Come see by joining Droichead Youth Theatre!!

Following on from the success of their production MOCK during Drogheda Arts Festival this year, Droichead Youth Theatre is recruiting new members for its summer introductory programme. This workshop programme will give you a chance to see if the youth theatre is really for you!

Drama workshops will be held every Saturday beginning on the  26^th June for a 10 week period.  The emphasis is on having fun, exploring creativity and learning about drama in a safe and supportive environment.   No previous experience is necessary. This introductory programme will give members a taste of what’s in store when the formal youth theatre schedule resumes in September.

Droichead Youth Theatre is now in its 19^th year.  There are twenty members led by Artistic Director Niall Cleary under the auspices of Droichead Arts Centre.  The summer workshops will be led by guest facilitator Gavin Logue.  If you are between the ages of 14 and 18 and interesting in joining, we would love to hear from you! Our 10 week introductory programme costs €50, for further information or to sign up please contact Carol Ann Brodigan on 041 9875140/info@droichead.com or call into Droichead Arts Centre at Barlow House on West Street, Drogheda.

Wednesday & Thursday May 25 & 26 @8.00 PM

Admission …………………………………………………€5.00
Cast: Aine McMahon, Rachel Herlihy, Freda McGeough, Paula Soraghan, Niamh Gaskin, Christopher Byatt,
Andrew Linehan, Sam McKeague, Derbhla Reilly, Shaun Nelson, Grainne Loughran.

Group Facilitators:    Edwina Albrecht & Pat McKenna.

May bank holiday weekend – Friday 30th April to 3rd May 2010.

The Drogheda Arts Festival has announced another exciting and varied programme for the 2010 Festival kicking off on Friday 30th April.   The festival, which runs over the May bank holiday weekend, will host an exciting lineup of local, national, and international artists including the first visit to Ireland by acclaimed Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina, a world premiere of a work by Conall Quinn from Upstate Live, music, visual art, family fun and outdoor celebration, and lots more.  There is only one place to be this bank holiday weekend – Drogheda!

Friday 30th April will see the official opening of the Festival in the Highlanes Gallery.  The Marienbad Palace, a visual art exhibition curated by Jacqui McIntosh is divided between two venues in the town, the Droichead Arts Centre and the Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery.  ’The Marienbad Palace’ brings together works by Laura Buckley, Diana Copperwhite, Jorge De La Garza, Alicja Kwade, Haroon Mirza and Ian Monroe. The exhibition, which includes collage, painting, sculpture, installation and video, takes its title from JG Ballard’s 1989 short story ‘The Enormous Space’ and Alain Resnais’ seminal 1961 film ‘Last Year in Marienbad’.  The exhibition explores ideas of reality in a world where virtual reality is always competing with accepted notions of time and space.  ‘The Marienbad Palace’ has been commissioned exclusively for Drogheda Arts Festival.

Over the past few years, Louth Contemporary Music Society has brought world renowned composers to Louth, including Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, Terry Riley and Valentyn Silvestrov.  This year they are delighted to welcome Russian composer Sofia Gubaidulina to the town as part of the Drogheda Arts Festival. One of the world’s greatest composers, Sofia Gubaidulina will visit Ireland for the first time to attend a concert celebrating her work. Entitled The Fire and the Rose: the Music of Sofia Gubaidulina, the concert which will take place in St Peter’s Church, Drogheda on May 1st, and will be preceded earlier in the day by the showing of a film on her life and work in the Droichead Arts Centre

Also Saturday 1st May West Street running through the heart of the town will become ‘West Street Wonderland’ for one day only!  The Festival aims to revitalize for this day some of the empty spaces on the street, transforming Drogheda’s main artery with music, outdoor performances, and workshops.  The emphasis will be on participation and fun, with opportunities for all ages to engage with artists and theatre practitioners.

The other side of the river on Saturday and Sunday will see the Drogheda Spring Food Festival, located on the Waterfront, Scotch Hall.  Experience this two-day mini-festival of food offering the tastes and delights of the local food connoisseurs, a farmers market, craft butchers, restaurant tastings, ‘grow your own’ demonstrations and wine seminars.

Theatre and performance also feature strongly in this year’s programme.

-          UPSTATE LIVE presents the world premiere of  THE ONES WHO KILL SHOOTING STARS A new play by Conall Quinn (winner of the Stewart Parker award), directed by Paul Hayes.    This is a highly original entertaining and surreal tale of love and death set on a County Louth beach during World War II.   Absurd, bleak and hilarious in equal measure, THE ONES WHO KILL SHOOTING STARS is commissioned by Drogheda Arts Festival, and will undertake a short national tour after its festival performances.

-          A double bill from award-winning dancer/choreographer Claire Cunningham showcasing her exceptional dance technique and impressive power. ME (Mobile/Evolution) is a show woven from humorous stories; about doctors and dancing, bikes and ballet; all threaded together and balanced upon, hanging from, spinning on and swinging on crutches.   ***** The Herald

-          Cirque de Légume will bring their award winning new show The Cirque de Légume to Drogheda. Marvel at the Veget- animal! Enthrall at the Leek of Power! Fantasize over the Onion Strip Tease! WINNER Bewley’s Theatre Award – Dublin Fringe Festival 2009 and NOMINATED Best Male Performer – Dublin Fringe Festival 2009.

