Mission Statement

Barnstorm (founded in 1991) is based in Kilkenny; and endeavours to establish theatre practice which can engage the wider community, with a positive bias towards access and provision for sections of the community not traditionally theatre-going, e.g. children, young people and local communities.

• presents professional theatre for children and young people (from 4 year olds up);
• works with communities to research, devise and present Community Theatre Projects; engages with groups/individuals (young people and their leaders) in the practice and presentation of theatre/drama through an innovative Outreach & Education programme (including Youth Theatre and Adult Drama Club;
• provides opportunities for the development of new writing/playwrights through its New Writing programme (e.g. Playwriting Workshops, New Plays for Young Audiences projects, Mentoring and commissions).

Aims:

• To develop and sustain a professional, Kilkenny-based, theatre arts organisation, which will both draw from and serve diverse sections of the community.
• To provide opportunities for adults and young people to make and receive theatre.
• To explore new forms of theatre that will grow from, and respond to, the needs and interests of specific sections of the community.

• To develop professional theatre for children and young people by commissioning, producing and touring engaging plays.
• To develop meaningful, collaborative and participative projects with sections of the community, especially young people, through a variety of outreach projects.

Staff

Artistic Director - Philip Hardy
General Manager - Vincent Dempsey
Company Administrator - Trish Hayden Drennan
Outreach Officer - Anna Galligan
Administrative Assistant - Jacinta Breen
Script Development - Maeve Ingoldsby
Ass. Outreach - Keith Raven