Amateur Drama

Panorama continues with its wide-angled look at amateur and community theatre in Ireland, and the second issue is packed with information on festivals, summer schools and courses. Its editor, Eamon Bradley, says that many groups and individuals have joined PAN (Performing Arts Network), including some festivals, professional and community theatres, Arts Centres and Arts and Community organisations. The movement has the support of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the National Lottery Fund and CARA (Celebrating the Arts in Rural Areas). Although this finance is coming from north of the border, PAN has an all-Ireland focus and does not distinguish between professional, semi-professional, community or amateur activities.

"Things are changing in both parts of the island and on the wider European front, and we need to make sure we take advantage of these changes," Bradley says. "We will continue to work to help new groups become established and to assist those in more rural or deprived areas with their development, particularly in education and training as well as in communication and networking." PAN believes amateur or community drama and dance are basic resources for community development and educational reform. The organisation has a website under construction at: http://members.xoom.com/pan9999/ pan.htm

Headford Drama Group, Co Galway, is currently touring Michael Carey's Thy Will be Done in five cities in the US. The author is a member of the group and he has already written two plays for them. They played at home in Headford and at Galway's An Taibhdhearc before leaving.

August's summer schools are at Gormanston (this week) and Maynooth (14th-21st). Other shorter courses have already been notified in this column. A five-day residential project for young people in contemporary dance will take place at Stranmillis College, Belfast (August 18th-22nd), and Longford's Shawbrook Ballet School will hold its 15th Annual Public Dance Performance, Shawbrook '99, at the Backstage Theatre and Centre for the Arts, Longford (August 13th-14th).

The Macra na Feirme National Drama Competition was won by Carrigaline, Co Cork with Freshford, Co Kilkenny as runners-up. The Association of Ulster Drama Festivals operates the annual Bursary Scheme.

Barbara Sheridan of Moat Club, Naas is spearheading a drive for funds. A new £1.2 million project to transform its historic premises will incorporate a new 200-seat theatre, foyer, exhibition area, meeting, work and dressing rooms - all disabled-friendly. The project has received a grant of £750,000 from the Department of Arts, Culture, the Gaeltacht and the Islands. Naas UDC has committed itself to a further £200,000 and Sheridan, at 086-8179710, is chasing after the balance.