Adults with an intellectual disability, who are aged 18 and over, are being invited to apply for Blue Teapot Theatre’s Performing Arts School’s three-year programme, which leads to certification in QQI awards.

The course, run under the auspices of the well-known Blue Teapot Theatre Company focuses on performing arts training, leading to QQI Level 2 and 3 modules in drama, music, costume and design. Students can fulfil their artistic potential by participating in theatre showcases and in short films. The course also incorporates Life Skills, including online safety, advocacy, literacy, IT support, health and fitness.

The Performing Arts School offers a positive, safe and inclusive learning environment, where everyone is valued and respected.

“You receive a grounding in all aspects of theatre, not just acting on stage,” says graduate Cathal Scott Reynolds. “For example, there was costume design, puppet-making, prop-building and/or designing, and all the other jobs to be done for a production to be staged.”

The tutors on the course are theatre directors, actors, artists, musicians and designers, all experts in the creative arts.

Among them is Brendan Savage, who teaches art and design, and says the course helps “students foster their creativity and learn through resilience, joy, and bold self-expression”.

This course runs four days a week, all year round. Places are limited and the deadline for application is November 21.

The prospectus and an Easy-Read brochure are available on Blue Teapot’s website www.blueteapot.ie. To request an application form, email training@blueteapot.ie or contact 087 6520146 during daytime hours.

Pictured: Former student of Blue Teapot Performing Arts School  Maeve Moran on graduation day.  PHOTO: EMILIJA JEFREMOVA.