Published: Wednesday, 8th September, 2010 5:00pm

Gonzo Theatre look to ignite new talents

GONZO Theatre has announced the launch of its new Youth Theatre, which aims to enable the young people of Cavan to participate in creative activity as a means of self-expression.

According to Gonzo Theatre representative and tutor Kevin O'Connor: "Youth drama and theatre is a proven method to enhance personal development and education.

The Gonzo Youth Theatre through its structured approach will provide an intensive and enjoyable exploration of theatre and drama, and afford a real opportunity to develop theatre skills and increase self confidence which will help to strengthen their social interaction, responsibility taking and sharing, planning, decision making and problem sharing."

"We will offer a programme of regular weekly workshops designed to build self-confidence and the group dynamic, focusing on group development as well as personal development.

Our workshops will cover basic youth theatre skills such as improvisation and devising but also deliver specialised training in voice, movement, play writing, dance and music, costume, make-up, lighting and sound design/operation."

Gonzo Theatre also plans to have advanced skills workshops in different actor training styles such as Stanislavski, Grotowski and Lecoq.

The theatre company has secured the talents of two very experienced tutors in this field: Kevin O'Connor and Deirdre O'Reilly. Kevin has directed a number of recent Gonzo Theatre productions and has extensive experience in youth drama. Kevin has worked all over the country delivering workshops and classes. He acted as artistic director for Cavan County Council's youth drama network comprising some 16 groups dotted around the county.

Kevin has worked as a tutor for Betty Ann Norton's Theatre School and DKIT's Border Arts Centre and currently works for Leitrim youth drama, Carrickmacross Youthreach and lectures in Drama in Education in the University of Limerick. He is really looking forward to working with the young people of Cavan again.

Deirdre O'Reilly comes from Cavan and has recently completed a Diploma in Drama and Theatre Studies from NUI Maynooth. Over the past number of years Deirdre has helped set up and run KYDS (Kilnaleck Youth Drama Society) and Sue Grew Drama Group. She is a member of The Gonzo Theatre Company and has been in three productions so far; Tales from the Heart and Other Body Parts, Pure Brothers and more recently The Fire. She has particular interest in the younger age groups and special needs and is an assistant facilitator with a Down's Syndrome group in Ballinagh.

During the week of the Fleadh, Deirdre ran a dance and makeup workshop which proved hugely popular.

Deirdre is very excited about the new set up in Cavan town and can't wait to meet all the new up and coming thespians.

The classes will be divided into three age ranges; six to nine, ten to thirteen and fourteen to eighteen and fees start from €70 per ten-week term.

Interested parties can register their interest now with Kevin on 086-3890137 or Deirdre on 085-1555076.