Over the past few years NAYD has encouraged youth theatres to go and see each other’s work through the Go See YT scheme. Under this scheme NAYD will contribute up to 200 Euro towards the cost of travel and tickets.

Well in ‘08, we are extending the scheme to cover trips to see professional theatre productions. With the growth in the number of Arts Centres and dedicated theatre venues throughout the country, there are plenty of opportunities to see a range of theatre without travelling too far away from home. NAYD is offering youth theatres up to 100 Euro towards the cost of travel and tickets.

In order to apply, contact Katie on 01-8781301 or katie@nayd.ie with details of the production you wish to attend and how much it will cost you to bring your group. It’s that easy! (more…)

2008 will be a very busy year for NAYD.

The big news is that following on from the success of NYT ‘07, there will be another National Youth Theatre production this year. This means that youth theatre members can audition to be a cast member in a high profile production in a major theatre venue working with a professional artistic and technical team. More details will be available soon! Keep reading your e-newsletter and logging onto this website.

If you want a taste of what it’s all about, there will be a viewing of In The Circle the documentary about last year’s NYT in the IFI, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 on 23th of February at 11.30am. All welcome.

New Stage: A major new initiative. This exciting project will take place over 6 months in ‘08. Three writers have been commissioned to write plays for performance by young people. The project will commence with rehearsed readings of these plays.  Youth theatre directors will be brought together to work with these scripts and focus on directing in general in June. The plays will  be performed by participating groups at Regional Festivals in November ‘08. Groups will then perform their play for their own local audience.

Young Critics: The Young Critics programme is expanded. Participants in ‘08 will attend a number of productions and workshops throughout the year with on-going discussion taking place via the web!

Centre Stage +10: NAYD’s comprehensive research project into youth theatre in Ireland will continue with workshops and consultations with youth theatre members and leaders. The final report will be published in late 2008.

Leading On….: NAYD’s training programme for youth theatre leaders will kick off with a voice workshop in March.

AGM 2008: To coincide with the 2008 AGM in April, NAYD will hold a series of discussion groups focusing on issues relevant to youth theatre.There will also be new rounds of the Skills Development Programme, the Eilis Mullan Bursaries, a new edition of Youth Drama Ireland and lots more besides!

Watch out for the first Intermission and e-newsletter of ‘08 coming to you in early Feb for more details on the 2008 programme.