A new theatre group launched in Kilcullen last night is to begin rehearsals for Neil Simon's
The Plaza Suite next week,
writes Brian Byrne. There was a strong attendance for the inaugural meeting in O'Connell's Bar.
Sinead McKenna introduced the founding members of the Seventh Arch Theatre Group, explaining the origin of the name as an allegorical seventh arch to the bridge at Kilcullen. She says the genesis of the new group was to capture the creativity of the many new people who have come to live in the town over the last decade or so.
"A lot of us have enjoyed acting, which is often the most obvious part, but others like the more technical and production end of things," she said. "We thought we'd put it out there, and see if there was enough interest to start something different, something new." As chair of the new group, she thanked all those who had turned up to the evening. "We were hoping, maybe, that we'd get even one or two new people, so it's fantastic to see so many people turning up."
Membership and Social Officer Dave Byrne said the ambition of the group was that all involved would be able to socialise together as well as carry out the theatrical work. Andrew O'Neill, Technical Officer, spoke of how his initial interest in set building had developed, through interaction with the other elements of production, to a deep involvement in sound and lighting. The Creative Director, Allan Clarke, emphasised the importance of the contributions that everyone involved makes to a production, whether acting, stage crew, or in technical aspects such as sound and lighting. He added that, while the group might be amateur, they would be working to a professional standard.
In the subsequent discussion, it was noted that the group hoped to produce at least two stage shows a year, as well as having workshops, improv sessions, and social outings. Queries on what level of commitment would be required were talked through, was was how to make sure that the group would be a 'safe space' and with 'no place for egos'. An annual membership fee of €20 was agreed, to help towards initial production and rights costs.
In all, 19 people attended the launch evening, and others who couldn't make last night's event are welcome to join at any stage. The eight founding members and their responsibilities are: Chair — Sinead McKenna, Secretary — Colette Murran, Treasurer — Fergus Ryan, PRO — Adam Treacy, Creative Director — Allan Clarke, Membership and Social Officer — Dave Byrne, Technical Officer — Andrew O'Neill, Production Officer — Enda O'Neill.
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