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)
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) |