ACTING UP! NEWS 2025-2026
GRASSHOPPERS PROJECT 2026 IN BALBRIGGAN
I curated a celebration of early years communities all over Balbriggan once again with the Grasshoppers project in May 2026. The programme consisted of an exhibition at Millfield Shopping Centre loudly expressing the voices of very young children, a family day at the Lark concert hall in Balbriggan and Hamilton Hall at the library, and a series of performances and workshops inside early years settings in Balbriggan over four weeks. Grasshoppers is a a platform for other artists to showcase their work and I am very interested in the project model, which still allows for a festival-like atmosphere. This year's events were supported by Fingal Arts Office Arts Act Grant scheme.
I curated a celebration of early years communities all over Balbriggan once again with the Grasshoppers project in May 2026. The programme consisted of an exhibition at Millfield Shopping Centre loudly expressing the voices of very young children, a family day at the Lark concert hall in Balbriggan and Hamilton Hall at the library, and a series of performances and workshops inside early years settings in Balbriggan over four weeks. Grasshoppers is a a platform for other artists to showcase their work and I am very interested in the project model, which still allows for a festival-like atmosphere. This year's events were supported by Fingal Arts Office Arts Act Grant scheme.
Grasshoppers Family Day Photographs Credit: Tittu Shaji
DCU CYPA ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 2025/6
In June 2025, I found out that I had been awarded this wonderful residency with the Bachelor in Early Childhood Education department at DCU. ENCOUNTERS - the title of the residency, will see engagement with staff, students, spaces and the wider community of DCU at the institute of education on St. Patrick's campus. Provision of an arts event brings communities together and allows staff to meet and to have conversations that might otherwise never have taken place. I am indebted to Dr. Marlene Mc Cormack and Marcella Bannon for supporting the application process and assisting with the delivery. As an artist, I am also availing of the opportunity to have professional documentation of my work for the first time as a photographer follows my journey. Semester 1 saw three performances for Culture Night, four workshop sessions with students during their course time and in collaboration with lecturers, six open creativity sessions where students could drop in and explore various materials and creative ideas without direction or expectation, and a cyanography workshop which brought staff together for a mindful session with artist Akvile Simanskiene just before the xmas break. I also ran a Dreamtrain performance session for staff and their children in early December and it highlighted the huge demand there would be for more events like this in the future. I am very excited for semester 2 to begin. I am also using the opportunity to carry out my own research into spaces, audiences and listening in the early years.
In June 2025, I found out that I had been awarded this wonderful residency with the Bachelor in Early Childhood Education department at DCU. ENCOUNTERS - the title of the residency, will see engagement with staff, students, spaces and the wider community of DCU at the institute of education on St. Patrick's campus. Provision of an arts event brings communities together and allows staff to meet and to have conversations that might otherwise never have taken place. I am indebted to Dr. Marlene Mc Cormack and Marcella Bannon for supporting the application process and assisting with the delivery. As an artist, I am also availing of the opportunity to have professional documentation of my work for the first time as a photographer follows my journey. Semester 1 saw three performances for Culture Night, four workshop sessions with students during their course time and in collaboration with lecturers, six open creativity sessions where students could drop in and explore various materials and creative ideas without direction or expectation, and a cyanography workshop which brought staff together for a mindful session with artist Akvile Simanskiene just before the xmas break. I also ran a Dreamtrain performance session for staff and their children in early December and it highlighted the huge demand there would be for more events like this in the future. I am very excited for semester 2 to begin. I am also using the opportunity to carry out my own research into spaces, audiences and listening in the early years.
DCU documentation credit : Karol Szarek Photography
EYNA - The Early Years Network for the Arts
As part of my residency at Axis and in partnership with Rose Producing in Sligo, a new network for early years arts has been established. Our aims are to bring the community together through the common objective of providing arts experiences to very young audiences (0-6) and to provide a space where artists can connect, converse and train together in the sector. Our launch was at Axis in September 2025 with a beautiful exhibition of posters of performances for this age-group that have been produced since 2008. It shows just how rich the sector has become in terms of provision. In 2026, we aim to further open the discussion about what early years arts programmes can look like and give some small bursaries for artists wishing to begin on this journey. Congratulations to the first recipients - Brona Jackson, Killian Kirwan, Joe Brennan and Carmel Balfe. EYNA membership continues to grow
and is supported by Axis Ballymun and the Arts Council through Rose Producing.
As part of my residency at Axis and in partnership with Rose Producing in Sligo, a new network for early years arts has been established. Our aims are to bring the community together through the common objective of providing arts experiences to very young audiences (0-6) and to provide a space where artists can connect, converse and train together in the sector. Our launch was at Axis in September 2025 with a beautiful exhibition of posters of performances for this age-group that have been produced since 2008. It shows just how rich the sector has become in terms of provision. In 2026, we aim to further open the discussion about what early years arts programmes can look like and give some small bursaries for artists wishing to begin on this journey. Congratulations to the first recipients - Brona Jackson, Killian Kirwan, Joe Brennan and Carmel Balfe. EYNA membership continues to grow
and is supported by Axis Ballymun and the Arts Council through Rose Producing.
