We were thrilled last year when we were successful in our application to Limerick County Council for the Artist in Residence Project for Schools. With the help of Val O’Shaughnessy, it was decided that we would focus on revamping our school Halla and to make it into a fully functional, “Attractive Theatre Space”. The inspiration for the design was taken from the beautiful seascape that can be seen from the windows of the Halla. We wanted to bring a piece of that natural beauty into the area where we will create beauty ourselves!

The work began in earnest in May, with each class being assigned a task to help make this room brighter, bolder and more inspiring. The Infants were given the job of making the name plate for the entrance. Firstly though we had to actually come up with a name. We asked Rang V&VI to Brainstorm for ideas and eventually we merged a few to come up with “Tír na Samhlaíochta”-or Land of the Imagination. We felt that this conveyed all that we hoped this creative space would become. The lettering for the words was made by Val and painted by the boys and girls of the Infant room.

Rang I&II were in charge of printing the beautiful curtains that adorn the stage. This was done using lino printing on to dyed cotton. The print used was of fish of the sea and birds of the air. The colours and the style of the printing, along with the simplicity of the fabric are perfectly in keeping with the scene.

Third and Fourth class created the simple yet effective front of stage 3-D affect and the proscenium (which takes the bare look from the top of the stage). The hues of blue do not detract from the performances on stage and at the same time create an intimacy that all theatres need.

Fifth and Sixth Class helped Val with the incredible murals that adorn the walls of the Hall. The inspiration for them was again the sea. You may recognise the landscape behind Lady Sionna as being that facing Glin across the mouth of the Shannon Estuary. The crane taking flight, for us represents the great heights that all pupils in our school have the potential to achieve!

Our beautiful, elegant swan watches and guards over the stage area from the left hand side. She represents the beauty in all things artistic and creative.

We would like to thank Val for her help, support, guidance and patience in this project. We thank Paddy Healy for his work in creating the incredible rotating backdrops on stage. These will add greatly to the productions that we intend on performing. Thanks to Limerick Council for funding the project. We are grateful for all the parents who sent in paint for the murals. Lastly, thank you to the children who’s enjoyment and sense of fun made the project more than worthwhile!

For more photographs please see the Photo Gallery.