Panel #1 – Training & Resources

Join us Monday 6th November at 13:30 in The Space Upstairs for this sure to be enlightening panel discussion.

This discussion will centre on the availability and accessibility of training and resources for those with intellectual disability/learning difficulties who wish to pursue a career in acting and the theatre industry.

Panelists:

Jane Parsons – Executive Director of Blue Teapot Theatre Company.

Grace O’Brien – Actor with Blue Teapot Theatre Company.

Kate Sheridan – Director of Blue Diamond Theatre Company.

Chaired by: Sarah Fitzgibbon – Creative Associate, Arts Council Ireland.

Panel #2 – Presentation vs Representation

Join us Tuesday 7th November at 14:00 in The Space Upstairs for this highly anticipated panel discussion.

This discussion will centre on how those with disabilities are often ‘presented’ on our stages and screens compared to authentic representation, and how this focus needs to shift not just in the performances, but also in the writing.

Panelists:

Shay Croke – Actor and Visual Artist.

Mark Smith – Actor with Run of the Mill Theatre Company.

Shane Byrne – Founding member and Actor with Equinox Theatre Ensemble.

Rema Hamid – Company Manager of Run of the Mill Theatre Company.

Chaired by: Anja Terpstra – Former General Manager of KCAT Arts Centre, Current General Manager of Barnstorm Theatre Company, Founding Director and Executive Producer of Trasna Productions.

Panel #2 – What is Inclusion?

Join us on Tuesday 7th November at 15:30 in the space Upstairs, Project Arts Centre. For what is sure to be a ‘heated’ but fascinating panel discussion.

This discussion will centre on how the terms disability and inclusion are often used and perceived as ‘catch-all’ terms, usually with very narrow parameters, when in fact it is actually complex and a very broad spectrum.

What might be ‘inclusive’ for one group of people, may not, in fact, be ‘inclusive’ for another group.

Do artists want to identify/ be labelled as ‘disabled’?

Panellists:

Medb Lambert – Former Artistic Director of Equinox Theatre Ensemble, Current Co-Director of Asylum Productions.

Sighile Hennessy – Actor with Equinox Theatre Ensemble.

Alan James Burns – Visual Artist.

Chaired by: Padraig Naughton – Executive Director of Arts & Disability Ireland since 2005.

Assemble Workshop Information

Workshop #1 – The Warm Up

Join us Monday 6th November at 11 am in the space Upstairs, Project Arts Centre.

Come join Equinox Theatre Ensemble for a workshop like no other.

Equinox Theatre will kick of their 15th birthday just how we like to start everything: with their very own, very particular warm-up routine.

Led by Equinox Theatre Ensemble – Equinox was founded in 2008 by eight graduates of KCAT’s theatre course who wanted to create opportunities for themselves as professional artists. Equinox are currently working on developing their next ensemble show, Different Every Night. This show will provide will be a no-holes-barred, entertaining epic in which every performance will tell a different story, plunging the audience into the wonderful world of Equinox Theatre Company.

Co-Facilitated by Cindy Cummings – dance artist (choreographer/performer/tutor) whose practice integrates dance, theatre and live art. Since 1986 she has created collaborative works with dance, theatre, visual, sound, literary and media artists around the world for live performance, installation and film.

Workshop #2 – Act 1

Join us on Tuesday 7th November at 10:30am in The Space Upstairs, Project Arts Centre.

Join Gemma Gallagher and Shadowbox Theatre for a workshop you will never forget.

Led by Gemma Gallagher – Director of Shadowbox Theatre Company. Gemma is a Theatre maker committed to the exploration of new ways of presenting the emotional and instinctual language of theatre inspired by real life events and experiences. She was a co-founder of Shadowbox with whom she was involved in devising and directing a number of productions.

Co-Facilitated by member of Shadowbox Theatre Company – In 2001 Shadowbox was the first theatre company in Ireland to establish a professional ensemble for Actors with Intellectual Disabilities. They encourage the most diverse audiences to the recognition that art is a faculty of our shared humanity. Their ethos – “We make art because we’re human, not to prove we’re human.”

Workshop #3 – Act 2

Join us Tuesday 6th November at 12noon in The Space Upstairs Upstairs, Project Arts Centre.

Join Michelle Henry and Susan Murray from Doors to Elsewhere for this not to be missed workshop.

Led by Michelle Henry – theatre maker and facilitator from Dublin and a core artist with Freshly Ground Theatre- currently in residence in The Civic, Tallaght. Michelle’s work is centered around inclusivity, accessibility and community participation. Michelle is a regular guest and co facilitator at Doors to Elsewhere theatre collective for adults with intellectual disabilities and also facilitates theatre making workshops across day centers in John of Gods,Tallaght.

Co-Facilitated by Susan Murray – Susan Murray has been an actor with the Doors to Elsewhere Ensemble for 6 years. She is also a visual artist working in DoubleTAKE studios. She loves performing and creating work with her DTE friends.