WYA'S 25th ANNIVERSARY

2010 is WYA's 25th anniversary year. Watch this space for more information.

25TH BIRTHDAY FESTIVAL WEEK IN AUGUST

HERE'S A PHOTO PAGE

BIRTHDAY BOOK

Be sure to get a copy of the big A4 Commemorative Book (edited by Eimear Cheasty, co-ordinated by Kate McCarthy, layout by Gerry Keane & Melanie Marschall). Click here for a preview.

Birthday Bash at the Forum, 1 January 2010, photos by Paddy Dwan

PRESS RELEASE: WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Waterford Youth Arts are seeking to contact all their ex-members as plans are afoot to celebrate WYA’s 25th birthday in 2010. Over the Easter period a first meeting was had with some ex-members and a number of ideas were discussed and it was agreed that before the next meeting in early May that a general call would go out to ex-members seeking their ideas for the celebrations. Ollie Breslin of WYA explains “Thousands of young people have passed through the organisation over this period and it’s a great opportunity for them to rekindle old friendships and celebrate this unique organisation. We are starting early on this project because it will take a lot of time to get the word out to all those who have been involved. Lots of ideas were discussed and it was generally felt that the main focus of the celebrations would take place over a weekend in 2010 and we would be encouraging all our old ex-members to return for that weekend. The weekend would probably be jam packed with events from plays to concerts and from art exhibitions to dance events. It should be fun.”

Waterford Youth Drama as it was then known was founded in 1985 by Claire Hayes – who now works in Squashy Couch after spending many years in London. Claire started the organization so that young people would get the benefits that she got from her time in Ciotog Theatre Company which was run for many years by the late Ted O’Regan. Youth Arts is a very valuable way for young people to develop their creativity and today WYA provides a whole plethora of services for young people in the arts – they include: Drama, Dance, Film, Creative Writing and Visual Art. If you would like more information on their work go to their website www.waterfordyoutharts.com.

Ollie continued with an appeal “I’m asking parents and friends of anyone that was in WYA / WYD to let them know that we are seeking their input. So we want to hear from all the people in Ireland and also those who have gone to the far corners of the world. We would appreciate if they can get in touch email me at ollie@waterfordyoutharts.com”.