FUNDERS PARTNERS
youth forum
A word from our Chief Executive
WELCOME
Welcome to our InterAct Youth Arts Festival 2025! ‘Training and creating the next generation of artists’.
Its hard to believe that this is our 17th year of celebrating our talented young people aged 1221 and I can’t wait to show you what we’ve got planned for this year’s festival.
We are excited to be going on tour again this year, offering workshops and classes to the local community across a number of local community centres. The festival is such a great opportunity for young people to get involved in. It’s a chance to get creative, try something new and have fun. And the best thing? It’s all totally FREE!!!
This year, we have lots of wonderful workshops to challenge your creativity, culminating in one big showcase on the Millennium Forum stage where family and friends can witness all the hard work put in during the festival – and, judging on previous years, this will definitely be a very special evening’s showcase! Also this year, there will be a Masterclass element of the festival which will offer older teens a hands-on opportunity to tech and stage-manage a live event, so, keep an eye out for that.
We couldn’t do all this without the support of our funders, staff and, of course, our Youth Forum, whose passion, dedication and hard work drives the success of the festival.
So, mark your calendars and join us for a whirlwind of creativity, laughter, and unforgettable memories at the InterAct Youth Arts Festival. Let’s make this year’s festival the best one yet! See you there!
Mags Anderson
Mags Anderson Education and Schools Marketing Officer Millennium Forum
TO BOOK AND VENUE INFORMATION
Ready to book your spot at the InterAct Youth Arts Festival?
All bookings and information is through the Millennium Forumwww.millenniumforum.co.uk or call Box Office on 028 7126 4455 (option 1)
This festival is exclusively for young people aged 12- 21 years old. Advance booking is a must for all events. Spaces are limited and are strictly on a first come, first served basis. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on the fun!
*Participants will be charged a £5 refundable fee at booking per workshop which will be returned after all workshops and showcase is attended*
Stage 1
Culmore Community Centre
32-34 Culmore Point, Culmore, Derry/L’Derry, BT48 8JW.
Tel - 02871 163 713
Dates – Mon 7th July – Thurs 10th July
Stage 2
YMCA
51 Glenshane Rd, Drumahoe, Derry/L’Derry, BT47 3SF.
Tel - 028 7130 1662
Dates – Mon 7th July – Thurs 10th July
3
Millennium Forum Theatre
3 Newmarket Street, Derry/L’Derry, BT48 6EB.
Tel - 02871 264 455
Dates – Mon 7th July – Friday 18th July
Friday 18th July
Time - 5pm
Price - £5 (free for participants)
CULMORE COMMUNITY CENTRE
7TH – 10TH JULY
Art to Poetry
Art to Poetry – Participants will study works of art and recreate them as poetry - rhyming, haikus, free verse and more. Alternatively, we might even turn poetry into art - studying certain pieces of well known poetry and recreating it as art!
Join us for a fun experiment with verse and art.
Facilitator Grainne McCool
Week 1 - Culmore
Dates - Monday 7th
July, Tuesday 8th July, Wednesday 9th July and Thursday 10th July Times - 10am - 12pm
Spotlight Singers
Come and join our first Interact Musical Theatre Choir! We’ll be exploring repertoire from Hamilton to Wicked to Legally Blonde, with no music reading required – we’ll teach you line by line. It’s a fun-filled experience for all singers! If you love to sing, harmonise or just love Musical Theatre songs, then come along!
Facilitator
Caitlyn McCrea
Week 1 - Culmore
Dates - Monday 7th July
Wednesday 9th July
Time - 12pm - 2.30pm
Week 2Millennium Forum
Date - Wednesday 16th July
Times - 12pm - 2.30pm
Date - Thursday 17th July
Times - TBC
Showcase
Friday 18th July
Make It Your Own Embroidery
Learn to embroider your own bespoke tote bag. In this class you will design and make your own tote bag using embroidery skills to customise your artwork.
Facilitator
Sinead Crumlish
Week 1 - Culmore Date - Wednesday 9th July, Thursday 10th July & Friday 11th July Time - 1pm - 4pm
Showcase Exhibition of work Friday 18th July
Play In A Day
Come join us as we explore, Aladdin, a classic ‘rags to riches’ story featuring a young hero, a beautiful princess, an evil villain, and made complete with a magical genie. You’ll get the chance to create this play in a day through acting and dance workshops held in your community.
