Anyone aged 10 – 18yrs, from 5th class – 6th year, interested in getting involved!
We aim to make room for everyone who is interested, but this is not always possible due to resources and numbers. When there needs to be a selection of new members, it is based on the gender, geographical and age breakdown of the current group.
In all groups, the material covered is led by the interests and dynamics of the members of that group, guided by our wonderful Facilitators.
Senior (SYT) for 4th – 6th year
Intermediate (IYT) for 1st – 3rd year
Junior (JYT) for 5th and 6th class
Senior Youth Theatre
4th year – 6th year
In term one, this group concentrates on advancing skill development, creative learning and expanding knowledge of performance styles and forms, genre and wider theatre skills such as writing, design and production.
In terms two & three the focus shifts towards the annual production which takes place shortly after the Easter school holidays.
There is an additional time commitment expected for rehearsals, however consideration is given to other commitments e.g. exams, school etc.
Intermediate Youth Theatre
1st year – 3rd year
This group focuses on the foundations of skill development, confidence in performance and learning to build and work within an ensemble.
The year comes to an end with a performance for family and friends. There may be some extra time commitment around the time of production which takes place at the end of May/early June
Junior Youth Theatre
5th class – 6th class
This group is grounded in introducing and immersing the young people in the world of theatre. The focus is on developing skills in performance and theatre-making, building confidence, making friends and having fun.
The year comes to an end with a performance for family and friends. There may be some extra time commitment around the time of production which takes place at the end of May/early June
‘Barnstorm has been one of the best experiences of my life and I will forever treasure the laughs, the shows, the workshops and the incredible friends I made. The confidence and acceptance you gain from being part of this group is unparalleled’ Stephanie
‘Coming out of lockdown and working with such a lovely, fun and talented group of people, getting to know them and work with them, has been amazing. Barnstorm is a place where we can all come and be ourselves, as loud and as mad as we want without being judged, and I am very grateful for it.’ Ruby
‘The Youth Theatre is one of my favourite organisations in Kilkenny. Through it I managed to make friends and enjoy myself immensely.’ Matthew
‘’ …thank you so much for all your hard work and effort over the past two years and I can honestly say that those two years have benefited me tremendously….’ Eimear
The annual membership fee is €250.
This includes a registration fee of €70 to secure a place & the balance of €180 is due by December.
There is a discount of €25 per sibling and there are a limited number of scholarships available. Just ask Anja: anja@barnstorm.ie
Founded in 1991, BYT’s main aim is to produce theatre by young people for young people.
Our vision is to make a positive difference to the lives of young people through ongoing meaningful engagement in drama, placing their creative voice at the centre.
Our aim is to empower young people to learn and develop skills, to work as an ensemble and create theatre.
We seek to support our members to build confidence and advance their social, personal and artistic development through creative learning.
No previous experience is required.
The programme includes weekly workshops in ensemble building and skills development during the school year and a production or showing (depending on the group) at the end of the year.
SYT:
The House of Oedipus by Anna Galligan (2025)
The Trials by Dawn King (2024)
Macbeth by William Shakespeare (2023)
IYT:
Johnny Baluba, Teenage Detective by Ronan Carr (2025)
Scenes of Dracula by Don Fleming (2024)
The hysterical history of the Trojan War (2023)
JYT:
Don’t Shoot the Messenger by John Morton in collaboration with JYT (2024)
Us and Them by David Campton (2022)
Scattered by James Butler (2019)
.. Who’s the fastest? Who’s the winner? Excitable, energetic Hare, or patient, peaceful Tortoise? Ready? Steady? GO!…
Hare & Tortoise by Brendan Murray ignited imaginations in this charming, award-winning adaptation of Aesop’s fable about friendship, opposites, and growing up. Beginning in the first bright bloom of spring, journeying through the sunny, spirited summer, the cosy crisp autumn, and ending in the sparkling snow of winter, this enchanting story bursts to life with fun, music and captivating characters.
School Shows 24 Feb – 14 Mar
Family Shows 9 Mar
Tickets: €10 (teachers free)
Running time: 40 minutes approx.
HERE is the link to the FREE resource pack for teachers
Two elderly farmers, Eamon and Nashee, meet at a gate on a remote hillside. These men are old friends, old rivals, old neighbours. They are men of heart, of humour, of hardness. Their conversation is a throwback to a gentler time, when silence was as telling as declaration, and meaning was more often found between the lines than on them. But there’s nothing gentle about today’s conversation. In facing the bitter reality of their remote defiance, they have grown fearful and desperate. Now they are forced to confront each other with some heartbreaking truths that test their friendship to its limit.
The Quiet Land is a celebration of the humour, resilience and endearing innocence of an exiled generation as it struggles to survive in the isolated rural Ireland of today. It is Malachy McKenna’s heartfelt tribute to a rare breed of forgotten men who live a long way in off the road. Winner of the PJ O’Connor Award 2014.
30 Jan – 2 Feb 2025 7 PM
Venue: Barnstorm Studio
3 Johns Quay, Kilkenny, R95 T382