TENDERFOOT, The Civic Theatre’s apprentice theatre programme for transition year students, supports the development of new theatrical voices. The Tenderfoot Showcase presents a programme of plays by 16 year old playwrights, plays reflecting their lives, their world, plays exploring their fears, their worries, their joys. Performed and designed by a 70 strong ensemble of young people under the guidance of working theatre professionals.
This year’s programme features the following works:
The Witch by Holly Murray – Lucan Community College
It’s Liz’s 18 th birthday, and Abigail has shown up. Well, you know, I had to come and see my childhood best friend become an adult! Everyone is surprised. Your best friend…is Liz? Good decision? Bad decision? Will Liz regret the momentary kindness? And of Liz and Abigail who will regret it more?
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow by Blaithín Seville
Emily and Cillian go for a drive. There are good tunes on the radio. But the road they’re travelling on has a surprise destination. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow is written by Blaithín Seville, TenderWRITE playwright 2024/2025. TenderWRITE is The Civic Theatre’s ongoing programme for playwrights aged 16 – 24.
Don’t Be A Stranger by Robin Pesak – Deansrath Community College
A preacher speaks at a funeral. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. The dead man’s son, Paul, lets the words wash over him lost in his own thoughts. His life is not how he imagined it would be. But everything is about to change.
Names Not Worth Remembering by Holly Raftery – Collinstown Park Community College
Two young soldiers find themselves on retrieval detail in the dark days of World War II. It’s not what they imagined they’d be doing when they signed up. Nothing is as they thought it would be. This isn’t a place for noble acts. There are no heroes here. Only young men with dreams of lives yet to live.
I Love You Too Mam by Niamh Balfe – Lucan Community College
Áine has always tried to keep Connor, her boy, on the right track. But there’s so much temptation out there. They’ve always had a good relationship. Always chatted and talked about what’s going on. But Connor is growing up and Áine won’t always be there to help him make the right choices. Set in a version of our world, a little in the future, I Love You Too Mam deftly explores the consequences of the choices we make in our lives.
This year Tenderfoot is working with 140 young people from 17 second level schools in South Dublin County. 70 young people will take part in Tenderfoot’s Writing for Theatre Programme in March/April 2026. Veronica Coburn is Tenderfoot’s Programme Director. The Tenderfoot Programme for 2026 will be directed by Esosa Ighodaro, Davey Kelleher & Dominic O’Brien.
TENDERFOOT, original theatre by and for young people.
Performances for Schools
Thursday 22nd – Friday 23rd of January – 12pm (Book direct through Box Office 01 4627477)
Public Performances
Saturday 24th January – 2pm & 7pm
Programme Director
Veronica Coburn
Tenderfoot Core Directors
Davey Kelleher
Gavin Kostick
Mentors
Esosa Ighodaro – Directing Theatre
Davey Kelleher – Directing Theatre
Dominic O’Brien – Directing Theatre
Eimear Hussey – Set & Costume Design
Martha Knight – Sound Design & Music Composition
Jess Fitzsimons Kane – Lighting Design
Ian Whelan – Film For Theatre
Ruby Collins – Production & Stage Management
Tara Perry – Stage Management Mentor
Amy Conroy & Fionntán Larney – Welfare
Isabelle Greene – Stage Management
Tom Foley & Mikey Gannon – Giant Wolf Interns
Presented by: The Civic Theatre
Duration: 130 minutes. One Interval
Age Suitability 14+. Parental Guidance
Tenderfoot is supported by South Dublin County Council and Arts Council Ireland.
