Staff
Ann Kavanagh
Ann Kavanagh started working with young people in drama and theatre more than thirty years ago. She has worked extensively in primary and secondary schools during this time, notably the three Loretos – the Abbey Rathfarnham, Beaufort and Crumlin. Ann Kavanagh’s Young Peoples Theatre has been in operation for over 30 years.
Through her experience in schools, Ann founded her own drama school, realizing the joy and confidence it can instill in children. She founded the Children’s Theatre Group in 1970 which - because her students stay with her so long! – ‘grew up’ to be called The Young People’s Theatre. Previous productions have included Oliver, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, The Wizard of Oz, Nicholas Nickelby and Pocketful of Broadway, Fiddler on the Roof and Chicago.
In 1985, Ann formed Cloud Nine – an adult offshoot company featuring 22 of her original students. Shows have included Our Town, Lovers, The Secret Life of Adrian Mole, A Life, Vinegar Tom, All My Sons, Billy Liar, Brighton Beach Memoirs and A View from the Bridge.
Ann Kavanagh has a national reputation as a drama teacher and wins remarkable commitment, loyalty, love and enthusiasm from all who work with her. It is very rewarding that over 55 past pupils’ children now attend the school.
Marina Donnelly
Marina started as a student of Ann’s at the age of four.
She has performed in many Young People’s Theatre and Cloud Nine productions including Our Town, Oliver, Billy Liar and All My Sons.
Marina started teaching with Ann nineteen years ago after she had qualified from the Royal Irish Academy.During her years as a teacher with the school she has been responsible for Set,Costume & Make- Up Design on shows & has also directed The Ugly Duckling and Charlotte’s Web.
Sophie Coote
Sophie has been a member of Young Peoples Theatre since the age of five. She has completed all Royal Irish Academy exams and is studying drama in Trinity College. She is a member of Trinity’s Drama Socitey, DU Players and spends any spare time involved in student productions.
Rosemary Kratschmar
Rosemary has been involved in Drama all her life. She was a student of Ann’s for fifteen years and a founder member of Cloud Nine Theatre where she was an active participant in their productions. Rosemary also trained with The Brendan Smith Academy. Rosemary has appeared in many Film & TV productions and Theatres over the years.
She is a very able spokeswoman on behalf of children and adults with special needs.Rosemary is Administrator of the agency and Secretary to the school.