Gaelic Drama Summer School 2008

9th April 2008

Young Gaelic speakers will get an opportunity to learn professional theatre skills at a new drama summer school to be held in Skye this summer.

An Sgoil Shamhraidh Dhràma, established by Fèisean nan Gàidheal and Theatre Hebrides, will run from 30 June until the 11 July in Portree, and will be open to young people between the ages of 14 and 18. Training will be given in a wide range of theatre skills from experts in their field.

The Sgoil will be run under the direction of Dennis Cahill, Artistic Director of the Canadian theatre company Loosemoose, and among the tutors involved will be Mairead Ross, who is well-known both as an actor and voice coach.

Tuition will be offered in voice, movement, scriptwriting and acting, and a technical course offering workshops in sound, light and other production skills will run concurrently.

Dougie Beck, co-ordinator of the Sgoil, hopes that it will help develop young Gaels' drama skills and also encourage them to participate in more theatre work in the long-term. He says, "There has been a gap in Gaelic youth theatre provision since the summer schools that were held by Pròiseact nan Ealan in Lìonacleit in the 80s and 90s. They were very successful and they gave a head start to many youngsters of the day who are now making a living acting. It would be marvellous if we could provide as good an opportunity for young folk today."

Fèisean nan Gàidheal's Chief Executive, Arthur Cormack, says, "Fèisean nan Gàidheal has been involved more and more in the development of Gaelic drama and the re-establishment of a Summer School is an important step in revitalising Gaelic drama at community and professional levels."

There are twenty places available, and auditions will be held at the beginning of May. The successful applicants' expenses will be paid in full. The Sgoil will be supported by Highlands & Islands Enterprise, Comunn na Gàidhlig, Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Arts Council, with additional support from Eden Court Theatre.

Anyone interested in taking part in the Sgoil should contact Seònaid MacDonald at Fèisean nan Gàidheal on 01463 225559 or e-mail drama[AT]feisean.org before 18 April.