Laois County Council - Laois Youth Theatre

Laois Youth Theatre

What do the Youth Theatres Do ?

Youth Theatre is a good introduction for young people interested in developing drama skills or with an interest in all aspects of live performance. As well as the weekly workshops, members also have the opportunity to meet with other Youth Theatre groups countrywide, through exchanges and festivals. Youth drama encourages the development of the whole person, and uses a range of drama methods to respond to the personal needs and abilities of the young person. It is not just about producing plays for people to see, the process involved is considered equally as important as the finished product.

Laois Youth Theatre Tutors and Assistants

Youth Theatre in County Laois has an important role and value in that it provides young people opportunities to develop holistically. Social and personal lifeskills and positive self-esteem are achieved by a participating in a variety of theatre strategies such as Contact Improvisation, Voice and Movement, Theatre Exercises, Improvisation, Role-Play and Characterisation. They also build a vocabulary in theatre, namely Genre and Stagecraft. Youth Theatre has an ethos of placing more emphasis on Process than Product.

Laois Youth Theatre Showcase at Emo Court, Gardens Saturday 29th May
The majestic grounds of Emo Court became a fitting backdrop for the annual staging of Laois Youth Theatre’s Summer Show. Family, friends, fans and the passing general public were treated to a series of shows. Throngs of people followed the narrator Portlaoise member, Pauline Dunne, as she guided them through times of old in Portlaoise Youth Theatre's contemporary interpretations of the classical stories of Romeo & Juliet, The Legend of the Giants Causeway and Jason and the Argonauts pursuit of the Golden Fleece. It was directed by Co-ordinator Aine Caulfield and assisted by Fiona Kavanagh.
Next up was an extract from Stradbally Youth Theatre's production of Pranked; a play commissioned by the National Association of Youth Drama as part of their New Stage programme; directed by Siobhan Coffey and Trevor Mulhare. And finally there was a devised piece by Rathdowney Youth Theatre called Dreamcatcher; directed by Aine Caulfield, assisted by Kenny Stapleton.
Following the shows, the audience, cast and crew gathered on the grass in the glorious, sunshine and had picnics, goodies and played drama games. It was a fantastic day of art, theatre food and games. Laois County Council’s Arts Officer Muireann Ní Chonaill was on hand to congratulate all involved and thank Co-ordinators and Members alike for a wonderful show. Muireann also thanked the OPW for allowing Laois County Council to avail of the grounds for the staging of the show.
The Portarlington Youth Theatre performed their play on Friday 28th May in Portarlington for family and friends entitled “Trees and Me” It was directed by Co-ordinator Julie Duane and assisted by Fiona Kavanagh. The production was a devised piece which integrated visual arts and all costumes and props were created by the children themselves. It was a very enjoyable experience for the audience and performers alike.
New edition of Laois Youth Theatre Summer Newsletter available to download Summer Newsletter Laois Youth Theatre

New Members are welcome to join for the new term beginning in the autumn.
Stradbally Youth Theatre meet in St Patrick’s Hall, on Saturdays from 2 to 4pm. Age group 12 - 15. For more information call Siobhan at 0863300943
Portlaoise Youth Theatre meet in the Parochial Hall, on Saturdays from 11am to 1pm. Age group 12 –18 years. For more information call Áine at 0876321299
Rathdowney Youth Theatre meet in the Parochial Hall, on Saturdays from 4m to 6pm. Age group 9 - 15 years. For more information call Áine at 0876321299
Portarlington Youth Theatre meet in the Presentation School, Station Road, on Mondays from 3:30pm. Age group 8 - 12years. For more information call Julie at 0876185815
For more details contact: The Arts Office, Laois County Council, Áras an Chontae, Poraoise. Tel: 057 8674344 email: artsoff@laoiscoco.ie

For more information on Laois Youth Theatre contact the Arts Office, Laois County Council. Telephone 057 8674342/41.
or email us at artsoff@laoiscoco.ie, or even call in to see us in Áras an Chontae, Portlaoise.
New members are especially WELCOME!