Bright lights of the stage twinkle for local drama group
FOR almost twenty years, a small group has been meeting in St Peter’s Church of Ireland, and changing lives.
The speech and drama group run by the Louth Meath branch of Down Syndrome Ireland started out as an educational support group for young children with Down Syndrome, to assist with speech.
But it’s now a vibrant drama group for older teens, and it is one of the highlights of all their week.
Facilitated by Audrey Jackson, her own daughter Megan McCormick joined the class when she was just five, and she is now 23, and still an active member!
“The group has developed into one for older children, as they all joined and grew up in the group,” says Audrey. “It is amazing for their confidence and they love the opportunity to perform, the same as any teenager.”
It may have started out with an educational goal, but it has become much more of a social outlet for the 11 members, and improves their independence no end!
“We even have little relationships too, just like any teenagers,” laughs Audrey. “Their facilitator Zoe Finnegan O’Toole is studying musical theatre, so the main focus is on the music and drama, and we also have to say a huge thank you to St Peter’s, who are fantastic for letting us use the hall.”
But of course, the main stage of the group belongs to the members and each and every one loves the fortnightly classes, and can’t wait for the day to come around. “It’s something different,” says Niamh McNally. “I love everything, but my favourite thing is singing. David McArdle loves taking to the floor! “I love dancing to Grease Lightning.” he says with a smile. “I really love to dance!”
Brendan O’Shea is a fan of a the Eighties, especially one certain entertainer.“I like drama, dancing and singing,” he adds. “I really like to dance to the Michael Jackson song ‘ Thriller’.”
Lia Gogarty also loves to attend the class for the acting, singing and dancing, and has her sights set on the bright lights. “It makes me feel good and happy,” she explains. I want to be an actress, and I like to get my scripts in class, and learning my dance routines.”
Conor O’Dowd can’t pick out a favourite! “I love everything,” he says with enthusiasm. I love to sing the sing ‘A Whole New World’ from Aladdin. and to bring new characters to drama.”
Jason McGivern loves the social aspect of the classes. “I like to meet with my friends,” he tells me. “I love singing with the group, drama and character games.”
Megan McCormick has made loads of new friends there too. “I like to meet up with my friends and favourite is to dance.” Cathal Freeman says speech and drama is really important for everyone. “I like the music and acting and having fun my friends. And Elsie McCullough adds she loves singing, dancing, acting and games.
The group meets every second Friday in the hall between 10.30am and 12.30pm.