Leading On...

Leading On....Residential 2012

Workshop Swap Shop

Over the last few years, one of the most frequent requests from youth theatre leaders has been more opportunities to share each other's workshop practice. This year's Leading On... residential is designed with this in mind. As part of the weekend we will be inviting leaders to offer, lead and swap a workshop with their fellow participants. In contrast to other years, there will be no overriding theme or motif. Rather we will be programming a diverse and interesting variety of stand-alone workshops so that participants have a chance to pick up a more diverse set of drama and theatre skills and add significantly to their stock of material.

We are asking participants to bring a workshop that works well for them. A workshop that has inspired you and your group to explore new ideas or create exceptional productions. It could be your favourite Mask, Shadow Puppetry or even a Magic and Illusion workshop. The possibilities are endless!!

NAYD staff members and facilitators of the programme, Dave Kelly and Alan King, in addition to designing the overall weekend, will also be contributing several workshops. They will also mentor those who wish to facilitate material. You may have an idea for a great workshop but have never fully facilitated it before or a tried and trusted workshop that needs a little overhaul or inspiration. Dave and Alan are available to support and advise you on bringing your idea to fruition.

If you are interested in facilitating a session, please submit your workshop idea to include the following information:

• Title of Workshop.
• Aims, objectives and expected outcomes of the workshop.
• A description of the workshop in 200 words approx. Please avoid conceptual jargon but rather provide a simple and practical explanation of the workshop.
• How this workshop has inspired you or the group with which you have facilitated it.

Even if your workshop is only a germ of an idea at the moment, please feel free to submit it using the guidance above.

Submissions can be sent to Alan King. The deadline for submission of ideas is 29 February 2012.

For those who wish to attend but don't want to facilitate, there will be spaces available.

The residential itself will take place late May or early June. Exact dates and venues to be confirmed as soon as possible.

Inclusion Seminar

Searching for ways to include young people with disabilities in your youth theatre activities?This Inclusion Seminar is designed to help leaders develop strategies to include young people with disabilities, specifically physical disabilities and autism. The seminar will include presentations, practical workshop activities and opportunities for discussion.

Seminar Sessions:

Disability Awareness Training Workshop
With the Irish Wheelchair Association

Towards Inclusive Youth Theatre Practice: Strategies to include young people with an autistic spectrum disorder
With Carmel O’Sullivan (School of Education, TCD)

Date: 31 March
Location: Dublin.  Time: 10.30am - 5.30pm

Further information and booking forms will be sent to youth theatres with the March edition of Intermission. For more information contact Rhona on 01-8781301 or

Past Leading On...Sessions

• Weekend course in Directing
• Training in Garda Vetting procedures
• Residential weekend: "Shifting Gear: Using High Focus Exercises and Approaches in Youth Drama"
• Training In Playback Theatre
• Creative Approaches to Voice
• Building the Arc: Looking at the elements of the youth drama workshop

What the participants have to say:

This training is extremely beneficial and enjoyable. Keep it coming.

The training was very challenging and it made me examine my own practice. I will take much learning away with me.

I very much enjoyed the workshops over the past weekend and found them very well constructed and executed. It was also good to meet up with other drama practitioners and share thoughts and ideas.