What’s on Wednesday? EP Reunion Party Performing!

Posted on October 16, 2019 by Act The Maggot

0-2 Culturehead wants you! It’s official, we are approaching winter. And with that comes great opportunities to stay warm huddling in bars and clubs and having the craic. #WhatsonWednesday we pick out one unmissable thing to do this week. So here goes for this week #whatsonwednesday says @actthemaggot Culturehead PR agency is throwing a bash, get down there. Everyone is welcome. They run ArtLot at the Electric Picnic every year and this weekend will be their EP Reunion Party with a fantastic line up of bands and performers. Read the following info from their latest insta post:

*****ArtLot Electric Picnic reunion party***** ‪This Saturday, October 19th, 8 pm, Bloody Mary’s, @‬bloodymarys_southwilliam ‪7 South William Street. ‬🤡 Four of our absolute favourite bands, to play the ArtLot this year, will be taking to the stage followed by the awesome Sharpson @sharpsonmusic who will be banging out the tunes until late…

Performing 👉Eoin Maher: @eoinmaherofficial

rocked our stage at Electric Picnic this year, and we are delighted to have him back to play our Reunion. Eoin has been gigging for 3 years and has had the opportunity to support the incredible MUNDY. He’s right in the middle of recording his debut single which will be released soon.

Performing 👉Square 1: @square1bandofficial

is a Carlow based indie band. Their musical influences include Queen, Stevie Wonder, Hozier, Radiohead, Vulfpeck and many more, with their performance style originating from Drag culture and Rock/indie bands such as IDLES and Otherkin. Having wowed at this year’s Artlot stage they are sure to be back with a bang at the EP Reunion!

Performing 👉CALVIN HYNES: @calvinhyness

is a 20-year-old singer/songwriter that developed his sound busking on the streets of Dublin since he was 13. He is currently recording his debut self-titled EP and will be releasing this in early 2020.

Performeing 👉RÓ CONNOLLY: @ro.connolly

Headlining our Electric Picnic Reunion Party this week is Singer-Songwriter, Rónán Connolly, who has spent the last year making a name for himself in the Dublin music scene, playing venues across the city and most recently making two appearances at Electric Picnic 2019 for his festival debut. His style blends a mix of classic-meets-indie rock with influences including Velvet Underground, Elliot Smith, and Kaleo. The Dubliner released his first single, ‘Tattoos’ in October 2018 as a demo and has just finished recording two new singles, the first of which, ‘Between the Trees’ is due for release on all major platforms ‪on October 23rd‬.
#artlotep 📷: @ri__cannon

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

Testimonial Tuesday Beginners’ Creativity for Adults

Posted on October 15, 2019 by Act The Maggot

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!

Why do we need a Public Speaking class?

Posted on September 5, 2019 by Act The Maggot

Why do we need a public speaking class?

Most people fear public speaking in all of it’s forms. It might be public speaking as the best man at a wedding. It might be public speaking having to give a presentation in work. It might be public speaking having to address a local group. It might be public speaking having to run a workshop or a seminar. In any of the guises – it can be scary. People around us pick up on our feelings. So often, if they know we are nervous or scared, they don’t ask us to speak.

I have a clear memory of wanting to read out something for the end of year celebration at the school mass when I must have been no more than six or seven years old.

Bad experiences can make or break us

I also remember quite painfully that during our practise session, I got so nervous, I hid in the school toilet. I refused to join the class to speak. My teacher, at the time, instead of taking a little time with me, trying to encourage me or give me breathing exercises, or practical tools, she just told me I could not do it. She gave the reading to someone else. That was that. It compounded my sense of shame and failure.
Public Speaking Classes in Dublin City for Adults

We learn most from our failures

This experience was emblazoned into my memory growing up. I was not able. I could not speak or perform in public. This is the kind of thing that happens all the time to us as we are forming and growing. Someone who lacks confidence themselves, makes a sweeping decision that affects our development. That day I learned that if I was not prepared, I would not be chosen to do things I dreamt of doing. So, like a good girl guide, I decided from then on I would Be Prepared.

So what can we do about this fear of public speaking?

We can tackle our fears and take a class. Join a bunch of other people who want exactly the same thing. To be able to get up to that podium, stand up in the room, whatever and speak in front of a group of people – with a clear voice, with no wobbles, no catching of breath, no flapping nerves, no fidgeting.

Read about our public speaking classes|

Public Speaking takes practise, practise, practise. Its does get easier. Take a look at our Effective Public Speaking classes here and join us on September 24 for six weeks. You won’t regret it. Email us today at actthemaggot@gmail.com

Friday Night Improv

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Act The Maggot

frimprov We are delighted to announce the long-awaited return our Friday Night Improv sessions.

What is Friday Night Improv?

This is our improv playground where participants are invited to come and play lots of games and improv their hearts out. Basically to return and Act The Maggot! A fantastic way to dust off those cobwebs, get your imagination going and release the tensions of the week. A fun, irreverent and relaxed environment. It’s also a perfect excuse to catch up with your act the maggot pals from previous courses and have a social drink after. We also welcome improv fans who have tried out improv elsewhere and like the idea of coming a long to these drop in sessions.

Where does it happen?

