Testimonial Tuesday Teambuilding Activities

Teambuilding Activities with Act The Maggot

“Kill two birds with the one stone”

From heading across the country to join teams at their away days to arriving at 8am on site to kick off their conference or hosting a lunchtime event, Act The Maggot is there. Whether it is our signature beginners acting class our fun beginners creative writing class or our relaxing beginners pencil drawing class – there is one common denominator. Creativity. We can redesign any of our sessions to suit the needs of your group.

We can organise teambuilding events that are fun AND beneficial

magicOur teambuilding activities entertain and enlighten at the same time. In the past, companies have asked us to come in and give talks on Wellness, Public Speaking or Mindfulness. We don’t do talk. We do action. If it just a talk, there is less investment. Ever heard of in “one ear and out the other”? In the same amount of time you can reap huge benefits. Act The Maggot can host an improv session, a drawing session, and introduction to mindfulness or public speaking. By creating participatory situations, the takeaways are more layered and long lasting.
Testimonials

“Amy was able to take a diverse group of relative strangers and quickly strip away barriers and build enthusiasm and energy amongst them. Her energy and passion is infectious and she knows that the first step in building strong teams is to build trust and “acting the maggot” together helps build this trust. I would be delighted to recommend Amy for the fantastic work she did through her company, Act The Maggot.” Dan Hayden, Data Strategist, Facebook

I first met Dan out at the Innovation Academy at UCD. He recognised that what Act The Maggot offers teams can be really effiective. By inviting us to come in from the outside and create the permission to play, setting up the right environment the response was brilliant. I’ll finish our Testimonial Tuesday post with a quote. Keep an eye out for our daily posts. #mindfulmonday, #testimonialtuesday, #whatsonwednesday and #throwbackthursday

“If you want something new, you have to stop doing something old.” – Peter F. Drucker

If you think we might be the right fit for your company, get in touch about what teambuilding activities we can bring!

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Throwback Thursday maggot backstory

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It’s important to connect and stay connected

This image was sent to me fairly recently by someone who attended my first ever Act The Maggot beginners acting class over eight years ago! Hard to believe. I love how I have been able to stay connected to maggots from previous beginners  acting, drawing or writing classes through social media and have been kept informed of their lives’ vicissitudes. Career changes, babies, travels, successes, losses. It is great to stay in touch with this community and see them stay in touch with one another. I always love when people connect with Act The Maggot and send me on images, quotes and funny videos that I can share on all the platforms.

Possible reasons why Act The Maggot resonates

I think the reason Act The Maggot resonates so much with me is exactly like this picture. When I was a child the world was different. We were to be seen and not heard. We were told everything and our opinions were rarely summoned. I was constantly told to stop acting the maggot and be serious. Stop acting the maggot my teacher would say. Stop acting the maggot my Girl Guide leader would say. Stop acting the maggot, my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older sisters, all would say. Then when I got into my teenage years I encountered mild, existential depression I was told I think too much and to try not to be so serious! I guess I was concerned about where I was going and what would happen to me. The usual concerns of a young person.

Caminante, no hay camino, se hace el camino al andar.
Traveller, there is no road, the road is made by walking.

Anyway, I was never very good at stopping something when someone told me to. I always preferred to find my own way. So I figured out the ups and downs of my life through trial and error and through a process of elimination. Some things I never lacked were curiousity and courage. If I was interested in something I would explore. I’d try something out and if I liked it I’s stick with it, if not, I’d move on. I never stopped acting the maggot! When I went to college, I acted the maggot and failed my first year exams in Spanish. I went to Spain that summer and acted the maggot with lots of crazy fun Spaniards in Seville and San Lucar de Barremeda and as a result, became quite fluent in Spanish within five weeks of acting the maggot. I came home. Did my repeat exams and got an honour. I was beginning to learn how beneficial it could be to actually act the maggot! I was learning that connecting with people and engaging with the world was important. #founderstory #backstory #throwbackthursday

Keep an eye out for our blog posts. #mindfulmonday, #testimonialtuesday, #Whatsonwednesday and #throwbackthursday @actthemaggot

Testimonial Tuesday Beginners’ Creativity for Adults

Beginners’ Creativity for Adults with Act The Maggot

“I want to get out of my comfort zone”

This is often the beginning of an email query from someone looking to book a course with Act The Maggot. In short Act The Maggot offers Beginners’ Creativity for Adults. Whether it is our signature beginners acting class our fun beginners creative writing class or our relaxing beginners pencil drawing class – there is one common denominator.

