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Kildare County Council Arts Service

Creative Theatre workshops in Athy Methodist Church

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Creative Theatre workshops in Athy Methodist Church.


From August 17th – 20th in the Methodist Church in Athy, a group of actors came together to create and play.

The work, funded by Kildare County Council Arts Service, represents the on going commitment to the development and support of artists from County Kildare. The recently published Youth Arts Strategy for Kildare 2009 – 2011 highlights the need to support the development of emerging artists (up to 25). These workshops, which mixed both emerging and established artists is a practical application of this commitment.

The idea for the workshops, conceived by director Marion Brophy and writer John MacKenna, was to bring a director and a dozen actors together to explore methods of workshopping; to work on improvisation and to work out of scripted pieces towards the development of scenes.

John MacKenna commented -
“We were blessed in Marian - her dedication to working with actors is incredible. I was there both as an actor and writer. We had actors from youth theatre and mature age groups and from Kildare, Cork, Westmeath and Offaly. The group worked on character; situations and developing pieces from a script that will be the basis of an autumn touring production.”

Participants in the workshops commented

“It was a privilege to be a part of the studio created by Marion Brophy and John MacKenna last week in Athy.  All brought their best and it was a gift to experience the creative art produced.   The choice of venue, the Methodist Church Hall, I'm sure only added to the sanctity of the work.” - Deirdre Donoghue

“I found the workshops to be an opportunity to explore creativity, learn from the other participants and benefit from the wonderful facilitation skills of Marian Brophy. A totally enjoyable and worthwhile project.” -  Anna Marie O Neill

“I enjoyed the workshop immensely - from a creative aspect as well as from the point of view of sharpening and honing my skills. The opportunity to work directly with the playwright on new material as well as with other performers in a supportive and creative environment, in particular with the co-ordination of an excellent director gave rise to some exciting and inspired work. I would thoroughly recommend partaking in these workshops for any actor serious about their career.” - Therese Cahill


For further information on these workshops and other Kildare County Council Arts Service funded programmes, you can contact the arts service on arts@kildarecoco.ie or 045 448328.

 

 

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