Youth Drama and Theatre
Essentially Youth Theatre
Jonothan Neelands (2008)
Professor Jonothan Neelands delivered a keynote address as part of NAYD's Starting The Debate seminar, May 2008. In this address he sought to identify the core qualities of youth theatre.
Download13pg, 120k
Speaking Their Language: Articulating the Value of Youth Theatre
Ben Cameron (2005)
An address given by Ben Cameron, Director of Theatre Communications Group (USA) as part of the 'Inspiring Voices' series.
Download 8 p, 125k
Magic & Mayhem
Paul Mercier (2004)
Paul Mercier addresses the mission to put youth theatre where it belongs and to give the young people of this country a chance to take part in the wonderful adventure that is youth theatre.
Download 2 pg, 68k
Life after Charisma: Some thoughts on youth theatre structures
Emelie FitzGibbon
This article looks at the conditions necessary for the development of sustainable youth theatres. Emelie FitzGibbon observes that, while charisma and energy provide the basis for much of a youth theatre's activity, structures are essential for its long-term survival.
Download 2pg, 55k
21 Years a Growin'
Ophelia Byrne (2001)
Some of the people who have been involved with NAYD over its first 21 years reminisce about the association's landmark events and achievements.
Download 3pg, 297k
Questions, Changes & Challenges: The Quest for the Grail of Perfection in a Rapidly Changing Landscape
Emelie FitzGibbon (2001)
Twenty-one years after the foundation of NAYD, much has changed in drama and in society. Emelie FitzGibbon streses the need for an evaluation of the constituents of good drama practice in a changing society.
Download 4pg, 141k
Handing over the Archives: The Ulster Youth Theatre
Imelda Foley (1998)
The Youth Drama Scheme, founded and managed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, came of age in 1997. A new independent umbrella organisation, the Ulster Association of Youth Drama, was formed in 1998. In this article, Imelda Foley describes the hand-over and looks back at some highlights.
Download 3 pg, 106k
Who Would Miss Us?
NAYD asked some tough questions about youth theatre in 2003 including:
- Why does youth theatre exist?
- Who would miss youth theatre?
- How should youth theatre go about telling others that it's important?
Ten organisations responded. These responses were published in Youth Drama Ireland 2003 in an article edited by Ali Fitzgibbon:
The questions raised some interesting responses. Read a selection of the responses in full below:
Response from Declan Gorman, Artistic Director of Upstate Theatre Company
Response from David Grant, Head of Drama Studies, Queen's University, Belfast
Response from Tania Carlisle and Richard Gaston, Arts & Business (NI)