In acting you’ll discover your hidden talents. Unleash your imagination and learn how to bring characters to life on stage. In dance you’ll groove, move and express yourself through choreography that’ll make you shine like a superstar. The facilitators, Tori and Claire will bring everything together to help you create one short performance piece showcasing your Play in a Day on the amazing Millennium Forum stage.
Facilitators
Claire Harkin & Tori Messenger
Week 1 - Culmore
Date - Thursday 10th July
Time - 10am - 3pm
Week 2Millennium Forum
Date - Thursday 17th July
Time - 2pm - 4pm
Showcase Friday 18th July
7TH – 10TH JULY
Hit The Decks Djing YMCA, DRUMAHOE
Participants will learn DJ skills from Oliver Brown and well-known DJ, Kevin Boyle (aka Silver Fox). Your music, your mixes, learning skills that will allow you to find tunes that connect with your inner rhythm and future dancefloors. Whether you’re DJ’ing for the first time, wanting to rock a party or start your own podcast, Energy Train tutors will show you how to select and mix the right tune, at the right time.
Facilitators
Oliver Brown & Kevin Boyle
Week 1 - YMCA
Date - Tuesday 8th July
Time - 11am - 1pm
Date - Thursday 10th July
Time - 11am - 1pm
Week 1 -
Millennium Forum
Date - Monday 7th July
Time - 11am - 1pm
Date - Friday 11th July
Time - 11am - 1pm
Showcase exhibition of work Friday 18th July
Happy Stage Your Forum Your Stage
Step into the spotlight with Happy Stage! This fun, inclusive workshop offers young people an introduction to drama and performance in a safe, supportive space. Through games, improvisation, and creative activities, you’ll build confidence, express yourself, and connect with others. No experience needed—just bring your energy and imagination!
Week 1 - YMCA
Date - Tuesday 8th July & Wednesday 9th July
Time - 2pm - 4pm
Happy Stage is a youth-led project that supports mental health through the arts and peer learning. Whether you’re new to drama or looking to grow your skills, this workshop is a great way to boost wellbeing, make friends and have fun.
Facilitator
Ciara McCallion
Week 2Millennium Forum
Date - Tuesday 15th July & Wednesday 16th July
Time - 2pm - 4pm
Date - Thursday 17th July
Time -TBC
Showcase Friday 18th July
Funky Frequency Hip Hop
This Summer, it’s all about bringing the heat, showing off all your moves and having an absolute blast!!
You will learn the fundamentals of Hip Hop movement including key techniques, grooves and rhythms. We will focus on developing your personal style, building confidence and improving co-ordination through fun choreography sessions and freestyle practices. You will then perform in a high-energy routine designed to inspire confidence and expression.
Let’s dance, express and own the stage!!
Facilitator
Laura Doherty – Flaunt Your Step
Week 1 - YMCA
Dates - Tuesday 8th July & Wednesday 9th July
Times - 2.30pm - 4pm
Week 2Millennium Forum
Date - Wednesday 16th July
Time - 3pm - 4pm
Date Thursday 17th July
Time TBC Showcase Friday 18th July
Not stained glass Art
Week 1 - YMCA
Beautiful art can be made from the most simple of materials. In this workshop students will learn how to make imitation stained glass windows using just card, glue and tissue paper. Each student will learn new skills in stenciling, cutting with a blade and decoupage.
Date - Wednesday 9th July
Time - 12pm - 2pm
Once the project is complete the work can be hung on the inside of any window to allow the light to shine through. The techniques learned in this workshop can be very easily achieved at home for other projects they wish to do themselves.
Facilitator
Ronan Carlin
Introduction to Podcasting
An exciting addition to the Djing workshop, Memory Train Podcast is an intergenerational project. Working with young people and YMCA leaders participants will explore memory soundscapes and record short interviews on popular topics.
