people from differing socioeconomic backgrounds to learn, create and grow together. Over the past three years members of UCCYT have attended weekly workshops facilitated by UCC staff and assisted by final year Theatre Students. Members have taken part in UCC Theatre Artist workshops, the Short Play Festival in Graffiti Theatre Company, hosted Midsummer Festival Meet Ups with other YTs, taken part in Global Water Dances Cork, performed in the Youth Theatre Ireland Playshare event, and staged a full length performance.

Established in 1985, Waterford Youth Arts has become one of the largest youth arts organisations in Ireland. WYA is a community arts resource that enables young people between 3 and 19 years of age and community groups to participate in creative activity as a means of self-expression and development in a safe, professional, and fun environment. Each year WYA runs a huge array of workshops and projects in dance, film, music, theatre, visual arts, and creative writing.

WACT opened its doors in 2012, and ever since has been dedicated to developing life skills in young people through theatre experiences that educate, entertain and enrich their lives.  WACT offers professionally led weekly drama workshops and quality arts experience, bringing elements of play, humour and laughter to those taking part to improve motivation and reduces stress. WACT promotes communication skills, teamwork, and socialization by stimulating the imagination and creativity.