Newsmedianews | CentreStage

Limerick’s Centrestage Youth Theatre will commence rehearsals for the epic musical ‘Les Miserablkes’ in LIT, Limerick on Saturday 7^th February at 3.30pm. This production is now looking for young actors, singers and dancers from the age of 13 to 18yrs to take part. Auditions will take place on Saturday February 14^th for the lead roles including Valjean, Javert, Bishop, Fantine, Cosette, Thenardier, Mrs Thenardier and many other roles. Anyone interested in taking part in the production being staged in UCH in April as part of the Participation and Learning programme.

Broadway’s legendary musical has been specially adapted to meet the needs of young performers. This author-approved edition has been abridged to a running time of just over two hours, while carefully maintaining the integrity of one the greatest musicals ever written.

This epic story recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France. Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes and honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father - violating his parole in the process. The relentless Inspector Javert, who makes a decent life for Valjean impossible, consequently pursues him. Only years later, after Valjean proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising and saves the life of a young man hopelessly in love with Valjean’s adopted daughter, does the ex-convict finally feel fully redeemed.

The production will be in the capable hands of Richie Ryan and Musical Director Máire Keary-Scanlon

One of the most successful and beloved shows in musical theatre history, LES MISÉRABLES has been specially adapted for young performers in this new author-approved 'School Edition' Full details from www.centrestageireland.com/youththeatre

www.centrestageireland.com
Richie Ryan’s CentreStage Theatre School has had a very successful year in 2007. Students from Limerick’s premier theatre school have taken lead roles on stage in the Belltable, Millennium Theatre and UCH with all of Limerick‘s theatre groups including the Island Theatre Company, Teaspach, Amalgamotion, the Quarry Players, the Torch Players, CentreStage Productions, LMS and CMS.

CentreStage Theatre School, Limerick’s premier stage school since 1996 caters for Acting, Dance, Singing and TV & Film and has something for everyone this Spring term.

The classes for juniors (ages 6+) are the perfect way to introduce young children to the world of Drama, Mime and Movement. The junior classes take place on a Saturday afternoons in LIT, Moylish Park, Ennis Road and are a safe and enjoyable way to build confidence and co-ordination in young children.

The Youth classes (11+) are designed for the young boys or girls interested in all the facets of the performing arts. Theses classes are designed to cater for youths and teenagers interested in performance and while enjoying themselves and building on their creative skills and confidence.

CentreStage also offers classes in Dance, from Jazz to Hip Hop with an experienced dance teacher and choreographer, Drama & Acting for the aspiring actor with an experienced director and acting tutor and TV & Film Acting and Production for the aspiring teenager film enthusiast who wants to make and perform in film.

All Youth and teenager classes take place on Saturday mornings in the Limerick Institute of Technology Aula Maxima Theatre and the junior classes take place on Saturday afternoons .

The CentreStage Adult classes in Acting, Dance and Singing take place as part of the LIT Adult education programme and are FETAC approved. Full details on the adult classes can be obtained direct from www.lit.ie.

The Advanced Teenager Acting class takes place on a Wednesday evening and is for the experienced actor teenager who wants to develop their acting skills through monologues and text work while working with an experienced stage director.

The Junior school students will produce ALI BABA in UCH on Sunday April 6th. The Teenagers will produce GUY’S and DOLL’S in UCH on Sunday April 6th while the TV & Film students will produce a short film this term. Adult students and advanced teenagers will produce a evening of short Drama excerpts in Dolan's Warehouse in May 2008.

CentreStage Theatre School is under the direction of Richie Ryan, well known actor, award winning director and producer and will commence in LIT, Moylish Park on Saturday 12th January. The adult classes will start on Wednesday January 23rd. Full details on all classes on offer from CentreStage Theatre School can be seen on www.centrestageireland.com or contact Richie Ryan direct at 061 302220

Monday, 28 May, 2007
Best Director nomination
Richie Ryan has had leading productions over the last twenty years that have entertained thousands at UCH, The Belltable, LIT Millennium Theatre, Mary Immaculate College and in his alma mater the Crescent College Comprehensive. Richie has directed throughout the country for many theatre companies and musical societies and has been nominated for Best Director Award for his work on the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical South Pacific at the INEC in Killarney.

