New artistic director of youth theatre group in Tipperary is ‘proud and honoured’

Jack Reardon vividly remembers his first day at Stagecraft Youth Theatre in Clonmel.

At the age of ten, he tentatively walked in the door to a vibrant room of characters and stories.

Games of Bang, Captains Coming and Zip Zap Bloing became synonymous with Saturday mornings. As his confidence grew through drama exercises and workshops, so too did a set of lifelong friends. Productions in The White Memorial and Abymill Theatres were cemented as core memories.

READ NEXT: Tipperary hurling hero brings Liam MacCarthy Cup to business breakfast

At 21, Jack was asked to take on the role of Artistic Director of Stagecraft, taking over from founder Shane Dempsey.
Jack recalls mixed feelings of excitement and pressure. “Stagecraft was a second home to me – and to so many others. I was humbled to take up the position from Shane but only ever wanted Stagecraft to be that welcoming, supportive environment it always was for me,” he says.

Now, after a decade in charge, Jack is stepping down, with Alanna Power taking over the role as artistic director.

SEE MORE: Tipperary's top snooker players set to clash in memorial tournament

Founded in 1998, Stagecraft is one of the oldest youth theatres in Ireland and with members ranging in age from 5 to 21, is also one of the largest. With weekly classes taking place in the Sisters of Charity school hall on Mary Street every Saturday, Stagecraft has provided the highest standards in theatre training and performance since the late 90s.

While boasting an impressive portfolio of theatre productions, musicals and award-winning short films, Jack maintains Stagecraft’s greatest achievements are members’ experiences.

“We’re so proud of the productions we’ve created, but when a parent tells us their child’s weekly highlight is the hour they spend in Stagecraft, we know we’re doing something right.

“In Stagecraft, we make sure every child has a platform. Everyone has the same experience and everyone is valued”.
Jack trained in the prestigious Lir Academy in Dublin, completing a Masters degree in Theatre Directing.

Fellow classmates included Eanna Hardwicke (set to play Roy Keane in the upcoming biopic Saipan), Alison Oliver (Saltburn) and a soon-to-be Hollywood heart throb Paul Mescal (Normal People, Gladiator).

“The Lir was incredible. I found my tribe – but one of the greatest aspects was bringing what I was learning back to Stagecraft. My design team were on hand to transform Clonmel buildings into performance spaces.

“Members got to have the best designers in the country design their sets and costumes”.

Jack also became the resident director of the Clonmel Junction Arts Festival, creating the festival’s flagship production each year. Pucked, Hucklebuck, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and the Kickham Barracks epic From Out the Land were all productions by Jack Reardon.

With Jack working more and more in London, the time has come to pass the baton of leadership to Alanna Power.

“Alanna is one of a kind,” says Jack.
“She has come up through the ranks of Stagecraft so understands exactly what makes it so special. Her passion, creativity and care for our members is unrivalled”.

Alanna has been the associate director of Stagecraft for several years, recently directing the immersive Little Shop of Horrors in the CTI Gaelcholáiste.

During the final pre-show talk on opening night, Jack recalled the inspirational feeling amongst the cast.

“Alanna was captain of the ship. Her infectious spirit rippled through the cast”.

Jack snapped a shot, capturing the moment in time, the faces of members alight with joy as Alanna motivated them ahead of opening night.

“Stagecraft is in safe hands,” he says.

Alanna, like Jack, has come up through the ranks of Stagecraft from member, to assistant, to director and now to artistic director.

“I joined when I was 12,” says Alanna.

“Ciara Laste (former Stagecraft director) had done a workshop in my school (The Sisters of Charity). I remember thinking it was so much fun and wanted to keep doing more. I wasn’t the kid who jumped forward when someone asked for a volunteer but I just loved being in Stagecraft. It gave me confidence, friendships and great memories”.

Reflecting on her time in Stagecraft, Alanna is prepared to lead the organisation into a new era.

“I’m so proud and honoured to become the new artistic director and excited to carry Stagecraft forward for the next generation of young people in Tipperary. I hope to give them the same life-changing experiences it has given to me”.

Stagecraft are currently open to new member registration, with classes having begun this month for ages 5 to 21.

Members enjoy weekly workshops and exploring various drama techniques before beginning rehearsals for their annual productions in the new year.

With a new era beginning, Alanna says it is the perfect time for new members to join.

“Joining Stagecraft is forever one of the greatest decisions of my life. Give it a go, it just might be the same for you”.

New members can be registered at www.stagecraftyt.com/join or by contacting Alanna at +353 83-0710937 .