Established in 1996 by Maggie Gallagher, Tramps & Poets is Tinahely's youth drama group, resident at the Courthouse Arts Centre. The group meets weekly during the school term for workshops and training in many aspects of performance and development.

NEW SEASON STARTS MONDAY, 8th FEBRUARY for eight weeks. Enrollment now open tel: 0402-38529

This spring we introduce a new age group: 4-7 years olds will meet from 2.15pm to 3.15pm.
This is in addition to the established groups for 8-10 year olds (3.30pm-4.45pm)
and 11-14 year olds (5.00pm-6.30pm)

FEE SCHEDULE: all fees must be paid in full on or before the first day of the new term.
Group A (4-7 yr olds): €5 per class (€40 for the term)
Group B (8-10 yr olds): €8 per class (€64 for the term)
Group A (11-14 yr olds): €8 per class (€64 for the term)

OUR DRAMA FACILITATOR: Tramps & Poets has been facilitated by top youth drama professionals and each facilitator has brought their own vision and experience to bear on the structure and format of the sessions. The troupe is now led by Tinahely resident Aisling Flitton. Aisling has a diploma in Theatre Studies from Trinity College, Dublin, and has worked as a professional actor. She started teaching drama with Act One Drama School in Dublin in 2004 and has facilitated youth drama groups all over the country. Aisling teaches part time with the Gaiety School of Acting and she runs workshops in local schools and she is a member of the National Association of Youth Drama.

As an experienced drama facilitator for children and young people, Aisling places a strong emphasis on development and encourages each child to find their own means of creative expression. Using drama as a tool for building confidence and communication skills rather than taking the spotlight, the weekly sessions culminate in a showcase for families without the pressure of "putting on a show". Aisling is available to speak to parents on an ongoing basis about their child's development and needs.

The Courthouse Arts Centre has a child protection policy in place and seeks to instill in all participants a sense of mutual respect, fostering an atmosphere of equality and awareness of others, as well as creativity and fun.

Administration for all youth drama activities is carried out by Eamonn Phelan, Productions Manager at the Courthouse. To enrol for the next season, or find out more, contact Eamonn at 0402-38529 or e-mail techmanager@tinahely-courthouse.ie