Facilitator
Kevin Boyle
Week 1 - YMCA
Date – Tuesday 8th July & Thursday 10th July
Time – 2pm -4pm
MILLENNIUM FORUM
7TH – 18TH JULY
Hit The Decks
Djing
Participants will learn DJ skills from Oliver Brown and well-known DJ, Kevin Boyle (aka Silver Fox). Your music, your mixes, learning skills that will allow you to find tunes that connect with your inner rhythm and future dancefloors. Whether you’re DJ’ing for the first time, wanting to rock a party or start your own podcast, Energy Train tutors will show you how to select and mix the right tune, at the right time.
Facilitators
Oliver Brown & Kevin Boyle
Week 1Millennium Forum
Monday 7th July 11am – 1pm
Friday 11th July 11am – 1pm
Showcase exhibition of work
Friday 18th July
Outbreak Flashmob
This new element to Interact plans to be sudden and unexpected. The flashmob will to be designed to appear to be spontaneous, which will catch onlookers off guard with a choreographed dance routine. The dance routines will feature hip-hop, musical theatre and other styles of music, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
Facilitator
Stephen Carlin – Urban Shock Dance
Week 1Millennium Forum
Dates - Tuesday 8th July, Wednesday 9th July & Thursday 10th July
Time - 12pm - 2pm
Week 2Outdoor Flashmobs from 14th - 17th July
Catch them if you can
Showcase Friday 18th July
Youth Forum Call out
Are you into theatre, production, marketing and performance? The Millennium Forum has a Youth Forum with students from Secondary and Further Education campuses in the city. We meet regularly to share ideas and insights about what young people want. The Millennium Forum works closely with us, giving guidance and brilliant opportunities. We’re looking for young people like you to join our Youth Forum and help plan and organise projects, events, and festivals all year round. It would be great if every school or group had a representative on the Youth Forum. The InterAct Youth Arts Festival is totally youth-driven. It’s an amazing chance for arts and theatre enthusiasts like you. Get in touch with Mags Anderson, Education & Schools Marketing Officer, at magsc@millenniumforum.co.uk to show your interest or get more info.
SFX MAKEUP
In the Special Effects Makeup class with Anna’s Cheeky Faces, you’ll master the art of crafting fake wounds, zombie bites, and more using a range of professional SFX makeup techniques and tools. Rest assured, we prioritize your safety by exclusively using professional grade SFX materials that are skin-friendly, such as latex (with alternative options for allergies), silicone, FX prosthetic gelatin, fake bloods, and alcohol- and grease-based paints.
Please note that a patch test on your skin is mandatory before participating in this workshop to ensure a comfortable experience
Facilitators
Anna’s Cheeky Faces
Week 1Millennium Forum
Date - Tuesday 8th July Time – 3pm – 5pm
Happy Stage
Your Forum Your Stage
Step into the spotlight with Happy Stage! This fun, inclusive workshop offers young people an introduction to drama and performance in a safe, supportive space. Through games, improvisation, and creative activities, you’ll build confidence, express yourself, and connect with others. No experience needed—just bring your energy and imagination!
Happy Stage is a youth-led project that supports mental health through the arts and peer learning. Whether you’re new to drama or looking to grow your skills, this workshop is a great way to boost wellbeing, make friends, and have fun.
Facilitator
Ciara McCallion
Large Prop Making
Light up the night at the Derry Halloween parade! Join our exciting lantern puppet workshops where you’ll design and build your very own illuminated creation. Unleash your creativity and become part of the magic as your unique lantern puppet dances through the streets. Don’t miss this chance to craft something spectacular for Ireland’s biggest Halloween celebration!
Facilitator
Amy Carroll
Week 2Millennium Forum
Date - Tuesday 15th July, Wednesday 16th July & Thursday 17th July Times - 11am - 1pm
Showcase Exhibition of work Friday 18th July
Make your own African Print Scrunchies!
Whether you’re into fashion, DIY or just love a pop of colour in your hair, this African Print workshop is for you. Come and learn how to make your very own bold & beautiful scrunchies using vibrant wax print fabrics. You will learn basic sewing skills and choose from a variety of stunning African prints, get creative in a relaxed, fun atmosphere and sew 2-3 custom-made scrunchies to take home with you. Book your spot now and add a unique, Afro-inspired touch to your style!
Facilitator
Madge Kelly - Rafiki Collection Week 2Millennium Forum DateWednesday 16th July Time - 1pm - 4pm
Exhibition showcase of work Friday 18th July
Triple Threat Musical Theatre
Act, dance and sing your way into the spotlight this summer in our triple threat musical theatre workshops!
