Resilient youth theatre takes centre stage

NAYD director Orlaith McBride applauds the rise of community drama, reports Pádraic Killeen

SINCE its foundation in 1980 the National Association for Youth Drama has helped foster and develop the production of youth theatre nationwide. As a cultural sector it has progressed enormously during that period, and it continues to grow apace. There are now over 50 youth theatres in operation around the country, with almost 5,000 young people participating in them on a committed basis.

It is also a resilient sector. According to the NAYD’s director, Orlaith McBride, in the wake of the economic downturn the impetus behind youth theatre has begun to change in kind.