THE SHELL WHISPERER - A NEW PERFORMANCE FOR AGES 2-5
In july/august 2025, we finally finished the performance of the Shell Whisperer which will premiere in 2026. Supported by Axis Ballymun and a bursary from the Arts Council CYPA team, this gorgeous show is directed by Rachel Riggs (UK/Australia) and written by award-winning and acclaimed author Ginni Manning. (UK) The piece uses shadow puppetry and handmade puppets and projection to tell the poetic story of a new legendary character that collects shells with promises whispered into them and gives them back to the ocean. One day the ocean will feel better and cleaner inside... the sea goddess speaks for the ocean. Ginni's text magnificently captures this lovely story about climate change, pollution and hope for the future, which young children will relish the sound of. The collaboration arose from a meeting in Cuba at the assitej world congress where we were attending workshops and other performances together. It is a three way international collaboration and a very exciting prospect for 2026. The story was also developed through workshops with children at the Creche in Axis Ballymun and at Busy Bess and Cocoon childcare settings in Balbriggan. This was to ensure the voices of children were represented within the text and also within the performance.
In july/august 2025, we finally finished the performance of the Shell Whisperer which will premiere in 2026. Supported by Axis Ballymun and a bursary from the Arts Council CYPA team, this gorgeous show is directed by Rachel Riggs (UK/Australia) and written by award-winning and acclaimed author Ginni Manning. (UK) The piece uses shadow puppetry and handmade puppets and projection to tell the poetic story of a new legendary character that collects shells with promises whispered into them and gives them back to the ocean. One day the ocean will feel better and cleaner inside... the sea goddess speaks for the ocean. Ginni's text magnificently captures this lovely story about climate change, pollution and hope for the future, which young children will relish the sound of. The collaboration arose from a meeting in Cuba at the assitej world congress where we were attending workshops and other performances together. It is a three way international collaboration and a very exciting prospect for 2026. The story was also developed through workshops with children at the Creche in Axis Ballymun and at Busy Bess and Cocoon childcare settings in Balbriggan. This was to ensure the voices of children were represented within the text and also within the performance.
PRESENTATION AT ASSITEJ ARTISTIC GATHERING IN MARSEILLE March 2025
I attended the Assitej Artistic gathering in Marseille and presented at the conference for Smallsize under the title "Does Cultural Policy Support Early Years Arts In Your Country?"
It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the development of the sector in Ireland and to be extremely proud of the levels of funding now available to practicing early years artists in the sector today. The full video of the seminar is available on the Virtual House link of the smallsize network webpage. I have been appointed to the board of Smallsize for the next three years and very much look forward to what this opportunity will bring.
I attended the Assitej Artistic gathering in Marseille and presented at the conference for Smallsize under the title "Does Cultural Policy Support Early Years Arts In Your Country?"
It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the development of the sector in Ireland and to be extremely proud of the levels of funding now available to practicing early years artists in the sector today. The full video of the seminar is available on the Virtual House link of the smallsize network webpage. I have been appointed to the board of Smallsize for the next three years and very much look forward to what this opportunity will bring.
OLDER NEWS 2023-2024
NEIC THEATRE ARTIST ON EY FIRST STEPS PROGRAMME
This lovely short-term opportunity came my way between October and December 2023. I had already delivered 10 sessions in the NEIC area inside preschools and EY settings for Dublin City Council and under the wonderful leadership of Irma Grothius, I was selected for this programme. I also included the Gate Theatre as it is in the exact area and has a lovely new community space which is perfect for Early Years opportunities! (Thanks to John Taite for being such a yes man!!!) So two settings were selected and offered CPD for their educators at the Gate, two inhouse workshops at their settings with me and then a final visit to the Gate community room space with the children for a performance of Dreamtrain. On set was the artwork created at the settings. We were delighted with the results and to see children and adults engaging with a theatre in their area where they had never been before.
This lovely short-term opportunity came my way between October and December 2023. I had already delivered 10 sessions in the NEIC area inside preschools and EY settings for Dublin City Council and under the wonderful leadership of Irma Grothius, I was selected for this programme. I also included the Gate Theatre as it is in the exact area and has a lovely new community space which is perfect for Early Years opportunities! (Thanks to John Taite for being such a yes man!!!) So two settings were selected and offered CPD for their educators at the Gate, two inhouse workshops at their settings with me and then a final visit to the Gate community room space with the children for a performance of Dreamtrain. On set was the artwork created at the settings. We were delighted with the results and to see children and adults engaging with a theatre in their area where they had never been before.
AXIS BALLYMUN RESIDENCY
As a direct result of our connection during the pandemic, Axis and I formed a new and wonderful relationship in 2023. I have been early years artist in residence and have been busy running performances, workshops and training for educators, artists, families and children in Ballymun in the 0-6 years category. It has been an absolute pleasure to be there and I hope to continue into 2024!!! I could not have achieved so much without the constant assistance and support of Akvile Simanskiene, a visual artist and my right hand woman from Balbriggan. (originally from Lithuania) A massive thanks to Niamh Ní Chonchubhair; Aifric Ní Ruairc, Sorcha, Clodagh and the lovely team at Axis!!!
