Baylin pupils prepare to take to Tuar Ard stage
The 5th Class pupils of St. Ciarán’s National School, Baylin are treading the boards in Tuar Ard, Moate, on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 24 and 25, with their unique take on the school variety concert.
Teacher Declan Finn has written a script especially for his 36 pupils. “I have wanted to do a play for the last couple of years but it couldn’t happen due to the Covid 19 restrictions. However, with the arts opening up again and the opportunity for families to attend events, we decided to stage the play in a theatre to add to the experience for the pupils”.
The play centres on the final dress rehearsal of a school variety show, with all the elements of staging a school play appearing. Stage managers, lighting technicians and even the costume designer all appear as characters in the play as they get ready for opening night.
Final rehearsals are taking place before their debut on Tuesday May 24. According to their teacher: “The pupils are very excited but also very nervous, as this is the first time they will appear on stage where the spotlight is quite literally on them. I must say however, they have taken to rehearsals, learning lines and remembering moves like ducks to water. Their families and friends will be very proud of them because their hard work will be plain for all to see.”
Principal Mr Pat Canty, himself a very experienced local actor, is delighted with the opportunity the pupils are getting to appear on stage in a world premiere. “As a school community, we try to give pupils as many opportunities as possible to experience a wide of range of activities from sport to music through to drama. The pupils of all schools go in every day with a wide range of interests outside of their core education and it is our job to foster those interests insofar as possible. It is also a brilliant opportunity for pupils who may not have thought about music or drama before to engage with the arts.”
A limited number of tickets will be available on the door with curtain up at 7.30pm each evening.