Kildare school and local student shortlisted in this year’s Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards

A Kildare school and local student have been shortlisted in this year’s Bord Gáis Energy Student Theatre Awards.

Maynooth Boys’ National School has got the nod in the Best Set category for its production of ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’.

Meanwhile Caolann Haughton from 4th Year in Maynooth Post Primary School has been shortlisted in Best Performance in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Jesus in the play ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’.

The Kildare school will now travel to a special awards ceremony at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on Thursday, 5 May 2016 where the winners will be announced.

RTÉ Two Tube presenters Stephen Byrne and Bláthnaid Treacy will host the event, with a special guest performance yet to be announced.

The awards were set up by Bord Gáis Energy to recognise and reward participation in drama in schools. This year, 2,888 entries were received from 346 primary and secondary schools across Ireland.

This year’s judging panel comprised actress Amy Huberman; playwright Marina Carr; Strictly Come Dancing star Tristan MacManus; author Sarah Webb; set and costume designer Maree Kearns; Bord Gáis Energy Theatre manager Stephen Faloon and Bord Gáis Energy communications manager, Irene Gowing.

Commenting on the shortlist Irene Gowing, communications manager for Bord Gáis Energy said: “The standard of this year’s entries was exceptional, showing the wealth of talent in schools across the country, and I’ve no doubt there are many stars in the making. For the judges, this meant a really tough job narrowing down our shortlist.

"I would like to thank all teachers and students from Kildare who entered, as well as the parents who support them. Congratulations to all the shortlisted schools and students and we look forward to the welcoming you all at the awards ceremony on the 5 May.”