Beginners mind can lead to lasting change

People who rock up to Act The Maggot seek change. A change of scenery, a change or habit, a change of direction, a change of social life or indeed personal change. They are looking for beginners’ creativity for adults.

Testimonials

Act The Maggot took me to a place I haven’t been since I was a child. A place of pure joy. You meet great people from all walks of life and form firm friendships. I got to express myself in a way that I could never do in any conventional adult learning scenario and it made me feel like I was 10 feet tall. – Shane Lynam, Director, Elearn.ie

Shane first tried out the Beginners’ Acting and went on to complete our four levels of acting and appeared on stage with Act The Maggot several times. He also tried the creative writing class and he even wrote a short play for us. He also coaxed his then, girlfriend to try out the acting as well, and Catrina completed two levels with us. When those creative juices get going, there is no stopping us, folks.

All we need, is to give ourselves permission to play, find the right environment and surround ourselves with a supportive tribe. Shane is now engaged to be married and he and his fiancee Catrina have now moved out of Dublin. We miss them. We hope Shane and Catrina have found their new tribe in Ireland’s hidden heartlands and we wish them every happiness. I’ll finish our Testimonial Tuesday post with a quote from one of my all time favourite movies. Keep an eye out for our daily posts. Mindful Monday, Testimonial Tuesday, What’s on Wednesday, Throwback Thursday and Funny Friday.

You always had the power my dear. You just had to learn it for yourself. – Glinda, The Wizard of Oz.

Don’t be afraid to express your creative side and get in touch about Beginners’ Creativity for adults!

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Culture Night

culturenightFun times ahead at Act The Maggot HQ on Middle Abbey Street this Autumn. We can’t wait to get these groups running at full throttle until Christmas. We must also get our 2019 party venue sorted. Hey, maybe we will start the party season early and do a fancy dress Halloween extravaganza. So many plans. Not enough time.

Culture Night

One thing is for sure, the free Culture Night sessions we are offering for free are booking out quickly. Sign uo for a one hour session and choose from Public Speaking, Drawing, Creative Writing or Acting.

To read about our Culture Night offering head over to their website here.
Enjoy the rest of summer.

Improvisation Weekend

Improvisation Weekend Intensive – Dublin

Kickstart your improv journey with this fun, immersive and thought-provoking weekend. Not everyone can make or get into our Thursday night top-selling flaghship course – Beginners Acting – consider this improvisation weekend and join us in this intensive and hilarious exploration of the basic principles of improvisation and acting. This course is perfect for curious beginners or those who would love to get back on their creativity saddle! Act The Maggot knows improvisation  – we’ve been at it nearly 10 years!

Who can take this Improvisation Weekend Intensive?

People who ARE NOT based in Dublin and cannot attend our evening classes.
People who ARE based in Dublin and cannot attend our evening classes.
People who did Act The Maggot before and want a refresher.
Peiople who want to get out of their comfort zone.
People who have NO experience in acting or improv.
People who want to work on their confidence, creativity and communication skills.
PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ACT THE MAGGOT!!!

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What are the dates for the improvisation weekend intensive?

Friday, March 27th, 2020 to Sunday, March 29th, 2020

What are the workshop hours for the improvisation weekend intensive?

Friday
7.30pm to 9.30pm followed by welcome drinks nearby.
Saturday
10.30am to 1pm LUNCH 2pm to 4.30pm
Sunday
10.30am to 1pm

Where does it take place?

All sessions will take place in Chapterhouse Education, 73 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1.

I don’t know Dublin, where will I stay?

Get in touch with us and we can advise on neighbourhoods, transport, restaurants etc.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the improvisation weekend intensive?

You must be over 18.

How much does the improvisation weekend intensive cost?

€240.00 or get the early bird price of €180.00 if you book before Dec 15, 2019 (concessions available upon request)

What does this fee cover?

