What's on at Birr Theatre

School might be out, but Birr Theatre and Arts Centre has lots to offer time-rich children as well as adults this month.

Seoda
This exhibition will run in Birr Theatre during July and August. The work of local photographer and artist Tina Claffey, the exhibition showcases the splendour of Offaly’s rural landscape, specifically in the beautiful preserved bogland at Killaun and the surrounding area of Slieve Bloom. Seoda is the Irish word for treasure, and this exhibition reveals the natural and unique treasures of this environment - its wild flowers, mosses, gorse and myriads of wildlife that have adapted to this environment through a kaleidoscope of colour, light and new life. The official opening of the exhibition will be by Dr John Feehan and will take place on July 7 at 7pm. The exhibition will thereafter be open Monday to Friday from 1pm to 5.30pm and during performances.

Arts Talks
A series of talks designed to broaden your artistic mind takes place in Birr Theatre on July 9, 16, 23 and 30. Facilitated by Patricia Hurl and Therry Rudin, the audience will set the agenda for the series. Patricia and Therry will present two sessions on their selected master works - investigating the background, technique and the narrative concept behind a familiar or cliched painting and discuss contemporary approaches to what are universal themes to present time. Participants will then have the opportunity to select and present within the group their favourite paintings that have associations with their past. The cost per talk is €10/€7 and talks will begin at 7pm and run to 8.30pm.

StarCamp
Whether born for the stage or the shy, less confident type, StarCamp summer camps will bring out the best in all who participate in a non-competitive environment. The camp for boys and girls runs from July 8 until July 12 and will include hip-hop dances, chart-topping songs, acting scenes from telelvision and movies and more. The camp is suitable for those aged four to 13. One child place costs €90, two sibling places cost €150 and three sibling places cost €200. Booking is via www.starcamp.ie. More information is available by calling 021 4377900.

Feet First
Leader Katherine Hunka directs this Irish Chamber Orchestra summer tour, which offers a kaleidoscopic range of music combining old with new sounds. A visually stunning dance and performance treat sees internationally renowned dancer Colin Dunne direct the Irish Chamber Orchestra’s latest commission (by Kinsale born choreographer Linda Buckley) from his feet. The performance is sponsored by Bord Gais and takes place on Friday, July 19 at 8pm. Tickets cost €18, or €10 for students.

School of Rock
Facilitated by award winning singer songwriter Brendan Keeley, this two week course is back in Birr Theatre this year from July 22 to August 2. The course will give intensive training in writing and performing your own and other well-known songs and will provide training in various aspects of the music business including copyright, publishing, the recording process, voice training and instrument tuition. Participants should have a basic knowledge of an instrument. As places are limited participants must attend a workshop on July 5 at 5pm at which course places will be allocated. Participation at workshops does not guarantee a place on the course however. School of Rock is for those aged 14 to 18 and runs from 10am to 4pm daily. Cost €70.

For further information on all events contact 057 9122911 or see www.birrtheatre.com.