St. Michael’s Special School, Castlerea has been revealed as a winner at the 2016 Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards.
The winners were announced at a special awards ceremony at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre yesterday Thursday, May 5th hosted by RTE Two Tube presenters Bláthnaid Treacy and Stephen Byrne.
The Castlerea school was awarded top honours in the Best Set category for the set design in the school’s production of ‘A Shepherd’s Song’. The judges praised the school’s gorgeous set dressing and the immersive feel created for using inventive props and lighting. They were blown away by the wonderful depth and use of materials and commented that it was a really beautiful and all-encompassing set.
Over 1,500 primary and secondary school students representing 64 schools from across Ireland attended the event in Dublin on Thursday. On the day a number of shortlisted schools performed live on stage and students were also treated to a surprise performance by boyband HomeTown.
Now in its third year, the awards were set up by Bord Gáis Energy to recognise and reward participation in school’s drama. This year, 2,888 entries were received from 249 primary and secondary schools.
Special guests at the Awards ceremony included Sabina Higgins and the members of the Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards judging panel; actress Amy Huberman; playwright Marina Carr; author Sarah Webb; set and costume designer Maree Kearns; Bord Gáis Energy Theatre manager Stephen Faloon and Bord Gáis Energy communications manager, Irene Gowing.
Commenting on the awards, Dave Kirwan Managing Director, Bord Gáis Energy said: “We set up these awards three years ago to recognise and reward the massive effort that is going into schools’ drama all over the country. The response to the competition has been phenomenal and the special awards ceremony was a real celebration of all that work. These awards recognise all aspects of drama so it’s not just about being a great singer or dancer, there are categories for writing, direction, costumes and set design also.
The talent this year has been exceptional and the energy, enthusiasm, creativity and team work displayed by the students, teachers and parents is to be commended. I would like to take this opportunity to say well done to all our winners today and everyone who entered this year’s awards.”
Bord Gáis Energy will be announcing dates for the 2017 Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards in the coming months. Schools who wish to enter next year’s awards can register their interest now on bgesta.ie