I learned my own craft from a host of vauable sources, family (I was born with acting in my veins), courses, training and workshops. But aside from that, there is nothing more useful than live theatre. I feel strongly about getting out to the theatre and watching other actors and directors at work. I like to encourage this in my students. It can be hard to find plays that are suitable for children that I can recommend to parents and I am always on the lookout. Aidan Dooley's one man show 'Tom Crean- Antarctic Explorer' is one that I recommend time and time again. I have seen it TWICE myself and would happily go to it again. Luckily for us, it is returning to the Olympia in May! http://www.olympia.ie/whats-on/tom-crean-antarctic-explorer/. It's only runnung for 7 nights from May 11th, so I would grab tickets as early as possible if I were you! As an extra bonus, it's on the Primary School History Curriculum as well, so not only is it an enriching theatre experience, but also provides solid facts about Tom Crean's time in the Antarctic. We will hopefully go on a Spraoi theatre outing to this show in May!!
Another great play coming up is The Abbey Theatre's production of 'A Midsummer night's dream'. I have performed in this play on a number of occasions and it is undoubtedly my favourite play of all time. I have yet to see the Abbey's interpretation but I like the angle that they have taken on it. True to Shakespeare’s original text, this contemporary interpretation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream centres on the residents of a nursing home! It runs from the 11th of Febraury to the 28th of March. http://www.abbeytheatre.ie/whats_on/event/a-midsummer-nights-dream/
Let me know if you have a an upcoming play suitable for children. I think it's so important to expose children to REAL theatre, not just shows written especially for kids or the more commonly viewed musicals.