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Leitrim Youth Theatre Bright Sparks

@ The Dock, Carrick on Shannon

Junior Group 

10 to 13yrs (or 5th class, 6th class and 1st year)  

5.15pm - 6.45pm


Senior Group 

14 to 17yrs (or 2nd year to 6th year)  

7.00pm - 9.00pm

 

Bright Sparks is a new youth theatre programme funded through Leitrim County Council's Creative Ireland programme that caters to a broad spectrum of young people aged 10 - 17 years who wish to participate in a youth theatre programme that is delivered at a more relaxed pace that is suited to each individual's needs - young neurodiverse people or those who find the school system tough that have an interest in theatre or performance and a flair for creativity.

Background

In 2017 Carrigallen Youth Theatre developed Bright Sparks as a pilot project as part of Leitrim County Council’s Creative Ireland Programme. The project consisted of a group of young people aged 14 – 18 years which ran for two years until December 2019. 

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"When I was 16 I was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder…I was recommended the Bright Sparks programme and it was honestly one of the best things I've ever done for myself…I am now in my third year studying Costume Design for film and theatre in IADT. It was truly a life changing opportunity for me.”  

- Eimear McLoughlin, previous member of Bright Sparks.

Bright Sparks Groups

Bright Sparks will consist of two professional youth theatre groups, one for young people aged 10 – 13 years (5th class to 1st year), and one for young people aged 14 – 17 years (2nd year to 6th year).  The programme develops participants’ creative skills, delivered at the pace of each individual. We promote a culture of respect and empathy to ensure each individual's unique voice is heard. The programme actively involves and connects individuals to the project by creating opportunities for meaningful interaction and collaboration among members and with leaders. We actively involve participants in the ongoing development of the long-term vision for the programme and in all decision making related to project development and delivery.


Co-designed Workshops
We work with highly skilled facilitators to design workshop programmes in collaboration with members catering for the diverse abilities and interests in each group. The project uses different facilitation methodologies and offers a flexible structure within workshops to ensure different learning styles are catered for. We promote active participation, facilitating brainstorming and group discussions (developing projects, scripts etc.) and allowing for a diverse range of roles to suit all abilities and talents. We aim to create a safe environment where each participant feels comfortable and valued and where everyone is afforded the opportunity to participate based on their individual strengths.

Buddy System
Engendering an inclusive co-dependent learning environment is important to build cohesion and harness the strengths of individual members. Where appropriate, older or more experienced members will be buddied with less experienced members promoting skills transferal and developing confidence for both parties. 


Volunteer Assistant Leader Programme (18 - 26 years)
Members who turn 18 years of age may put themselves forward to become a volunteer assistant leader at the start of the next year of the programme, thus providing a valuable professional development opportunity to the participant and a valuable contribution to the project as a whole. 


Celebrating achievements
We acknowledge individual and collective achievement and look for opportunities to celebrate them. In order that members have the greatest capacity to discover their areas of interest, in addition to theatre, the programme will foster design and technical skills as well as looking to film, creative writing and other forms of creative expression. Outputs will be decided by each group, which may be on stage, film, in a book, and each individual will be encouraged to find their way to shine. 

Cost for ten week term: €55

 

Please note that numbers are strictly limited and provided on a first come first served basis. However, we do maintain a waiting list so if the programme is fully booked we will inform applicants as places arise.

For further information, please contact Mary Blake on

071 96 20005 Ext 541 or mary.blake@leitrimcoco.ie 

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Note: It is very important to us that any young person interested in youth theatre can have the opportunity to take part. If you have difficulties with payment currently, please contact, in confidence, your Youth Theatre Leader or Leitrim Arts Officer Philip Delamere on 071 96 20005 ext. 694 or pdelamere@leitrimcoco.ie

Leitrim Youth Arts

Leitrim County Council

Aras an Chontae

Carrick on Shannon

Co. Leitrim

T: 071 96 20005 Ext 541

E: mary.blake@leitrimcoco.ie

W: leitrimarts.ie

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© 2023 Leitrim County Council Arts Office

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