The first ever Ulster Association of Youth Drama Conference will be held at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, on Wednesday 29 February.
Aimed at those working directly in the youth drama sector in Northern Ireland, the one day event, themed ‘engage, inspire and create’, will offer attendees a varied programme of performance, keynote speeches, workshops and a panel discussion session.
Some of the UK’s leading drama experts will be on hand to impart their knowledge and engage with the delegates. Colin Bradie of Promote YT, Scotland, and theatre director and writer Phil Clark will give keynote addresses; Ali Campbell, a leading expert in Boal Techniques, will present facilitation masterclasses, Danny Braverman, a director and writer, who has particular experience in community theatre, will host a workshop on drama and citizenship and Tracy Dempsey of Soul Ambition will inspire delegates on how to engage with young people through social media.
Ryan Black, Chair of Ulster Association of Youth Drama, said: “NI2012 is certainly a year of opportunity for arts and culture. We want to embrace ‘our time, our place’ with a thought provoking Conference, offering learning and best practice to anyone who wants to explore the use of drama when working with young people or those studying for a career in the industry.
“Basically we would encourage theatre leaders, professional artists, youth leaders, academics teaching drama, community and voluntary groups, public sector support organisations, arts officers, performers, workshop facilitators and students pursuing a career in drama to attend.
“We are committed to leading a co-ordinated approach to the development of the sector stimulating good practice, growth in participation and audiences. Face to face interaction is key to working together to achieve this and we are both excited and confident that we are offering something unique to those who plan to attend ‘The Next Stage’.”
Gavin O’Connor, Youth Arts Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “The Arts Council has long been a supporter of the Ulster Association of Youth Drama and its first conference will create an opportunity for theatre professionals and young people to share their experience, knowledge and ideas, through a structured process of discussion and debate.”
The Conference will also feature a Youth Theatre Forum open to all young people aged 16 plus who have an interest in arts, theatre and drama.
Delegate fees range from £10.00 to £25.00. To book your place at ‘The Next Stage’ log onto www.eventelephant.com/UAYDConference or email lesley@theeventor.com