by Hazel Doolan

Autumn is a busy time with many classes and activities starting up again. One of those being drama/acting classes. It’s been a busy time for us here at Eva’s Echo with me and Rena beginning our classes again. Recently, I started Echo Acting in Sligo and have been a guest lecturer in ATU Sligo. I will also be beginning classes with National Learning Network Sligo this week and who knows what else will come up! As hard as it is (planning, organising schedules, booking venues, holding the classes, supporting students/actors), I’ve been finding so much joy while facilitating these classes.

Echo Acting Sligo started in mid September with a total of five students. This term, I’m holding a beginners’ class that involves monologue work with the aim to record a self tape and for each actor to get headshots at the end. All of them are from different backgrounds, with a range of experience and a hunger to explore the world of acting. To say that I was excited since week one was an understatement. Each student embraced the challenges that were thrown at them, took risks and left with something new after each class. Even at challenging moments, I have seen the students already break boundaries, surprise themselves and become more confident compared to week one. All I can say is I can’t wait to see how their self tapes turn out!

I was approached to be a guest lecturer to facilitate a drama workshop to encourage creativity and play. This was a challenge as I was used to working with young children, adults and late teens (through the Exchange Programme during the summer). The aim was to encourage the students to unleash their inner joy and ability to embrace the concept of play. At one point they were in groups working on Tableaus (still images showing a story/scenario) to present to the rest of the class. Then they had to build on that by building three tableaus with a story (beginning, middle and end). Watching the groups work together, trying new things and having fun with the creativity by the end of the workshop was just a treat to see. I walked away from those workshops feeling a real sense of purpose and love for being part of that.

I’m not good at ending blogs so I’d just like to take the time to thank the students/actors I’ve worked with, my collaborators, the venues, my mentors, loved ones and tea! It’s been an absolute pleasure and I can’t wait to do more workshops.