Entrance into all four sessions, Friday night, Sat morn & afternoon and Sunday morning.

How do I pay?

Contact us via email – actthemaggot@gmail.com – put Improvisation Weekend in the subject line.

Fun internship for 2019

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Have you ever considered an doing an internship? Do you possess the Three Es to go with our Three Cs? At Act The Maggot we focus on Confidence, Creativity and Communication. We are delighted to announce a new Internship initiative for 2019. Are you Enthusiastic, Efficient and Engaging? Do you want to have fun while gaining invaluable experience working for a hip arts organisation? Better yet, do you want to try a course in any of the following for FREE: Public Speaking, Drawing, Creative Writing or Acting? We are on the look out for three amazing interns for Thursdays and two for Tuesdays in early 2019.

“Put your heart, mind, and soul into even your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” Swami Sivananda

Each internship will be for an 8-week duration and will involve social media, marketing, old school postering in city centre and reception duties one night a week for the duration of the course you choose to take! Take a look at the following dates and see if you can Act The Maggot around your schedule. There is no age limit to this offer. We want enthusiastic, efficient and engaging interns to join our family.

Internship 1/Marketing begins Jan 17 then Thursday nights 7pm-10pm: Jan 31 to March 7, 2019
Internship 2/Marketing begins Feb 28 then Thursday night 7pm-10pm: March 14 to April 18, 2019
Internship 3/Marketing begins Feb 21 then Tuesday night 7pm-10pm: March 5 to April 9, 2019
Internship 4/Marketing begins Feb 21 then Tuesday night 7pm-10pm: March 5 to April 9, 2019
Internship 5/Marketing begins April 25 then Thursday night 7pm-10pm: May 9 to June 13, 2019

In return for your help, you will be welcome to take a course of your choice completely free. On Thursdays you can take Beginners’ Acting and on Tuesdays you can take Public Speaking, Beginners’ Drawing or Beginners’ Creative Writing. Make sure to roam around our website and social media links for details.

HOW TO APPLY
Start following us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram today – then send us your CV (please include your social media handles) and request which of the 5 internships you want and why – to actthemaggot@gmail.com – application deadline is Friday December 7, 2018.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” Steve Jobs

Evening classes all go on MiddleFab Street

eveningWhat a buzz we have created with our evening classes in town! We’ve been having a major maggoty Autumn on Middle Abbey street! There’s been heaps of new maggots and old ones breaking out of their comfort zones, exploring their creativity and generally having a super time in our evening classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our Tuesday night Public Speaking class has come on leaps and bounds and next week they will put their new skills to the test with full on speechifying. level2Our Thursday night Level 2 maggots took to the stage last week and did a fantastic job preparing and delivering an entertaining mix of serious and comedic monologues in front of a live audience. Our creative writers are scribbling away next door to the artists who are learning the rudiments of drawing and rumour has it some sort of collaboration between the two classes is emerging. screen-shot-2017-11-08-at-12-37-07See what happens when all these creative souls mingle? Last night a whole new crop of beginner maggots got together and hopefully those first night nerves have been put to bed forever and it’ll be plain sailing from here on in. We also began our Level 3 Scene Study class and finally cast everyone and had our first read through this week. Now this is one showcase that should not be missed – especially because we’ll be having our Act The Maggot annual Christmas drinks on the same night!

“Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is non-existent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it. In any case, always remember what Jean-Luc Godard said: “It’s not where you take things from – it’s where you take them to.”

[MovieMaker Magazine #53 – Winter, January 22, 2004 ]”
― Jim Jarmusch

Draw out the fun in yourself this Autumn

tootoot Act, Write or Draw! It’s playtime folks! Here’s your chance to tap into your inner maggot, er sorry your inner child. Have lots of fun trying out new hobbies or rekindling your love of old ones having let life get in the way. Our previous students from our Beginners Drawing, Beginners Creative Writing and Beginners Acting classes have lots to say about how Act The Maggot has impacted on their everyday lives, from feeling lighter, more creative, more social and even noticing these benefits while at work!

