It is that time of year again when new possibilities pervade the ether and a person can be pulled in myriad directions or just stick with the status quo. The CAO offers dance might be sending you into a spin, or you're disillusioned with your current job, or that dream of pursuing your heart’s desire has come knocking once again.
Galway Community College of Further Education is here to take you by the hand to give you a highly accessible second chance at learning skills in the arts in a small campus with a lot of character. Located in Wellpark, GCC is the only FE campus in the west of Ireland which boasts QQI Level 5 and 6 courses in film, theatre, music and art. Learning hands-on with teachers with industry experience gives students the opportunity to develop skills in a professional environment.
Learn the craft of film making with Colleen Hendrick-Quinn on her Level 5 or Level 6 courses. Film production, script writing, editing for television and film and media analysis are some of the modules on the film and documentary Level 5 course, while the TV presenting and film production Level 6 course cranks the learning up a notch so students can really hone in on documentary production, film and digital video production as well as more in-depth modules in editing practice and techniques and broadcasting presentation skills.
Hendrick-Quinn’s courses have a strong practical focus and are largely collaborative, while the theatre and music courses also give students a chance to create silent movies as well as music videos for original compositions from GCCFE music students.
The acting and theatre performance course has a strong practical focus also in which students have the opportunity to perform in live events throughout the academic year in professional theatre environments. Modules such as theatre studies, acting skills and techniques, and performance craft support students in preparation for professional audition skills and performance events. Acting for TV and film leads them into direct collaboration with the film students, who require actors for their filmmaking assignments throughout the year. This flexes their muscle for auditioning for professional TV and film, and the recording experience helps students cut their teeth in front of the camera.
Mark Keane co-ordinates the music performance QQI Level 5 course. Students receive a strong foundation in musicianship and music theory and practice. Music performance and sound engineering and production as well as music industry studies prepare the students for the many live events held both in-house in a professional auditorium or in venues in the vibrant music scene of Galway city. Cross collaboration with both the film and theatre course takes place — this is a dynamic aspect of this particular music course in GCCFE.
Orlagh Fahy Kinnucane co-ordinates the art, design and portfolio preparation course in which students develop their art and design skills. Modules such as combined materials, printmaking, drawing, graphic design skills and computer illustrated graphics give the art students a broad range of modules within which they can find their artistic voice while moving forward with their portfolios.
These courses promote so many transferable skills in confidence, writing, teamwork, self-organisation, communication and work experience. These abilities are used in every vocation and sector, and students leaving GCCFE are well prepared for the working environment. Courses lead to higher education or work directly in the industry.
For more information and to apply, see www.galwaycc.ie or call into the GCC campus in Wellpark for its Open Day Fridays event weekly during September.