-          Community involvement is a key element of the Festival and this year Droichead Youth Theatre will bring the audience on a special journey through Secondary School in a site specific theatre piece in St Mary’s Diocesan School.

The Festival once again offers a very strong music element. As well as the much anticipated visit by Sofia Gubaidulina, the other music elements will include:

-          Acclaimed South Korean born pianist YOUNG-CHOON PARK performing on the magnificent grand piano in St Peter’s Church Drogheda.  Young- Choon Park will be introduced by sports commentator and Lyric fm presenter, George Hamilton. “…individually refreshing, while demonstrating real passion and style as well as outstanding technical proficiency…”   Sunday Times

-          Music Changes Lives – the young musicians from the acclaimed RTE factual series come to Drogheda to perform at the Barbican Centre.  Accompanies by other young music ensembles, this concert promises to be an opportunity to hear great music, and act as an inspiration for all children to explore their musical talents

-          Dervish, who will perform for one night only on Monday 3rd May as part of their 21st anniversary celebrations.

-          Grammy Award-nominated musical duo, Zero 7 (also nominated for Best British newcomer at the 2002 Brit Awards) with support by Andrew K (External Sounds) & Rob Mullen (External Sounds).

-          DJ Ashley Beedle with support by Keith Kelly (External Sounds).

Other events will include a poetry reading and conversation with Poet Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin and the much loved traditional day at Millmount which will this year be held on Sunday 2nd May, with music, craft, Celtic warriors, the firing of cannons, boat-building, and the rapidly-developing Drogheda Fringe Festival.

Full programme details can be found at:  www.droghedaartsfestival.ie

The Drogheda Arts Festival is supported by: Louth Local Authorities, The Arts Council, and Fáilte Ireland.

The Fire and the Rose: the Music of Sofia Gubaidulina is presented by Louth Contemporary Music Society (LCMS) in association with Drogheda Arts Festival. The Fire and the Rose: the Music of Sofia Gubaidulina is funded by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon and financially supported by the Drogheda Arts Festival with supported by Louth County Council .

Press information:

Gerry Lundberg Public Relations    Tel:  01 679 8476 / 086 259 1070 / 087 259 1070    glundpr@iol.ie

View the Programme here.

On April 28, 1997, “Jekyll & Hyde” made its Broadway debut at the Plymouth Theatre. A resounding success, this production was nominated for 4 Tony Awards. “Jekyll & Hyde” has music by Frank Wildhorn, and book and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse. It was originally conceived for the stage by Steve Cuden and Frank Wildhorn. The musical is based on the novel, ‘The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde’ (1886), by Robert Louis Stevenson.  The original album features Ireland’s Colm Wilkinson as Jekyll/Hyde.    The music has a contemporary style similar to that of “Les Miserables” and has both a romantic and thrilling element throughout.

Featuring some of the most beautiful songs written in recent times, this musical adaptation of Dr. Jekyll’s well-known endeavor to play God comes to Dundalk for four performances only. The music has gained familiarity throughout the world with “This is the moment” used at numerous world-wide events.

Since forming in 2005, S.O.N.G. has received four A.I.M.S. Nominations including two for Best Modern Opera. They won “Live at the Web” an international festival held in Belfast in 2008 and has several individual award winning cast members.

Following on their successful, sell out, productions of “Oliver”, “Les Miserables SE” and “Jesus Christ Superstar”, this promises to be another fantastic musical featuring a cast of 60 young people.

Book early to avoid disappointment

Four performances only

Wed 7^th April 2010, all tickets €10, 8pm

Thurs 8^th – Sat 10^th April 2010, all tickets €15, 8pm

Louth Local Authorities operate a number of funding opportunities for individuals and organisations involved in the arts.

Please click this link to the funding page.

Geraldine’s School of Speech & Drama is delighted to announce that the school will be starting new classes in a new venue! The school will be running two new tot classes and a new ‘Just beginner ‘class. The ‘tot classes’ are suitable for children aged between three and five. These classes are tailored to suit the needs of this age group. The children will develop their communication and social skills in a fun and entertaining way. The ‘Just beginner’ class will be suitable for children aged between five and eight. This class aims to encourage new students who have never tried drama before to join up! The aim will be to develop a beginner class for older students later.  The ‘Tot’ classes will be held on Tuesdays in the Outcomers centre. The new venue ‘Blackthorn art & design’ in Blackthorn business park will host the new  ‘Tot’ and new ‘Just beginner’ courses will be held on Wednesdays at 4pm & 5pm!

Miss Kieran will also be holding auditions for the school annual show on Friday the 19^th of February if children are interested in being part of the production as a dancer or extra characters then they are welcome to attend auditions between 6-7 in the Outcomer’s Centre. Please call if interested.