“Act the maggot took me to a place I haven’t been since I was a child. A place of pure joy. You meet great people from all walks of life and form firm friendships. I got to express myself in a way that I could never do in any conventional adult learning scenario and it made me feel like I was 10 feet tall.”
– Shane Lynam, Director, Elearn.ie
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So come try it out. It might be hard to get a place but we are worth that waiting list. What’s all the rage this Autumn is our new Drawing class and our consistently popular Creative Writing and Acting classes. All of them are geared towards the beginner.

“You spend so much time laughing that you don’t realise until the end of the course how much change has taken place and how much inhibition has been shed.”
– Grainne Daly, Enterprise ireland

If you’d like to know more about the story and genesis of Act The Maggot – read about it in the Dublin Inquirer. If you want to sign up for our next courses in Drawing, Creative Writing, Acting or Public Speaking please drop us an email to actthemaggot@gmail.com – you can see all the relevant info about each class on their links.

“For anyone giving a speech, a presentation, or talking in public, I would really recommend ‘Act The Maggot.’ Amy made it much much easier than I could ever have imagined. This course certainly made me feel a whole lot better and no longer do I have that sense of dread or fear.” Shane Donohoe – former student.
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Culture Night Madness

img_4446.jpgYes. It’s finally almost here. Culture Night is coming this Friday, September 21, 2018. We cannot wait. Act The Maggot is absolutely thrilled to be part of this amazing adventure @CultureNight We are offering free taster classes in beginners Drawing, Beginners Creative Writing, Beginners Improv and Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners. We are so excited to meet you all on Middle Abbey Street in Dublin! Culture Night has become a huge, national event and it reminds us of all the amazing experiences we can avail of right here in our cities and towns thanks to the tireless work of people who dedicate their lives to working in area of arts and culture. Go on, for Dubliners anyway, explore your city then yourself! Our Drawing classes are totally booked our but there are still some free spots left in Improv, Creative Writing or Mindfulness. Book here

Note: For those who come on the night, you will also have the opportunity to register on the night for our next batch of courses in Creative Writing, Drawing or Acting – all fun for the beginner!

Book into next Beginners Acting. Hurry!

tootootEmail us at actthemaggot@gmail.com or call/text 087 3744926 if you want to join our next class starting May 10th. Read more here. You can take an acting class at any stage of your life. Whether you are eighteen or fifty-eight! The benefits are enormous. Get out of your comfort zone and have fun this summer with our flagship Beginners’ Acting class in city centre! Every week for six weeks, join a bunch of like-minded people and have heaps of laughs tapping into your creativity in ways you have totally forgotten. Most people say it’s such a tonic allowing yourself to play and have craic in a safe, respectful environment. There are only two more courses running before we take our summer break. The next course starts next Thursday, May 10th and runs until June 14th! After that there will be one final course starting on June 28th and finishing up on August 2.

Here are just some of the comments from previous maggots.

“Act the maggot took me to a place I haven’t been since I was a child. A place of pure joy. You meet great people from all walks of life and form firm friendships. I got to express myself in a way that I could never do in any conventional adult learning scenario and it made me feel like I was 10 feet tall.”
– Shane Lynam, Director, Elearn.ie

“I signed up to Act the Maggot to try something a bit different, I wanted to venture into the wilderness beyond my comfort zone but I soon found that I was totally comfortable outside of my comfort-zone. Act the Maggot just expands your comfort zone so that’s all there is. Classes like this are only ever as good as the person running them – luckily Amy is super fun, a master at her craft and really down-to-earth. She has a way of getting you to do things you wouldn’t usually do and she does it in such a way that it’s not scary at all. Everyone in the class was really friendly and willing to throw themselves into the thick of it. If you’re looking for a lot of laughs and a weekly holiday from reality this course will be perfect for you!”
– Alice Walsh, Librarian, Getty Images

“I would highly recommend the course to anyone who is looking to get an enjoyably informative and casual introduction to acting! Act the Maggot gives you a little taste of acting and public speaking while working as a medium through which you can meet some really interesting and really nice people that you would never meet otherwise! It definitely left me dying to try the next class and see what else Act the Maggot has to offer!”
– Sharon Moorhouse, TV3

Email us at actthemaggot@gmail.com or call/text 087 3744926