New Stage Launch
Two members of Monaghan Youth Theatre share their experience of the New Stage Launch that took place on 19 November. They performed some scenes from one of the New Stage plays On Track by Ursula de Brun
Starting out from our little home, the Garage Theatre at eleven on a Saturday morning, to travel to Dublin and perform in the Lir Academy Theatre for fellow members of the NAYD, was one lie-in I didn’t mind giving up! After our quick once-over rehearsal, making sure it was perfect, we hopped on the bus, carrying two extra drama members that couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be there with us. After enduring a half-hour of our wonderful singing on the bus, Barry and Krista decided we should use our time a little more wisely. We began practicing projecting our voices over the loud noises of the bus, while saying our lines. After three verbal run-through’s and a quick stop-off at an Applegreen (we love us some Apple!), we arrived at the theatre.
We took some photos outside and then waited around in the theatre, getting the feel of the stage. After the other two youth groups arrived and had set up their stage, we all took our seats. During the other two fantastic performances, we were shown how simple it can be to create comedy, and how good the young members of our group can be. Even though we already know our junior members are amazing! We got up to perform our own ‘trailer’, (with butterflies in our stomachs!), and, if I do say so myself, it was pretty good! Meeting the playwright and getting told that we brightened her day was probably the highlight of the day. She was so nice and praising of our performance, best compliments to get after a play! On the way home we celebrated our performances, with lots of singing, junkfood and yes another stop at Applegreen! The day itself was an amazing experience and was made even better by the fact I got to do it with my best friends. Learning from other drama groups and the NAYD itself, was fantastic and I’m glad that the Monaghan Youth Theatre was chosen to take part. For us the members, as well as our mentors Krista and Barry. I love drama and thank you NAYD!
Eimear Deery
The day started off with a quick rehearsal and then we were all squished onto a bus and set off to Dublin. Again we ran through lines on the bus but as soon as we had finished we relaxed and sang at the top of our lungs.
When we arrived we were led into a black box theatre. This was the first time I had ever seen let alone performed in one. The first play It Only Ever Happens in the Movies was instantly my favourite. I enjoyed the concept of sixteen year old Derek seeking love. The ideas that his friends come up with are not the best bits of advice. The chat up lines were brilliant.
In Quest of A Play was the second play which also had a genius concept of a play about making a play. The sounds created by the cast really put us into the jungle along with the twins.
Finally we were up. I felt relaxed performing the play but I was slightly nervous because I had never used a black box theatre. Our play went well and I was shocked to hear that the writer Ursula De Brun was there but was overwhelmed when she told us how much she enjoyed it.
Overall I enjoyed the entire day and would like to thank NAYD for organizing the great day out.
Josh Mc Phillips