Moydrum native, Tara Flanagan, is making vast strides within the realm of musical theatre, the 20-year-old Early Childhood Education student recently making her directorial debut, her creative mind ensuring sell out auditoriums for Marino Institute of Education's production of 'All Shook Up'.
Based on the music of Elvis Presley, 'All Shook Up' graced the stage of Liberty Hall from February 5-7 inclusive and received staunch praise from all those who attended.
Tara hails from a family synonymous with musical theatre. The daughter of Des and Valerie Flanagan, granddaughter of Athlone Musical Society’s former leading lady for over 20 years, Sadie Flanagan, along with uncles and aunts who remain involved with musical productions, including Donal and Camilla Flanagan (Athlone Musical Society ), Tara has always been involved in performing.
From an early age, Tara was encouraged by the teaching staff of Baylin National School with regards to performing, where she sang numbers such as 'O Holy Night', 'Lift the Wings' and 'Ave Maria'.
Tara’s main performing background is in dance where she was a student with Shannon Dance Academy for 14 years. In that time, she also performed with Youth Ballet West for two years.
Tara was honoured to receive the leading role in last year's Marino’s production of ‘9 to 5’, where she portrayed the character ‘Judy Bernley’.
Tara plans to complete a Masters in Education during which she hopes to be able bring her love of the arts to her career as educator in the years ahead.
