Great presentations from Teen Theatre group

If anyone doubted the abilities of today's young people to communicate, those doubts would have been completely erased at the Drama Dynamics Studio on Hillcrest last night, writes Brian Byrne.

In a change from their usual mid-term show, some members of the Teen Theatre group gave 3-minute presentations on subjects of their choice to parents and friends, and showed how to communicate their themes to an audience in short order, invariably enthralling their listeners.

Those presenting were Melissa Byrne, Bonnie O’Halloran, Kia O’Brien, Cathal McMahon, and Alice O’Toole. Their themes ranged from the very serious topic of homophobia, through personal passion, music, foreign culture, and an hilarious piece on shoplifting ('how to avoid ridiculous prices'), which won Melissa Byrne the prize for best presentation.

"It's much more difficult to stand up and give a presentation like this on your own," Evelyn O'Sullivan of Drama Dynamics noted. "When you appear on a stage you're acting a part from a script, and you have a team behind you. With something like this, you're out there on your own. It can be a tough place."

The five young people who entered that tough place last night (for one, in advance, it was her 'worst nightmare' ... but she came through it) are great examples of the clever and articulate cohort who will go on as adults to help build the future of Kilcullen and the country. Well done, all.

Pictured above are Teen Theatre presenters Melissa Byrne, Bonnie O’Halloran, Kia O’Brien, Cathal McMahon, and Alice O’Toole; Judges Peter O'Sullivan and Siobhan Tutty-Bardon with John Martin of Kilcullen Drama Group; and Evelyn O'Sullivan (second from right) with some of the parents and friends who were included in the audience.