25 Years of Roscommon County Youth Theatre

In February 2025, Roscommon County Youth Theatre proudly celebrated 25 extraordinary years of youth arts in County Roscommon — a milestone marked with a red carpet premiere, heartfelt tributes, and a powerful sense of community.

Founded in 2001, RCYT began as a bold vision inspired by Artistic Director Catherine Sheridan’s experience of youth theatre. At a time when Roscommon did not yet have a dedicated arts centre or youth theatre infrastructure, RCYT was built on belief: belief in young people, belief in creativity, and belief in the transformative power of the arts.

Today, over 1,000 young people have passed through RCYT’s doors — and what a journey it has been.

Our 25th Anniversary Gala at Roscommon Arts Centre saw the red carpet rolled out in style. Past and present members gathered alongside families, supporters, artists and community leaders to celebrate a quarter century of imagination, courage and collaboration.

A special highlight of the evening was the premiere of Open Your Mouth – The Making Of, a documentary capturing the creative process behind one of RCYT’s most powerful original productions. The film reflected RCYT’s enduring commitment to empowering young people to speak their truth — to stand up, to be heard, and to shape conversations that matter. We were honoured to receive a special video tribute from Boyle actor Chris O’Dowd, who praised RCYT’s contribution to the cultural life of the county and reminded us that the best stories often come from small towns.

Across the decades, RCYT has brought an extraordinary range of productions to life. From classical theatre such as Romeo & Juliet and The Crucible, to imaginative family favourites like The Wind in the Willows and Alice in Wonderland, to innovative original works including If I Was in the GPO, We Would Have Won and Open Your Mouth, RCYT has consistently challenged, inspired and empowered its members.

But the true success of RCYT is not measured only in performances.

It is measured in confidence discovered.
In friendships forged.
In courage nurtured.
In young people realising that their voice matters.

As Catherine Sheridan reflected during the anniversary celebrations: “We’re not just a theatre — we’re a family.”

RCYT alumni have gone on to careers in theatre, film, journalism, facilitation, teaching, technical production, design, music and media — both nationally and internationally. Yet the impact of RCYT extends far beyond professional pathways. The skills developed here — leadership, resilience, empathy, collaboration and creative thinking — stay for life. Youth theatre fosters not just performers, but confident, articulate and compassionate individuals.

This milestone also provided a moment to honour those who helped shape RCYT’s story. Catherine Sheridan paid tribute to her late husband Daniel, whose passion for performance and steadfast belief in youth arts played an integral role in the early years of the youth theatre. His legacy continues to live on in every rehearsal, every production and every young person who finds their voice on our stage.

RCYT has always been built on dedication, belief and heart. RCYT would not be here without the sustained support of our partners and community. We extend our sincere thanks to:

• Roscommon County Council Arts Office for their vision and ongoing commitment to youth arts.
• Roscommon Arts Centre, our creative home, and its outstanding team for 25 years of partnership, encouragement and unwavering support.
• The Arts Council of Ireland for championing investment in young people and the arts.
• Youth Theatre Ireland for guidance, advocacy and national connection.
• Our dedicated creative team, facilitators and technical mentors who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
• The parents and families who entrust us with their young people.
• And most importantly, the young people — past and present — who are the heart and soul of RCYT.

As we step into our next chapter — with new productions, national festival participation and continued engagement in Cruinniú na nÓg — our mission remains the same:

To nurture creativity in all its forms.
To create safe, ambitious artistic spaces.
To empower young people with agency and voice.
To build community through theatre.

Twenty-five years on, Roscommon County Youth Theatre stands as a testament to what happens when a community invests in its young people.

Here’s to the next 25 years of bold stories, brave voices and standing ovations.