The Butt Drama Circle hosted two wonderful evenings of drama in the Balor Theatre, Ballybofey this week with the staging of the Secondary Schools Drama Festival.
The festival, which has been running for over forty years, provides a unique opportunity for young people to experience performing in a professional theatre in front of a live audience. Maura Logue, adjudicator for the festival, gave insightful commentary and feedback to the schools after each performance. She was impressed by the variety and standard of the plays and by the talented acting performances.
St. Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs took First Place and the Ben Duffy Memorial Award with Many Young Men, Here We Come – a combination of the traditional Irish plays Many Young Men of Twenty and Philadelphia Here I Come. Featuring fine performances, excellent costuming and some wonderful musical renditions, the play directed by Tracey Faulkner, was highly entertaining and enjoyed by all.
Overall winners of the Secondary Schools Drama Festival, St. Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs. Cast pictured with director, Tracey Faulkner and adjudicator Maura Logue. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography Ballybofey
In Second Place was Errigal College, Letterkenny who filled the Balor with colour and energy with their fantastic production of Ernie’s Incredible Hallucinations. With a large cast of transition year students, this high-energy, feel-good play left everyone with a smile on their face. Errigal College also took home the Harry Mc Gowan Memorial Award for Technical Achievement.
Second Place trophy awarded to Errigal College, Letterkenny and accepted by director, Cáitriona Hassan. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography Ballybofey
Third Place was awarded to Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon who entertained with the comedic play Courting Disaster. This hilarious story of money, land and marriage was staged magnificently by an accomplished cast. With impressive attention to detail in set and costume, this production was hugely entertaining.
Third Place presented to Ann Marie Garvey, Director, Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography Ballybofey
Loreto Secondary School, Letterkenny presented an issue-based play entitled YSI Hope for Homes. Dramatizing the effects of the mica crisis on the life of a child, this powerful play was written by a Loreto student and directed by Katie Callaghan. An impressive piece of work, this production made a lasting impact on the audience and was awarded Best Presentation.
Acting awards were presented to Vince Coughlan (Killybegs), Tymon Jozwiak (Ballyshannon), Anna Mulhern (Loreto, Letterkenny), ‘Dad’ (Errigal College), Raegan Fitzpatrick and Jade Bradley (Ballyshannon). Ciara Mc Shane (Killybegs) received an award for her singing talents. An award was also given to Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon for their impressive set. Congratulations to all of the schools on their achievements.
Acting Award presented to Jack Bond for the role of Dad in “Ernie’s Incredible Hallucinations”, Errigal College, Letterkenny. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography Ballybofey
Acting Award presented to Vince Coughlan, Killybegs for his portrayal of ‘Danger’ in “Many Young Men, Here I Come” (Accepted by Charlie Callaghan) .Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography Ballybofey
Ciara Mc Shane, St. Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs accepts an award for her singing performance from Maura Logue Adjudicator. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography Ballybofey
Maura Logue presents First Place trophy to Tracey Faulkner (Director) and the Ben Duffy Memorial Award to Niall Callaghan from St. Catherine’s Vocational School, Killybegs.Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography Ballybofey
Paddy Molloy accepts the Harry McGowan Memorial award for Technical Achievement on behalf of Errigal College, Letterkenny. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography Ballybofey
