Research Projects

Centre Stage +10: The Report

The final report of NAYD's major research project Centre Stage +10 was launched on Wed 20 May 2009 by Martin Cullen, TD, Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism in Dublin Castle.

Rhona Dunnett, NAYD's Research and Development Officer, carried out extensive research to generate a detailed picture of youth theatre activity in Ireland in 2007/2008.  Substantial input was received from leaders, members and a range of stakeholders in the sector.

This was the first research of its kind since the first Centre Stage research took place ten years ago.

The report examines youth theatre under the following headings:

• The impact of participation in youth theare;
• Artistic planning and programming;
• Structures, funding and resources;
• Youth theatre members and leaders.

Some of the major findings include the professionalism of the sector, as evidenced by the dramatic rise in the different models of youth theatre, and also the need for sustained funding to allow youth theatres to plan ahead and develop an artistic programme that clearly meets the needs of their members.

You can download the full report below (224 pages). It is also downloable in sections. Hard copies are available from 01-8781301 or you can request a copy by email.

The full report...

Download the full Centre Stage +10 report. (224 pages, 1.2MB)

The report in sections...

Download Exec Summary/ /Foreword/Table of Contents/Chapter One (25 pages, 668k)

Download Chapter 2: Youth Theatre Models and Structures (30 pages, 240k)

Download Chapter 3: Funding and Resources (18 pages, 136k)

Download Chapter 4: Youth Theatre Practice and Programming (39 pages, 192k)

Download Chapter 5: Youth Theatre Members (25 pages, 156k)

Download Chapter 6: Youth Theatre Leaders (16 pages, 120k)

Download Chapter 7: The Benefits of Participation (22 pages, 136k)

Download Recommendations/Acknowledgements/Bibliography (10 pages, 80k)

Download Appendices (31 pages, 256k)

Centre Stage +10 Seminar

A seminar was held to coincide with the launch of the Centre Stage +10 final report. The seminar focused on areas of the report such as benefits of participation, artistic practice,  landmarks in the development of a youth theatre and youth theatre models. Speakers included Arts Council Director Mary Cloake, director and writer Veronica Coburn in addition to youth theatre members and leaders.

Download a transcript of the Centre Stage +10 Seminar (41 pages, 321k)

Changing Profiles

Changing Profiles is a research project undertaken by NAYD in 2005 to examine the participation of 10-14 year olds in youth theatre. The research process was conducted among affiliated youth theatres already working with this age-range, and focused on three specific issues: practice, welfare and repertoire. After reviewing the findings of this report, the Board of NAYD recommended that NAYD continues to focus its activities on the 12+ age group.

Download Changing Profiles (32 pages, 1607k)

Centre Stage

In September 1998, NAYD concluded a major programme of research and review. Many of its findings were drawn from a questionnaire completed by almost 1,000 youth theatre members from over 50 different youth theatres around the country. The research was compiled into the Centre Stage: The Place of Youth Theatre in Ireland 1997-1998 report.

Download Centre Stage Summary (12 pages, 307 k)

To order a printed copy of any of the reports, contact Rhona.