“Stories don’t always end the way they begin. And sometimes, even the darkest tale can turn into a light.”
Week 2 -
Millennium Forum
Date - Wednesday 16th July &
Thursday 17th July
Time - 10am - 3pm
Date - Friday 18th July
Time - 10am - 12pm Showcase
Come join director Sinead Crossan and choreographer Carie Logue - Houston as they prepare to light up the stage with scenes from the hit musical ‘Matilda’. Cast members will engage in singing, drama and dance workshops learning how to develop key performance skills exploring the genre of musical theatre. They will experience the process of audition workshops and will work as an ensemble to rehearse short scenes and re-tell the story of Matilda in a fun and energetic devised showcase.
Facilitators
Sinead Crossan and Carie Logue Houston
Friday 18th July
POWERED TECH
teen and keen technical workshop
Get a behind-the-scenes look into live sound and theatre lighting in our Main Auditorium. This workshop will cover the basics in theatre sound and lighting, led by the Millennium Forum’s in-house technical team. Learn about PA systems, signal flow and basic sound mixing, as well as different types of theatre lights, patching and programming for a live show.
Age 12 years – 15 years old
Facilitators
Aaron Kelly & Don Stewart
Week 1Millennium Forum
Date - Wednesday 9th July
Time - 10am-12pm
Technical Workshop
Led by the Millennium Forum’s in-house technical team - these workshops are aimed at budding technicians looking to pursue a career as a sound, lighting or stage technician.
The course will cover the fundamentals in live sound and theatre lighting; from setting up the stage, to signal flow, to live mixing and understanding the use of different audio processing techniques, as well as basic LX rigging, patching, and programming lights for a live show - this course has got it all.
Age Limit 16 – 21 years
Week 1 -
Millennium Forum
Date - Monday 7th July
Time - 10am - 3pm
Wednesday 9th July
Time - 1pm - 5pm
Week 2Millennium Forum
Date - Thursday 17th July
Time - 10am - 4pm
Showcase
You will also get the opportunity to put these skills into action, with a session dedicated to setting up and operating the lighting and sound for a live band on the main stage, along with operating the lighting and sound for the Interact Showcase Event in the main auditorium.
Facilitators
Aaron Kelly & Don Stewart
Friday 18th July Supported by
Introduction to Stage Management
Stage Management is a vital role in live theatre, acting as the focal point for all communication between all creative and technical departments, supporting the director in managing the rehearsal room and ensuring that the show runs smoothly from day one to the final curtain call. In these workshops you will learn about the different elements of stage management –from pre-production, to running a rehearsal room, blocking notation, technical rehearsals, running a plotting session and creating a prompt script to call a show.
You will also get hands on experience running the technical rehearsals and stage managing a live performance in the Millennium Forum’s main auditorium, putting everything you’ve learnt into action!
Facilitator Fiona Harkin
Week 1 -
Millennium Forum
Date - Monday 7th July
Time - 4pm - 6pm
Week 2 -
Millennium Forum Across various workshops in the Festival Showcase Friday 18th July
Supported by
MASTERCLASSES
Emerging Voices
Take your performance to the next level with this dynamic two-part vocal masterclass series, specially designed for pop and musical theatre singers. Whether you’re hitting the stage or prepping for auditions, these sessions will equip you with the tools to sing with confidence, control, and emotional impact.
Facilitator
Aideen McGinn
Age Limit 16 – 21 years
Week 1Millennium Forum
Date -
Thursday 10th July
Time - 4pm - 5.30pm
Week 2Millennium Forum
Date -
Thursday 17th July
Time - 4pm - 5.30pm
Nailing An Audition
A workshop designed to help actors understand the casting process from an agent’s perspective, from choosing the right headshots to delivering strong self-tapes and live auditions. Participants will get practical experience, feedback, and industry insights.
Facilitator
Laura Borland
Age Limit 16 – 21 years
Week 2Millennium Forum
DateTuesday 15th July & Wednesday 16th July Time - 12pm - 2pm
Stage Combat
Stage Combat is an exciting and fun tool used in theatre. From swashbuckling fights to dramatic unarmed combat, you as an actor can excite the audience with amazing fight sequences while keeping yourself and your partners safe.
