TheatreNI, a new organisation to support and develop theatre and performing arts in Northern Ireland, is to be launched in the Lyric Theatre, Belfast on Wednesday 7 October 2015.
The new organisation is the result of a merger between the Northern Ireland Theatre Association and the Ulster Association of Youth Drama.
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Local organisations and drama groups involved in theatre and performing arts get their heads together in Theatre NI.[/caption]
The members of the new organisation include all the main theatres and arts centres in Northern Ireland; theatre and performing arts companies; youth drama groups; and the many freelance individuals who work in the sector, both on the stage and behind it.
As well as the launch, the organisation will host a networking event immediately after to provide an opportunity to connect the theatre and performing arts sector, which in its widest terms can encompass organisations and practitioners in drama, physical theatre, dance, circus, street theatre, musical theatre and opera.
The chair of the new organisation, Louise Rossington, General Manager of Big Telly Theatre Company, said: “TheatreNI is dedicated to supporting and developing theatre and the performing arts as a force for change, enriching people’s lives and communities.
“At this time when there have been a series of substantial cuts to theatre venues and companies, it is vitally important that the sector has the opportunity to come together at this launch to connect and celebrate the great work that is ongoing in Northern Ireland.
Gilly Campbell, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland commented: “The Arts Council welcomes the creation of this new body which champions and advocates for our theatre and performing arts sector. The arts help put Northern Ireland on the world map for all the right reasons, raising our profile as a vibrant, forward-looking place to work in, live in and invest in.” The launch will take place at 10.30am on Wednesday 7 October 2015 in the Naughton Studio of the Lyric Theatre with performances by the band of The Lost Martini, a recent production devised by Accidental Theatre Company
There is currently over 100 members of TheatreNI including The MAC, Grand Opera House, Waterside Theatre, Tinderbox, Kabosh, Replay Theatre Company, DU Dance, Young at Art, Arts & Business NI, Audiences NI, New Lodge Arts and South West College.
For further enquires contact Roger Courtney or Keara Fulton at 028 9031 1806. Address: TheatreNI, Cathedral Quarter Managed Workspace, Third Floor, 109 – 113 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1FF, Northern Ireland. E-mail: info@theatreni.org
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