“To be nominated for Best Director award in this very prestigious all Ireland completion against over eighty shows from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland is a great honour for me. I was surprised to get the nomination, but it is very exciting at the same time. I have been involved in many productions as a performer and I have been awarded many awards, but it is nice to be in this top category. ” said Richie.

5 September, 2006
Limerick artistes gain accolade of London placing
Local Limerick man Paul McGowan from Dooradoyle has been offered a place in one of the UK's most prestigious colleges in the heart of London to further his studies in Musical Theatre and Drama.

Paul, an active member of Limerick Musical Society and a past student of CentreStage Theatre School Limerick, is delighted to accept this once in a lifetime opportunity following in the footsteps of Amanda Minihan and Jean McGlynn.

CentreStage has this last year seen success for Jessica Bray, Castletroy and Kevin Kiely Lynwood Park, Limerick in Gilford College, London and can now boast of another place in London with Paul's opportunity.

Over ten thousand students audition each year for thirty places at these colleges, explained Richie Ryan, Director of CentreStage and it is unbelievable to think of the Limerick success rate. We are delighted to be associated with Jessica's, Kevin's and Paul's success. Our past adult student Amanda Minihan went from Mountview into lead roles in Blood Brothers and then The Producers on the West End. We wish them all very best for the future, says Richie.

CentreStage is based in the magnificent L.I.T complex and runs weekly classes in all aspects of the performing arts from acting, dancing and singing to TV & Film studies for Adults, Teenagers and Children.

3 September, 2006
Acting & Drama, Singing Skills, Dance Techniques, TV & Film Acting & Production for Adults, Teenagers Youth and Children with Richie Ryan at LIT
CentreStage Theatre School was established in Limerick in 1996 by well known director Richie Ryan. It fosters participation, drama education and fun in the art of performance through acting, singing and dancing. It?s many students have become prominent contributors, practitioners and teachers in the theatrical landscape of Limerick City and nationally. CentreStage is now one of the most successful Drama and Musical Theatre Schools in Ireland with talented and dedicated tutors working to offer individual attention at all times.

Our Mission Statement:
• Our Tutors wish to encourage creativity, individuality and a love for Theatre and the Performing Arts through performance.
• Our Tutors will introduce and enhance your acting and life skills through participation and self expression.
• Our tutors help build self-confidence and allow personal development in a safe, friendly and creative environment.

Richie Ryan, has trained at The Central School of Speech and Drama, London, Mountview Conservatoire for the Performing Arts, London. Patsy Rodenburg Voice and Speech Centre, London. He holds a BA (Hons) Arts Degree from Mary Immaculate College, University of Limerick and an ALCM Diploma from the London College of Music. Richie is a freelance teacher of Media, Music and Drama and a prominent actor, director and producer. CentreStage is fully insured and has a very strict code of conduct and a comprehensive health and safety code. A certificate of participation is awarded at the end of two consecutive terms and the HETAC-(NCVA) credited award for Acting Skills and Techniques will be awarded to successful Adult students.

ADULT Classes (Wednesday Evenings) with Richie Ryan include, Adult Singing & Music Studies from 6pm - 7pm: This class is designed for a small group of adults interested in working to combine the technique of acting and singing. Lessons in Singing with an experienced singing tutor to develop the voice through exercises in vocal development, versatility, freedom and ease.

Adult Acting & Drama (Introductory) from 8pm-9pm: This is a series of weekly classes designed as an introduction to characterisation and performance technique through self-expression and creativity in a friendly and group environment. The classes cover improvisation, concentration, observation and characterisation and work with the teachings of Viola Spolin for improvisation and performance.

Adult Dance & Movement (Intro & Advanced) from 7.30pm to 9pm: This class will concentrate on all styles of dance for performance. Working with an experienced professional dancer and choreographer who has vast experience in the many styles of dance used in Musical Theatre performance. An opportunity to expand you dance experience and knowledge.

