Calling all aspiring actors, playwrights, singers, and costume designers in Westmeath - the annual Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards are back and are now open for entries.
The awards were set up by Bord Gáis Energy to recognise and reward participation in the dramatic arts in schools across Ireland.
Athlone has a proud history at the awards. Last year, Our Lady's Bower and local student Laoise Kiernan from Ardnagrath National School both made the shortlist and attended the special awards ceremony in the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
The awards are open to primary school pupils from third to sixth class and all secondary school students. There are 12 categories ranging from production categories such as Best Overall School Musical, Best Overall School Play, Best Set, Best Costumes, and Best Performance in a Leading Role (male and female ), to written categories such as Best Short Scene Script and Best Dramatic Review.
A new category, Best Original Production, has also been added to the 2017 awards in recognition of the outstanding quality of original productions entered in 2016. The deadline for entries in all production categories is January 27, 2017.
The closing date for entries in the written categories is February 10, 2017. Shortlisted schools will be invited to a special awards ceremony at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on May 8. Winning schools will share a prize fund and receive a commemorative trophy, picture, and plaque for their school.
Irene Gowing, communications manager with Bord Gáis Energy, said: "We would like to call on all the proud parents and teachers in Westmeath to encourage their children, classes, and schools to participate this year and celebrate all the talent that we have in this country. We’re passionate about supporting these awards and can’t wait to see the future stars of the stage, as well as future playwrights, choreographers, costume designers, and everyone in between.”
To enter the awards log on to www.bgesta.ie where you can download an entry form to go with your written or video submission. Completed entry forms should be sent to [email protected] or by post to Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards, Real Nation, Fumbally Court, Fumbally Lane, Dublin 8.
