Longford's Backstage Youth Theatre seeks funding as demand soars

Backstage Youth Theatre (BYT) have appealed to councillors of the Longford Municipal District for funding to help them hire an artistic director.

With public demand for BYT membership at an all time high, representatives from the theatre told the recent meeting of the Longford MD that what was needed now was “a committed and compensated position dedicated to the administration of management of the organisation, so this person could source volunteers that production responsibilities could then be delegated to.”

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They explained while there was no shortage of volunteers in Longford, finding, training and managing new people alongside organising productions and rehearsals required a significant amount of time and commitment.

Many councillors voiced their praise for BYT.

Said Cllr Butler, “Whatever direction you go, and if you need support or a unanimous letter of support from the Longford Municipal District, you have it.”

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He added, “Money will have to be found somewhere and if we have to do something on a voluntary basis to raise money, I don't think we'll be found lacking”

​Voicing her praise and full support for BYT, Cllr Peggy Nolan advised seeking support from the arts office, adding that the Arts Council “needs to step up to the plate. What you've done, what you have achieved, the recognition nationally that you have afforded to yourselves, it has to be recognised as well and it needs to continue.”

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