Learn the basics on how to create a fight with the basic fundamentals in safety and illusion.
Facilitator
Philip Raff – Raff Combat
Age Limit 16 – 21 years
Week 2Millennium Forum Date - Wednesday 16th July, Thursday 17th July & Friday 18th July
Time - 2.30pm - 5pm
Showcase Friday 18th July
SHOWCASE INFORMATION
Friday 18th July
Doors open 4.30pm
Showcase at 5pm
Tickets priced at £5
(participants are free)
Millennium Forum
Get ready to witness the mind-blowing showcase of talent at the InterAct Youth Arts Festival! This is our chance to show you what our incredible local young people are capable of. Prepare to be amazed!
We’re pulling out all the stops to bring you an unforgettable evening with exhibitions of work in our piazza area and the main stage filled with dance, music, and theatre performances that will leave you breathless. These young artists have poured their hearts and souls into their craft, and they’re ready to unleash their creativity on the stage. Get ready to be transported into their world of artistic brilliance!
So spread the word and get ready to be blown away by the extraordinary talents of our local young artists.
at a glance
Date Time Workshops
Centre
7/7/2025 10am-12pm Art to Poetry CCC
10am-3pm Technical Workshop MF
12pm-2:30pm Spotlight Singers CCC 4pm-6pm Introduction to Stage Management MF
8/7/2025 10am-12pm Art to Poetry CCC
11am-1pm Hit the Decks Djing YMCA 12pm-2pm Outbreak Flashmob MF 2pm-4pm Happy Stage Drama YMCA
3pm-5pm SFX Makeup MF 2:30pm-4pm Funky Frequency Hip Hop YMCA
9/7/2025 10am-12pm Art to Poetry CCC
10am-12pm Teen and Keen - Technical Workshop MF 12pm-2pm Not Stained Glass Art YMCA
12pm-2pm Outbreak Flashmob MF
12pm-2:30pm Spotlight Singers CCC 1pm-4pm Make It your Own Embroidery CCC 1pm-5pm Technical Workshop MF 2pm-4pm Happy Stage Drama YMCA 2:30pm-4pm Funky Frequency Hip Hop YMCA
10/7/2025 10am-12pm Art to Poetry CCC
10am-3pm Play in a Day - Aladdin CCC 12pm-2pm Outbreak Flashmob MF 11am-1pm Hit the Decks Djing YMCA 1pm-4pm Make It your Own Embroidery CCC 4pm-5:30pm Emerging Voices MF
11/7/2025 11am-1pm Hit the Decks Djing MF 1pm-4pm Make It your Own Embroidery CCC
14/7/2025 TBC Outbreak Outdoor Flashmobs MF
15/7/2025 11am-1pm Large Prop Making MF 12pm-2pm Nailing an Audition MF 2pm-4pm Happy Stage Drama MF TBC Outbreak Outdoor Flashmobs MF
Date Time Workshops Centre
16/7/2025 10am-3pm
11am-1pm
Triple Threat Musical Theatre MF
Large Prop Making MF 12pm-2pm Nailing an Audition MF
12pm-2:30pm Spotlight Singers MF
1pm-4pm Introduction to African Prints MF Making a Scrunchie Project
2pm-4pm Happy Stage Drama MF
2:30pm-5pm Stage Combat MF
3pm-4pm Funky Frequency Hip Hop MF
TBC Outbreak Outdoor Flashmobs MF
17/7/2025 TBC
11am-1pm
Funky Frequency Hip Hop MF
Large Prop Making MF
2pm-4pm Play in a Day - Aladdin MF
10am-3pm Triple Threat Musical Theatre MF
10am-4pm Technical Workshop MF
10am-4pm Introduction to Stage Management MF
2:30pm-5pm Stage Combat MF
4pm-5:30pm Emerging Voices MF TBC Outbreak Outdoor Flashmobs MF
18/7/2025 10am-2pm
Triple Threat Musical Theatre MF
2:30pm-5pm Stage Combat MF
TBC Outbreak Outdoor Flashmobs MF 5pm-7pm Showcase MF
CCC - Culmore Community Centre
YMCA - YMCA, Drumahoe
MF - Millennium Forum
