Current News
Programme 2012
There is no denying that we are living through hard times but hard times emphasise the value of youth theatre and all that it offers youth theatre members. So let us leave the 'R' word one one side and get excited about the highlights of NAYD's national programme for 2012.
National Festival of Youth Theatres
Five days of workshops, social activities and all round festival fun. The dates are 3 - 8 July. The venue is Kilkenny College. Visit the Festivals Page.
Young Critics Programme
This programme continues to go from strength to strength. In 2012, sixteen participants will attend a number of professional productions and workshops throughout the year. The first weekend will take place from 13-15 April, followed by a weekend during the Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival from 5-7 October, featuring a public panel discussion. Funding permitting, a third event in another region may be added. We are also exploring digital options to make the Young Critics experience available to all youth theatres. Keep an eye out for developments! Visit the Young Critics page.
New Stage
The plays presented at the launch of New Stage 2012 at the Lir Academy last November are now available for production by youth theatres. NAYD is happy to support and mentor directors as well as provide advice on any technical aspects of their productions.To find out about the 2012 plays, visit the New Stage page
Leading On.....
NAYD's training programme for youth theatre leaders begins with a seminar on Inclusion in March closely followed by a Child Protection day in April. There will be a one-day Technical Theatre Skills Training in the Autumn and this year the annual summer residential will take place in late May or early June. We can already announce some details of the summer residential. For more information, visit the Leading On.. page
Audition Clinics
The first events for youth theatre members in 2012 are Audition Clinics aimed at those who are applying for third level performance courses this year. They are taking place during the February mid-term break. Closing date for application is 6 February. View a full list of dates and venues.
National Youth Theatre
We hope to have a National Youth Theatre production in August. We expect to make an announcement in March. Vist the NYT page.
Capture YT
A number of youth theatres have already availed of the opportunity to create a 5 minute film to promote their work to funders, potential members etc. We will be offering the opportunity to more youth theatres this year. Details coming soon. For examples of the films already created, visit the Capture YT page.
Youth Theatre Support Scheme
In 2011, 16 youth theatres were funded across the different categories of the YTSS strands to pursue partnership projects, bring in specific theatre skills or to avail of some relief facilitation. The GO SEE YT strand of the scheme that supports youth theatres in seeing each other's work or attending professional productions continues to be popular. Details of this year's Scheme will be available very soon. Visit the Youth Theatre Support Scheme page.
Making Connections 2
After the success of Making Connections in 2010, we hope to hold a second international training course in November 2012. There will be an opportunity to learn about international exchanges and projects and to network with youth theatre practitioners from other European countries. To find out more about Making Connections, visit our International page.
And the rest...
2012 will also see the publication of Youth Drama Ireland and we aim to develop and publish the Youth Theatre Manual - a practical handbook for youth theatre facilitators. We will also be busy training the next generation of facilitators via NAYD's full-time FAS funded and FETAC accredited youth drama facilitation training programme, ArtsTrain. We will also be catching up with our member youth theatres around the country and offering them any support we can. We are also curently in conversation with over 30 groups and individuals towards developing new youth theatres!
