Rural Theatre Conference 

The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, Co.Tipperary 

Date: 21.4.26 

Time 11am – 3.30pm 

As part of The Source Arts Centre 20th anniversary, this conference convened by The Source and Áine Ryan/Studio Perform seeks to identify and find means to overcome the barriers in creating contemporary theatre in rural or regional areas in Ireland:

11am Registration & Tea/Coffee

11.30am Session 1 – Barriers to Making Contemporary Theatre
This opening session examines the realities and obstacles facing artists, producers, and communities striving to create contemporary theatre outside Ireland’s major urban centres.

Featuring: Aaron Monaghan (Actor/Artistic Director – Livin’ Dred) Ultan Pringle(Actor/Writer), Róisín Stack, (Theatre-maker and Arts Manager), Joanne Ryan(Actor/Writer)

Chair: Cliona Maher (Creative Producer/Festival Maker)
(1 hrs + 30 min Q&A)

1-2 pm: Lunch

2pm: Session 2 – Pathways for Sustainable Rural Theatre making
Building on the insights of the first discussion, the second session shifts focus toward practical, attainable ways to strengthen theatre creation in regional and rural Ireland.

Featuring: Angela Ryan Whyte(CE – Siamsa Tire); Rachael Power (Short Film Programme Co-Ordinator); Jack Reardon (Producer/Director); Andrew Flynn (Artistic Director – Decadent Theatre Company)

Chair: Aine Ryan (Actor/Writer)
(1 hrs + 30 min Q&A)

3.30 ends

This conference is free with limited tickets available to the public. If you wish to attend, please contact: [email protected]

Image: Kartabya Ayral