If you’re aged between 14-19 and interested in acting, graffiti, painting or sketching then check out Callan-Street-Arts (CSA ) and their upcoming Open Day. CSA will be recruiting 16 young artists, actors and crew members to take part in an original and daring project this August - a live Graffiti and Theatre performance on the streets of Callan. This innovative project will see performers interacting with live graffiti and animation.
The CSA project kicks off on Monday, August 2 and will consist of three weeks of experimentation and workshops before the performance on August 22. All participants will train in both acting and graphic street art and then create, rehearse and perform an urban tale. “Graffiti usually has a stereotypically, negative hype to it but I think in this kind of project, it can show people that it’s not always a law breaking hobby but an art form and I’m really looking forward to getting started” says trainee sound designer Sam Moylan.
The first week will see the group collaborate with the Abhainn Ri Festival. The group bringing their unique blend of graphic art and theatre to the spectacle performance - that will also include fire sculptures and drumming. CSA will then go on to deliver their own unique performance two weeks later.
The Open Day will be held on July 21, from 2.30pm — 5pm in the Parish Hall, beside The Green, Callan and is open to anybody between the ages of 14 and 19. No experience is necessary but space is limited so book your open day place in advance. The open day will include a mix of graffiti and theatre skills workshops and artistic experiments. It’s all completely free both the open day and the project.
"If you’re up for having a laugh, being dedicated to the project and open to being creative and maybe a bit mad - you are what we are looking for!” says Rónán Mac Raois, project director. “We’re not searching for typical stage ‘talent’ — this is no stage show. We’re looking for creativity. Even if you have no experience and just really want to learn to act, graffiti or draw — then you’re right for the project! If you’re interested in other areas apart from acting or graffiti or graphic art (such as costume design or lighting ), come along to the open day and let us know.”
The project is initiated and funded by Ossory Youth Service and is kindly supported by KCAT and The Abhainn Rí Festival. It’s hoped that the project will act as a catalyst for future youth arts projects in Callan and help foster youth participation in the area. If you would like to book your place on the open day or for further information please contact CSA with your name, age and phone number at callanstreetarts@gmail.com or call Hannah at 086 1699420. Also check out Callan Street Arts on Facebook.
