Laois Youth Theatre Taster Workshop 1

Laois Youth Theatre is back!

In this sample workshop you will explore drama and
acting in a fun, interactive and engaging way. You will learn the basics of
improvisation and storytelling, and meet the Laois Youth Theatre
team.

Calvin Magee is a youth theatre practitioner, director, and socially engaged artist who creates inclusive, youth-led programmes centred on community, access, and play. He has held leadership roles with organisations including M.A.D Youth Theatre, Barnstorm Youth Theatre, and Spleodar Halloween Arts Festival, with expertise in directing, facilitation, programme design, and strategic development. His directing spans devised, text-based, physical, and site-specific work, and he was theatre-maker in residence at An Táin Arts Centre in 2025. He also contributes to national youth arts development through governance and advocacy work, including as Board Secretary of Youth Theatre Ireland.

Jo Hennessy is Head of Creative Learning at Barnstorm Theatre Company and a qualified primary and secondary teacher with a Master’s in Education. With over a decade of experience as a Drama Specialist, she has extensive expertise in Theatre in Education and directing productions ranging from classical plays and musicals to devised work. She has worked across mainstream and additional-needs settings, adapting drama practice for schools and youth theatre environments.