Actor Training & Voice Work
Join us this summer for an exciting and creative theatre programme designed for young people aged 10–18 who are interested in developing their acting skills and confidence on stage.
This programme places a strong focus on actor training and voice work, helping participants build a solid foundation in performance. Through a range of fun, engaging, and age-appropriate exercises, students will explore:
- Acting techniques, including improvisation, character development, and scene work
- Voice projection, clarity, and expression
- Breath control and vocal strength
- Movement and physical awareness on stage
- Ensemble work and collaboration
Participants will be encouraged to express themselves creatively while gaining valuable skills in communication, confidence, and teamwork. Whether they are complete beginners or have previous experience, all students will be supported and challenged at a level that suits them.
The programme will culminate in an inhouse informal sharing/performance, allowing students to showcase what they have learned to one another in a supportive peer environment
Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended.
We look forward to welcoming you to a summer of creativity, confidence, and performance!
Meet the Tutors
Catherine Sheridan
Catherine is a theatre director, educator and facilitator. She holds a Master’s in Drama & Performance from University College Dublin and a Diploma in Arts, Drama & Theatre Studies from Maynooth University. Her training includes Stanislavski with the Russian Theatre Union (Moscow), Suzuki & Viewpoints with Anne Bogart and the SITI Company (New York), Physical Theatre with Frantic Assembly, and Drama in Education with Jonathan Neelands, Dorothy Heathcote and Cecily O’Neill.
She is the Founder and Artistic Director of Roscommon County Youth Theatre, established in 1999, where she has directed productions, including The Crucible, Animal Farm, Romeo and Juliet, Alice in Wonderland, The Wind in the Willows, Open Your Mouth, Pay the Price and If I Was in the GPO we would have Won.
Alongside her theatre practice, Catherine lectures and facilitates in theatre, creativity and arts education. She has worked with Mary Immaculate College, the University of Galway, DCU, Youth Theatre Ireland, National Arts in Education, The Abbey Theatre, The Arts Council, Branar, and schools, arts organisations and local authorities throughout Ireland. Her practice brings together ensemble theatre, creative learning and participatory arts, creating collaborative spaces where people are encouraged to think creatively, take artistic risks and discover their own creative voice.
Sandra O Malley
Sandra O Malley is a graduate of Ecole de Mime Corporel Dramatique. She studied under the tuition of Corinne Soum and Steven Wasson; Etienne Decroux’s last assistants. Having performed with their company, Theatre de l’Ange Fou, she returned to Ireland and has been working with Blue Raincoat Theatre Company since 1998. She has performed in almost all of Blue Raincoat’s productions to- date. Most recent productions include: ‘Ubu Roi’ by Alfred Jarry, ‘Amelia’ by Suzanne Colleary, ‘Mother Courage’ by Bertolt Brecht and ‘Happy Days’ by Samuel Beckett.
Sandra has also provided workshops both nationally and internationally. She is currently collaborating on an international project with theatre companies from Ireland/UK, Frace, Italy and Sweden. This production will have its world premiere in 2027.
Julie Sharkey
Julie is from Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. She trained at the Gaiety School of Acting and holds a Diploma in Drama in Education and an MA in Drama & Theatre Studies from UCC.
Julie works extensively as an actor, writer, director, and collaborator. Most recent acting work was with Sligo’s mighty Blue Raincoat Theatre Company on their production of UBI ROI. ★★★★★ IRISH TIMES – “Trashy masterpiece turns international warfare into head-spinning slapstick. An outstanding production.”
As a writer/performer, Julie’s first play for young audiences AN ANT CALLED AMY, directed by Raymond Keane & co-produced by Roscommon Arts Centre, has been performed at Baboró Festival Galway, Imaginate Festival Edinburgh, Kilkenny Arts Festival, Dublin Theatre Festival, Polka Theatre London, Belgrade Theatre Coventry, Carlow Arts Festival, The Egg @ Theatre Royal Bath and continues to tour nationally and internationally.
★★★★★ THE IRISH TIMES “A magical, thought-provoking lesson in learning to slow down.”
Julie is thrilled to be one of the participating artists on the 2025-2026 Branar Meitheal programme, a support programme for artists and producers who create performing arts for young audiences in Ireland.
Julie is currently directing the Ballaghaderreen Players production of DANCING AT LUGHNASA to be presented in August/September at Ballaghaderreen Arts Festival, Backstage Theatre Longford, Hawk’s Well Theatre Sligo and Roscommon Arts Centre. Julie will perform her new one-woman play SHOWBAND BINGO in Autumn 2026, supported by Roscommon Arts Office and Creative Ireland’s programme Live Music in Residential Healthcare Setting.