We are thrilled to announce Chalk on the Wall Productions as Theatre Company in Residence 2023/2024. Chalk on the Wall Productions, is comprised of graduating students from Dundalk Institute of Technology’s Drama and Performance and Theatre and Film Practice courses. The group consists of seven founding members David Ferreira, Dean Maguire, Eileen Gomez, Eleanor Dempsey, Ester Marie Balgová, Klaudia Bakalarczyk and Shane Mc Cabe.
As a company they are drawn towards plays that reflect on personal topics such as the cost of living, as well as plays that offer a message of hope and light amidst the seemingly overwhelming darkness. The diversity of the company is well reflected in their range, and in the works, they intend to put on.
Speaking about the residency, members of the company said, ‘We all are very excited to embark on this new adventure, as it is the first time in Ireland that a 3rd level college and an arts centre have collaborated in this way, whereby the graduating students get a year of professional development experience in a professional theatre environment. We are incredibly thankful to all the lecturers from DKIT that have supported us thus far and to An Táin Arts Centre for their continued support.’
Offering professional development opportunities to artists and companies is one of the many services An Táin Arts Centre provides. This is the first time that we have developed a direct career pathway for graduates of DKIT to enter the professional industry with support and mentoring from experienced artistic professionals to help graduating students with the transition.
Director of An Táin Arts Centre, Paul Hayes says ‘I know first-hand what it is like to go from the relevant safety of a drama degree to trying to make it in the real world of theatre. It’s really hard and a lot of promising young practitioners give up in their early careers. Through the residency, we hope to provide a working knowledge of professional theatre with mentoring throughout.’
Dr Adèle Commins, Head of Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music at DkIT notes ‘We are delighted that our collaborations with An Táin Arts Centre are extending to providing mentorship and space to our graduating students. The opportunity for mentorship from professional artists to support them to develop their craft in the creative surroundings of An Táin Arts Centre, will be a valuable and worthwhile opportunity for members of the company. We look forward to following the work of this year’s graduates as they embark on an exciting residency next year and we thank Paul Hayes and all of his team for their ongoing support of the activities in our Department.’
Chalk on the Wall Productions will begin their residency at An Táin Arts Centre in September 2023 and it will run for 12 months. At the end of the residency the Theatre Company will have produced at least 3 of their own productions at An Táin Arts Centre and will have enhanced their skills in tech, dramaturgy, theatre production and sales and marketing.
To learn more about Chalk on the Wall Productions visit www.antain.ie or follow them on Instagram @chalk_on_the_wall_productions