The cost of success

A survey carried out by the Drama League of Ireland among groups participating at drama festivals throughout the country reveals some interesting statistics. Findings suggest that the best-conducted festival is West Waterford's at Ballyduff. Cork West at Rossmore are runners-up and there is a tie for third between Mountmellick and Derry. Entering a festival could cost a group up to £4,000 but half that figure is the average. The festival circuit delivers approximately £20,000 for performance licences. An individual spends around £100 in personal expenses. Distances travelled could be up to a 360-mile round trip and 2,100 miles in all. The average was 120 miles. The cost of transporting a set reached £1,600 in one case but the average was £655.00. The individual adjudicating was a factor in 44 per cent of decisions to enter a particular festival. Only six adjudicators out of 35 were rated as "very good" (80 per cent, or over). Three of these were Guild of Drama Adjudicators (the British GODA): Colin Dolley, Scott Marshall and Russell Whiteley; the other three, Paul Brennan, Donn McMullin and Patrick Sutton, were members of Ireland's Association of Drama Adjudicators (ADA).

Two Northern venues take the first four places for excellence. The Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, is nominated as the best venue with Newtownabbey, Portadown and Derry following. Ballyduff, Co Waterford, at fifth, is best of the Republic of Ireland venues. Ballyshannon is voted best for technical facilities and expertise provided. Newry, Ennniskillen and Derry come second, third and fourth. An extremely credit-worthy statistic shows that 50 per cent of groups have their own venue. Half the groups surveyed produced one full-length work each year, 33 per cent produced two and 17 per cent, three or more. Seventy per cent of amateur productions break even or make a slight profit, 18 per cent lose a little. Sponsorship (of transport for sets in some cases), table quizzes and raffles still assists running costs. Festival committees pay from £60 to £300 towards groups' expenses but 70 per cent are tardy when it comes to putting the cheque in the post. Written comments suggest that festival committees pay too little and should pay for performance licences.

Dublin Corporation and the DLI are sponsoring a workshop for playwrights with completed or emerging scripts. Even an outline of a play will be considered by Joe Jordan, 1 Martin Street, Portobello, Dublin 8. An established playwright will conduct the workshop. The Arts Council and the DLI are funding work on a new script with a professional director. Details from Karen at 01-2956287.