Adult Acting and Performance (Advanced) from 9.00pm-10.15pm: This class is for the experienced actor and deals with script as its primary tool The actors will be engaged in constant production work from the classics to contemporary plays. Includes a module on Acting for Film and TV.

Teenager and Young Adult Acting and Drama, Wednesday Evenings from 7pm - 8pm (Boys and Girls, ages 16-18yrs ). This advanced class is designed with performance as its main goal. Script work is introduced and actors are encouraged to develop their performance technique through different monologues and scripts.

The YOUTH CLASSES (Saturday Mornings) include the Youth Class from 10am-11am (Boys and Girls, ages 11-13yrs). This class is based on co-operation and group dynamic. The introduction to Drama through mime and drama games is a most enjoyable and safe way to develop self-confidence and creativity in young people.

Youth Singing & Dancing Class from 11a.m.-12noon (Boys and Girls ages 11-13yrs). This class introduces movement and dance with an experienced choreographer. All types of dance from Hip-Hop, Tap to Jazz. It also introduces the students to singing techniques and skills.

TV & Film Acting Class for Teenagers from 11am - 12.(Boys and Girls ages 15-17). This class introduces the technique of acting for film and TV to young people from production to performance in their own scripted short film. Teenager Singing & Dance Class from 12.00 - 1pm( Boys and Girls ages 14-16).

Working with CHICAGO and MOULIN ROGUE. This is an introduction to Musical Theatre and Singing. The dance and singing lessons are designed around each students particular needs and abilities. Group singing lessons introducing correct breath, tone, diction, body and voice increasing confidence and ability.

Teenager Acting Class 1pm - 2.pm (Boys & girls 13yrs - 15yrs). An acting class for teenagers working on improvisation, characterisation, script, and performance technique. A good all round acting class to enhance the craft of acting. Building confidence and creativity through Drama and script.

The Junior SCHOOL (Saturday Afternoon) Ages 6yrs - 10yrs includes classes in DRAMA & SINGING & DANCE for FUN and confidence building. This is an enjoyable and safe way for young children to express themselves through the medium of DRAMA & DANCE, while at the same time introducing them to concentration, team building, dance, music and self expression. These classes are designed to allow children explore their creativity and raise their self-esteem. The Mini -Squad class (ages 6-7yrs) from 2.15 - 3.15pm.

The Midi-Squad Drama & Dance (ages 7-8yrs) from 3.15 - 4.15pm. The Junior Class Drama & Dance (ages 9-10yrs ) from 4.15 - 5.30pm.

Enrolments for Teenagers, Youths, and Junior?s will take place on Saturday 16th September from 11am - 12noon in The Aula Maxima Theatre, LIT, Moylish Park, Limerick and will start on Saturday September 23rd at given class times in the AULA MAXIMA Theatre, LIT, Moylish, Limerick.

Enrolments for all ADULTS and Advanced Teenagers will take place from 7.30pm - 9pm on Wednesday 13th September in the Aula Maxima Theatre, LIT, Moylish, Limerick and will commence on Wednesday 20th Sept at appropriate class times in LIT, Moylish, Limerick. Bookings must be made through Adult & Continuing Education Dept at LIT.

Adults & Advanced Teenagers (5311, 5411, 5511, 5611 & 5711) must book direct through the LIT Adult and Continuing Education, Department of Humanities, Moylish, Limerick www.lit.ie or Tel: 061 208802 All the CentresTage part-time Adult and Advanced Teenager courses have been approved by HETAC ? The National Higher Training and Education Awards Council and FETAC, the Further Educational and Training Awards Council. HETAC is a public body, accountable to the Irish government and the Oireachtas, which exists to benefit learners and potential learners by: Setting standards, accrediting programmes and awarding qualifications at all levels of higher education and training. Providing assurance to the public that programmes of higher education and training are above an acceptable threshold level of quality and that objective quality assurance processes are in place to meet the expectations of Irish Society and the International Community. Delivering a quality improvement service to accredited educational providers so as to contribute to raising standards to increasingly higher levels.

Richie Ryan www.centrestageireland.com Picture: Liam O'Brien (Actor) and Richie Ryan (CentreStage Principal) launch the CentreStage Classes at LIT, Limerick.