Geraldine Kieran

Mob: 0861695670

Info@geraldinesschoolofspeechandddrama.com

Open call for auditions

6th February and 7th February

Venue: St Vincents Secondary School

Time: Every hour on the hour, last workshop at 5pm.

Workshop duration: 1 hour

Following the spectacular success of Upstart Theatre Company’s productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Animal Farm, we are excited to announce auditions for our upcoming production of Macbeth. The show is to be performed in the Tain Theatre in mid-spring and will be an innovative and physical take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy.

Auditions are being held in St. Vincents Secondary school, Mill Road, Dundalk on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of February. Audition scripts available to download here:
Macbeth and Lady Macbeth
Porter

We are looking for a wide age range of actors, from 15 years old upwards, so age is no barrier. Similarly no previous experience is necessary.

Please note that auditions will take place in a one hour workshop format.

The workshops will be facilitated by Conor Honan and Anna Simpson. Conor is an established actor and co-founder of Upstart Theatre Company. His acting credits include Messiah in the Project Theatre Dublin, Hora Prima’s production of Purple Path to the Poppy Field and Fionn MacCumhaill in the New Vision Festival, St Petersburg, Russia. Anna is an award-winning director/actor, and her most recent production was an adaptation of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare before Christmas. She has worked with a number of theatre companies across Europe including England, Ireland, Barcelona and St. Petersburg, Russia. Companies she has worked with include LiveStages Theatre, Hora Prima, Connected Theatre and Glasthule Opera Society. Acting credits include the Fool in King Lear, Jocasta in Oedipus Rex and Lady Teazle in Sheridan’s School for Scandal.

Workshops will run form 12pm on the hour every hour till 5pm. Participants are asked to have a short speech from Macbeth prepared (a selection of speeches are available from the Arts Office, Town Hall, Dundalk). Comfortable clothing recommended. Please e-mail the address or ring the number given to book which workshop time slot you would like.

Join us for an exciting, fun workshop experience with a difference: Whether you’re a potential power-hungry Lady Macbeth, Wicked Witch or Murderer Number One, we look forward to working with all interested parties in the workshops.

For further information and to book a workshop slot please contact:

upstarttheatre@fastmail.fm

or Conor at 087 270 8906.

Directors and actors alike are constantly seeking the thrill of a creative challenge within which to immerse themselves and ultimately overcome. It is through this process that they may not only progress as artists but produce theatre that inspires and entertains an audience in equal measure.
Upstart, founded in 2008, was created to allow its players to have control over their theatrical destiny by allowing them the forum to generate their own creative challenges, rather than relying on others to provide them.

The core values of Upstart are:
Physical experimentation – to reclaim the actor’s body and utilize its power in performance
Innovation – to make use of unusual settings, costumes, staging, styles etc. to challenge both players and the audience
Play – to shatter inhibitions, unleash the imagination, and revel in the joy of performing
Ensemble – to draw on the power of the collective, on the talents of everyone involved, elevating them from interpretive artists to artists in their own right, with true ownership of the work they produce

By staying true to these values we hope to create theatre that is enjoyable and challenging for both audience and players and transcends the classic social boundaries such as language, age and class.

Following a sell out tour in 2008, a hugely successful run at the 2009 Dublin Theatre Festival, 3 Irish Times Theatre Award nominations including Best Play and Best Actor, NOMAD is thrilled to announce that our Nomad/Livin Dred production of Pat Mc Cabe’s “The Dead School” will now transfer to the London stage.

The Tricycle Theatre on London’s Kilburn High Road will be home to the production for three weeks this February and March.

Featuring a stellar cast including the Tony and Olivier Nominated Best Actor Sean Campion, this is theatre at its very best. “The Dead School” is a titanic clash between the forces of modernism and tradition in 1970’s Ireland.

Master Raphael Bell is devoted to traditional teaching values, while on the other side; Master Malachy Dudgeon loves rock music and makes rules only in order to break them. When these two men and all they represent come together, chaos is only round the corner. The drama dances between the past and the present, and music and song are seamlessly interwoven in this powerful story of the love men leave behind in the pursuit of what they think is life.

The Dead School is a rollercoaster of emotion from start to finish. It wowed both audiences and critics in 2008, with many claiming it was the best performance they had ever seen and to date every performance of The Dead School has received standing ovations – a testament to just how good this production is.

Directed by Padraic McIntyre, this production features a change to the previous cast as Nick Lee steps into the role of Young Master Dudgeon amongst others for the London run. Audiences can also expect to see once again stunning performances from Carrie Crowley, Peter Daly and Jemma Reeves all of whom will join Sean Campion on stage. Supported by Culture Ireland this is Nomad and Livin’ Dred’s first stage production outside of Ireland.

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For more information please contact: Marcella Bannon NOMAD 086 8278170 or Mary Hanley Touring Manager on 087 8079473

Marcella Bannon
Director
Droichead Arts Centre
Barlow House
Narrow West Street
Drogheda
Co.Louth
Ireland
Tel: + 353 041 9875140
Fax: + 353 041 9842055
www.droichead.com

more details are available here