Sweeping the boards

THE Southside was well represented among the Dublin schools that swept the boards at the Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards.

Six Dublin schools were among the winners announced at a special awards ceremony at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Thursday, May 5.

St Joseph’s Boys National School from Terenure East Road picked up the primary school judges choice award for their original production ‘Hide & Seek’. 

The judges were blown away by this mesmerising production and felt that every one of the young actors could have been nominated for acting awards. 

Over 1,500 primary and secondary school students representing 64 schools from across Ireland attended the event.

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 349 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.  

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.”

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 www.bgesta.ie