As a direct result of our connection during the pandemic, Axis and I formed a new and wonderful relationship in 2023. I have been early years artist in residence and have been busy running performances, workshops and training for educators, artists, families and children in Ballymun in the 0-6 years category. It has been an absolute pleasure to be there and I hope to continue into 2024!!! I could not have achieved so much without the constant assistance and support of Akvile Simanskiene, a visual artist and my right hand woman from Balbriggan. (originally from Lithuania) A massive thanks to Niamh Ní Chonchubhair; Aifric Ní Ruairc, Sorcha, Clodagh and the lovely team at Axis!!!
YPCE artist in residence at ATU Galway and Mayo Campus
I have been extremely lucky to be appointed an artist in residence at ATU with the BA in early childhood team on Galway and Mayo campus. I am actually currently on the second year of this wonderful residency. The first year focussed on early years arts in the community and its realtionship to the students on campus. The second year (currently) is focussing on creativity in the students themselves. This residency was awarded the Arts In Education portal documentation award in early 2023 and we presented at the national day conference in November 2023. It is a monumental step for early years arts to have its own residency opportunity at third level like this. It is a credit to our Arts Council YPCE team that this opportunity is now afforded to early years artists.
SCEALTA - OUR BUS OUR JOURNEY
Arts In Education Portal Documentation Award 2023
| atu_photobook_2023.pdf |
MORA
Coming out of the pandemic, I was fortunate enough to have a brand new piece of Early Years Theatre which had been supported by AGF from the Arts Council and also the wonderful Axis Theatre in Ballymun which allowed us to meet safely and create together when it was ok to do so. MORA is the result. Directed by Aisling Byrne and with the team of myself, Sarah Fitzgibbon, Orla Kelly, Cormac O'Connor and Akvile Simanskiene with graphic design by Silva Kedmenec. Mora tells the story of a brownie fairy who has called invited guests together to celebrate her beautiful new shoes but the sprites who live with her are not so happy with the idea and it takes a bit longer than she wanted...
Mora has been performed all over Ireland and to many many children aged 3-6 but there is a special moment in this piece that never ceases to amaze me... Mora has a meltdown. An adult crisis when she realises it won't be as perfect as she wanted. Children respond to this moment with incredible empathy and softness - some have walked unprompted up to me and hugged me tight to say it will be ok. No matter what they are doing in that moment, they stop in their tracks and empathise with Mora. What a lovely moment to witness in such young children. Educators have commented on their own delight to see lessons that they teach children being used in life. This surely has to be the power of the theatre experience even for children as young as 3 years old.
Mora continues to be presented at Axis theatre in Ballymun and in Hamilton Hall in Balbriggan.
THE SHELL WHISPERER
Over the past two years, I have further developed the concept of the Shell Whisperer. We are working towards creating a new performance focussed on the voice of the child and also looking at climate change and childrens' awareness of it and the ocean. Shell Whisperer initial research was funded by the Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaion and supported by Axis Ballymun.
It is my first exploration of a sustainable form of theatre for Early Years.
Over the past two years, I have further developed the concept of the Shell Whisperer. We are working towards creating a new performance focussed on the voice of the child and also looking at climate change and childrens' awareness of it and the ocean. Shell Whisperer initial research was funded by the Arts Council, An Chomhairle Ealaion and supported by Axis Ballymun.
It is my first exploration of a sustainable form of theatre for Early Years.
GRASSHOPPERS EARLY YEARS ARTS FESTIVAL 2019-2024
Early in 2019, Cliodhna Noonan of Acting Up! became part of the Our Balbriggan strategy with a proposal for an early years arts programme for the community in Balbriggan. A three stage approach to the development of a regular audience for the town and an international weekend festival celebrating its youngest citizens. The festival kicked off with Ireland's first ever Buggy Parade lead by the mayor of Fingal himself and the whole event was a huge success. Acting Up! hopes to continue to collaborate with Our Balbriggan on the development of this programme in the area. Grasshoppers IEYF continues today with 21 early years settings involved in the exhibition; at least 8 international and local in-house workshops provided to settings with experts in the field of early years arts and a family day attended in two locations by more than 120 families annually. Grasshoppers 2024 takes place from 28th February to 04 March 2024. Supported by the Arts Council, Our Balbriggan and Fingal Arts Office. Grasshoppers played right through the pandemic offering early years workshops and experiences live to families isolated with young children at home.
ACTING UP NEWS PRIOR TO 2022
In May 2017, Fingal Arts Office in partnership with Acting Up! and Jackie Maguire presented the third edition of Space Invaders! The sun shone, the families streamed in and we established Space Invaders as a landmark event for early years audiences in Farmleigh! Click here for the documentation of the day! vimeo.com/222703262
