Kate Ferris.

Drama fringe workshops in Athlone

To celebrate the RTÉ All Ireland Drama Festival, Athlone Arts & Tourism will host two fringe events; a playwriting workshop with Michelle Read on Saturday 30th April and a Stage Management Workshop with Kate Ferris on Thursday 5th May.

Michelle Read is a Dublin-based playwright and dramaturge with a breadth of production experience and Masters Degrees in Dramaturgy and Screenwriting. In this 2.5 hour introductory course, through writing exercises, discussion and scene analysis, participants will learn about: dynamic characters, engaging stories, active dialogue, clear stage pictures and how to create script for live performance.

The playwriting course will be held on Saturday April 30th with two sessions to choose from: 10.30am – 1pm or 2pm – 4.30pm. Places are limited so early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.

Kate Ferris has worked as a production, stage and event manager with Australian companies and festivals including C!RCA, Queensland Theatre Company, LaBoite Theatre Company, Brisbane Festival, Malthouse Theatre Company and David Atkins Enterprises (15th Asian Games, Doha, Qatar). Kate is currently Head of Stage Management in The Lir Academy at Trinity College Dublin where she is responsible for training student Stage Managers.

In her 2.5 hour introduction to Stage Management course participants will learn; what is stage management and why do we need it, how the Stage Management team are divided into roles and responsibilities, how to run a rehearsal room including blocking, prompting and reporting, an introduction to creating a Prompt Copy and calling cues for production

The Stage Management course will be held on Thursday 5th May with two sessions to choose from: 10am – 12.30pm or 1.30 pm – 4pm

The courses are suitable for those aged 16 years plus with an interest in writing for stage, performance or production.

Both courses will take place at Luan Gallery. Places are very limited so pre-booking is essential and €20 prepayment to secure your place.

Bookings through Luan Galley on 0906442154