A silver anniversary of joy and enduring achievement was celebrated last Friday night in Roscommon Arts Centre at celebrations marking the 25th anniversary of Roscommon County Youth Theatre.
A special video message from Boyle actor Chris O’Dowd highlighted the importance of RCYT to the local cultural landscape. He congratulated RCYT on their success suggesting “all the best stories come from ‘small towns’.”
From humble beginnings the success of RCYT has mirrored that of what is today a burgeoning local arts centre. At the time of its inception, Roscommon did not have a dedicated Arts Centre nor was there any programme for youth theatre in the county.
Today, RCYT working from its spiritual home of Roscommon Arts Centre continues to be supported by the Arts Office of Roscommon County Council as well as Youth Theatre Ireland and the Arts Council of Ireland.
In its 25 year existence over one thousand students have come through the doors of RCYT, supporting careers in dramatic performance, staging, lighting, production, media and other forms of creative expression.
Highlights of Friday’s Gala Night included a premiere of a specially commissioned documentary called ‘Open Your Mouth’, directed by Graham Cantwell with the original production written by Catherine Sheridan. The screening highlighted last year’s unique production which emerged from the challenges and reflections shared by RCYT members.
Earlier, some of the many highlights of RCYT’s 25 years were also screened, showcasing the many and diverse productions undertaken in that time, ranging from Alice in Wonderland, Romeo and Juliet and The Crucible as well as a special production of ‘The Snow Queen’ to mark Roscommon Town’s inaugural Christmas Festival in 2021.
Throughout its history, RCYT has also produced innovative theatre. To mark the centenary of the 1916 Rising ‘If I Was In The GPO, We Would Have Won’, written by Catherine Sheridan shone a contemporary light on one of Irish history’s most tumultuous events. Last year’s ‘Open Your Mouth’ emerged from engagement with members on the challenges facing young people today.
Opening proceedings Artistic Director of RCYT, Catherine Sheridan said her group was “a flagship programme of Roscommon County Council where young people find advocacy, agency and empowerment – we nurture creativity in all its forms.
“Young people have mastered their particular craft with us and have gone on to have very successful careers. But it’s the values that have been instilled in our members such as friendship and community that are important too – we’re not just a theatre, we’re a family too”, said Ms. Sheridan.
Current and past members of RCYT also addressed the gala event. Youth Theatre Leader and Light and Sound Designer Michael Foley has worked with the group for the past thirteen years, the last eight of which have been working in the areas of lighting and sound.
He described his experience as “finding his voice” adding: “Youth Theatre has shaped my entire career. I’ve studied in Spain and in the United States and worked on tours across Europe. We (RCYT) work to a professional standard. It’s not about ‘little theatre for little people’”, he added.
Similar sentiments were expressed by past and current RCYT members Claire Muldoon, Emily Hough, Kiera Gardner and Aaron Byrne, all of whom spoke about how the traits of leadership, teamwork and confidence building helped them in their careers as well as overcoming issues such as anxiety.
Director of Youth Theatre Ireland (YTI) Eoghan Doyle congratulated the achievements of RCYT. He said the group were one of 57 youth groups under the remit of YTI, supporting 3,000 actors and 350 leaders, remarking “youth theatre is special; it’s about the holistic development of the young person.
“Young people have an important voice. Someone I know said to me recently “young people aren’t the future – they are the now. Your success takes vision, passion and belief. It also takes the support of parents and families.
“The success of Youth Theatre is what happens when you put sustained investment in the Arts and young people. It’s evident from the reaction here that you know you’re lucky to have Catherine (Sheridan). Here’s to 25 years and more!” Mr. Doyle remarked.
Presenting the special screening of ‘Open Your Mouth’, documentary maker Graham Cantwell urged members of RCYT “to speak your truth. We need to hear what you say. Keep ‘opening your mouth’ – keep standing up and keep speaking out” before paying tribute to Isaac and George Naughton who are supported by RCYT and the ‘Join Our Boys’ campaign.
Youth Theatre – A Celebration of young lives
The red carpet prominently on display as one entered Roscommon Arts Centre last Friday symbolised the gala occasion that was the celebration of 25 years of Roscommon County Youth Theatre (RCYT) which celebrated past, present and indeed future members.
The idea of a youth theatre group emerged from the experience of the group’s Artistic Director, Catherine Sheridan, who, while a student in Dublin, was a member of Dublin Youth Theatre. The germ of an idea to create a similar group in Roscommon was born and the rest, well, is history that continues to be made, 25 years on.
Speaking at Friday’s celebrations, Leas Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Larry Brennan acknowledged the considerable artistic influence of the group upon past and current generations of young people.
“Tonight celebrates what Roscommon County Youth Theatre is all about, providing a platform for young people between the ages of 10 and 18 to express themselves, celebrate their lives and the lives of others. Your vision has enriched the lives of many young people. Past and current members enjoy enduring and successful careers in performance, lighting, sound, journalism and performance management.
“Leading that vision has been Catherine Sheridan. From a family rich in creative expression, the Simon’s of Boyle, Catherine is the powerhouse behind RCYT. Her energy, commitment and dedication is boundless and rubs off on all who are part of your wonderful journey to date.
“It is important also to recognise the importance of Roscommon County Council, who have supported our youth theatre in those twenty-five years. For that I salute the support of Arts Officer Rhona McGrath and Arts Centre Manager Catherine Lee and her team, the youth theatre’s home.
Members have been busy rehearsing this week for their next production and I urge you to return from May 1st to 3rd for performances of ‘The Wind in the Willows’. As the saying goes ‘once you are bitten, you’ll be truly smitten’”, Cllr. Brennan concluded.
Arts Officer with Roscommon County Council Rhona McGrath also acknowledged the achievements of RCYT, suggesting: “Who’d have thought when you were first established that we’d be here tonight to celebrate 25 years?
“Roscommon Arts Centre didn’t exist 25 years ago, nor did the office of Arts Officer. I’d like to thank you for your vision, innovation and dedication. You work in an inspiring way and provide great leadership”, Ms. McGrath said.
As well as the group’s annual production of the aforementioned ‘Wind In the Willows’, RCYT have been honoured this year as one of ten youth theatre groups participating in the Youth Theatre of Ireland National Festival of Youth Theatres in Kilkenny in June. Members will also be participating in the annual Cruinniu na nÓg celebrations on 7th of June.
