Dunamaise Arts Centre will work with a group of teenagers, to develop and support their regular attendance at arts and cultural events at Dunamaise. Participants will be met, welcomed & briefed by arts centre staff, production team members and visiting artists, to give them a broader understanding of the seasonal programming and the specific events they will attend. Participation for the Young Critics people will be free (including tickets & refreshments as relevant; friends/family rate tickets will be offered to support access/travel as relevant).    

Informal and formal feedback will be taken to better inform ongoing programming and engagement of young people at Dunamaise. Participants will be supported to create digital blogs and event reviews, to share with fellow participants and future audiences members. 

The panel will initially be drawn from members of Comhairle na nÓg (with collaboration from Youth Work Ireland Laois), Laois Youth Theatre and students of the 4 secondary schools in Portlaoise who present their annual TY musical on the Dunamaise stage. It is hoped to expand to a wider call out across Laois in future as time and resources allow. 

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.