‘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 (member 2018 to date)
‘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, 16 (member 2019 – to date)
‘The Youth Theatre is one of my favourite organisations in Kilkenny. Through it I managed to make friends and enjoy myself immensely.’ Matthew (member 2016 to date)
‘’ …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, 17
Barnstorm Theatre Company has four youth theatre groups:
Senior (SYT) for those at least 14+ yrs,
a second SYT group started this September on Mondays
Middle (MYT) for those in 1st and 2nd year
Junior (JYT) for those in 5th and 6th class
We to make room for everyone who is interested, this is not always possible due to resources and numbers. If there needs to be a selection of new members, it is based on the gender, geographical and age breakdown of the current group.
Senior Youth Theatre Full
Tuesday from 5.30 – 7.30pm. The annual production 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.
Monday Senior Youth Theatre New
Mondays from 5 – 7pm.
Middle Youth Theatre
Wednesdays from 5.45 – 7.15pm. 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 in the middle of May.
Junior Youth Theatre Full
Wednesday from 3.45 – 5.15pm. The year finishes in summer with a performance showcase for parents and friends, which normally takes place on Saturday 15th June as part of Cruinniú na nÓg 2024 – A day of free creativity for children and young people
Cost
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
About Barnstorm Youth Theatre (BYT) in Kilkenny
Founded in 1991, BYT’s main aim is to produce theatre by young people for young people. The youth theatre is child and young person centered and concentrates on drama and theatre skills. No previous experience required. The programme includes weekly workshops during the school year and one production a year.
SYT:
The Trials by Dawn King (2024)
Macbeth by William Shakespeare (2023)
XIV Fourteen by Droichead Youth Theatre (2022)
Alice in Wonderland adapted for stage by Anna Galligan (2019) – new production
There is Only Now by Anna Galligan, devised with SYT (2018)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare (2017)
The House of Oedipus by Anna Galligan (2016)
Alice in Wonderland adapted for stage by Anna Galligan (2015)
Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (2014)
KoHL devised by Droichead Youth Theatre with Sharon Cromwell (2013)
Gormanghast by Mervyn Peake, adapted by John Constable (2012)
Paving Paradise by Richard Conlon (2011)
A Vampire Story by Moira Buffini (2010)
Burying Your Brother in the Pavement by Jack Thorne (2009)
The Exam by Andy Hamilton (2008)
MYT:
Scenes of Dracula by Don Fleming (2024)
The hysterical history of the Trojan War (2023)
Us and Them by David Campton (2022)
(Note: MYT was formed in 2019 and due to the pandemic did not put on staged productions)
JYT:
Us and Them by David Campton (2022)
Scattered by James Butler (2019)
Don’t Shoot the Messenger by John Morton in collaboration with JYT (2018)
The Girl with The Golden Hair by Anna Galligan, devised with JYT (2017)
Trapped devised by Physically Phishy written by Geraldine O’ Neill (2016)
Grandad’s Diary devised by JYT with Anna Galligan (2015)
School Lockers three one acts designed and directed by JYT (2014)
In Quest of a Play devised by Physically Phishy written by Geraldine O’ Neill (2013)
Don’t Shoot the Messenger by John Morton in collaboration with the JYT (2012)
Beowulf devised by JYT, written by Anna Galligan (2011)
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare – abridged (2010)
Mythika devised by JYT (2009)
The Dahl Project devised by JYT (2008)
Barnstorms’ Adult Theatre Club is starting again in 2024 with a one-year part-time programme, Theatre Production Skills.
An exciting opportunity to join a vibrant and dynamic programme of both training and performances. The 2024 Adult Theatre Club will act as an introduction to local adults who wish to explore, investigate and create theatre as a hobby. In the past, club members have experienced training in everything from improvisation, basic acting and stagecraft to theatre directing and scriptwriting. In the past, club members have experienced training in everything from improvisation, basic acting and stagecraft to theatre directing and scriptwriting. The ATC was first introduced in 2007 in answer to many requests from adults in the region who wanted to know more about theatre and how to make a performance. With a maximum of 14 members each year the alumni from successive groups formed the Barn Owl Players, a vibrant local amateur theatre company that still creates its own unique blend of theatre and theatrical happenings from Tennessee Williams, to John B Keane and from One-Act Festivals to full length plays.
“The Adult Theatre Club is an ideal way of introducing anyone new to acting and theatre in a fun environment; as well as offering local actors a means of honing their skills.” says Participation & Education Officer Jo Hennessy. “No experience is necessary just a keen interest, an open mind and a willingness to try new things” she says.
If you are interested fill in an online Registration Form by Friday 5 January. You can also contact Jo, 056 7751266 or jo@barnstorm.ie, to get a Registration Form
The first session is on the 11 January 2024 and every Thursday evening thereafter from 7.00 to 9.00pm at 3 Johns Quay, Kilkenny R95 T382. Booking is essential, as places are limited
Barnstorm Bench Tales – The world premiere of three new exciting plays in a series of open-air performances on park benches as part of Kilkenny Arts Festival. Clandestine meetings and chance encounters – the socially-distant audience ‘spied’ on the drama from afar in a unique theatre experience.
Bench Tales – There is Always Tomorrow by Joe Bergin A chance meeting between a young woman and an older man on a park bench may not be all that it seems. Why has she come here and what is she looking for? As she attempts to uncover the truth, is she fully prepared for what she might find?
Bench Tales – Pink Makes the Boys Wink by Julie Sharkey A comic, full of heart story about getting old. How time can creep up on us and take us by surprise. A story about three women. One woman’s compassion. One woman’s fear and one woman’s joy in Hello magazine.
Bench Tales – The Last Trip to Tipp by Gemma Creagh It’s 1994. Lorraine, Emma and Mairead are three friends heading in very different directions. Well not literally. Right now, they are all on their way to Féile – and with a line up like Crowded House, Primal Scream, The Prodigy, The Cranberries, Björk, and Blur – the craic will be fierce. With one mouldy tent, ancient sleeping bags and a fine slab of Lindon Village cans, they wait on a lift from their flaky friend, Suzanne – who’s late as usual.
Event details
| Dates | Mon 14th to Sat 19th Aug 2023 |
| Times | 11:00, 13:00 (lunchtime) & 15:00 |
| Running time | approx. 80 minutes |
| Ticket prices | €20 (€17 concession) |
| Where | 3 locations in Castle Park (check with KAF) |