These sessions will take place in Chapterhouse on Fridays from 7.30pm to 10pm. Limited places. So put those dates in your diary.

Who can take part?

These Friday Night Improv workshops are NOT for beginners. You should have taken our flaghship Beginners’ Acting class or at least taken one course in Improvisation either with us or with other Imrpov groups.

The Friday Night Improv dates are

Friday Sept 6, 2019 – 7.30-10pm €25/€20 for maggot graduates

Friday, Sept 20, 2019 – there will be no FrImprov as it’s Culture Night at Chapterhouse!! (Free classes – book here through Eventbite).

Friday, Oct 4, 2019- 7.30-10pm €25/€20 for maggot graduates

Fri, Oct 18, 2019- 7.30-10pm €25/€20 for maggot graduates

Fri Nov 1, 2019- 7.30-10pm €25/€20 for maggot graduates

Fri Nov 15, 2019- 7.30-10pm €25/€20 for maggot graduates

Fri Nov 29, 2019- 7.30-10pm €25/€20 for maggot graduates

Intern Opportunity *** There is a possibility for one intern to get these 6 classes for FREE if they promote it and show up 30 minutes early each time to prepare the room and set up & clear away teas/coffees. Get in touch if you’d like to interview for this position.

Look at our website, www.actthemaggot.com
Contact us at actthemaggot@gmail.com for more information or to book your place.

To find out more – follow us on social media platform of your choice – @actthemaggot

These are drop in sessions but do mail us. Cash payable at the door.

Fun Autumn Courses and Workshops

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Act The Maggot

Greetings Members new and old! This is a brief reminder here of what is happening in the world of acting, improvisation, drawing, creative writing, public speaking, meditation and vision board making over the next few months in Dublin’s fair city.

Get out of your comfort zone and learn great acting skills

Beginners Acting – 6 weeks – Thursday nights – kicks off Sept 5, 2019 More info

Develop your acting skills from Monologue work to Scenes Study and work with an acting partner

Acting Level 3 – 7 weeks – Thursday nights – kicks off Sept 5, 2019 More info

Hone those improvisation skills you’ve picked up

Friday Night Improv – resumes Friday, Sept 6, 2019 – every two weeks only More info

Up your game in group settings. Be your own advocate, build confidence and put yourself out there

Public Speaking – 6 weeks – Tuesday nights – kicks off Sept 24, 2019 More info

Dust off those daydreams and get them on the page

Creative Writing – 6 weeks – Tuesday nights – kicks off Sept 24, 2019 More info

Take yourself back to childhood creativity and learn to draw all over again

Pencil Drawing – 6 weeks – Tuesday nights – kicks off Sept 24, 2019 More info

Turn your wish-list into visuals and make it happen. Manifestation works!

The Power of Me – Make a Vision Board Workshop – Sunday, Sept, 29, 2019 – More info

We will also be hosting some fun showcases in The International Bar on Wicklow Street
DRAMATIC SCENES from Level 3 class: Thursday, October 17th at 7pm
MONOLOGUE SHOWCASE from Level 2 class: Thursday, December 5th at 7pm

Please, please contact us via email if you are interested to know more about any of our events or courses. actthemaggot@gmail.com

Culture Night

Posted on August 8, 2019 by Act The Maggot

culturenight Fun 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.

Summer Comedy Performance

Posted on June 25, 2019 by Act The Maggot

In association with the International Bar
You are cordially invited
ACT THE MAGGOT PRESENTS
a comedy performance
PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Starring: Marijke Auwers, Daniela Celani, Joanne Haugh, Peter Stone and Aaron Sullivan.
screen-shot-2018-06-12-at-10-48-52 Writing team
Katie Daffy, Alan Drennan, Joanne Haugh, Shane Lynam, Heather Morgan, Peter Stone and Ronan Treanor.

Wednesday, June 26
– 7pm SHARP

Upstairs, The International Bar,
Wicklow Street, Dublin
– please arrive at 6.50pm to be seated.
Limited seats. (€7 suggested donation)

Mindfulness is mindful awareness

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Act The Maggot

What is Mindfulness?

There is a lot of talk these days about mindfulness. Firstly, what is mindfulness and how do we practice mindfulness? Mindfulness is two words broken down into one – Mindful Awareness becomes mindfulness. Being mindfully aware of what is happening in the present moment without getting caught up in it. It is believed that practicing mindfulness means you have to spend your time being in the ‘now’. Being in the ‘now’ is an abstract term and in reality it is impossible to be in the ‘now’. As soon as you are in the ‘now’ it is gone. You cannot grasp and hold on to the ‘now’. It is easier to practice being present during the day rather than spending too much time thinking about the past or planning the future. Obviously we need to think about the past so that we can learn from it and we need to plan the future. We are not monks sitting on the top of hill allowing events to unfold with no input into them. We are human beings and as such we need to learn from our past so that we can change our future.

What happens when we practise Mindfulness?

Practicing mindfulness allows us to respond to events as they unfold rather than react mindlessly. Our brains are muscles and as such they are pliable which means that with practice we can become more mindful of our days. There are a lot of different ways to practice mindfulness. Becoming aware of the breath in your body is one way.

How to get started with Mindfulness?

7/11 breathing is particularly effective and easy for starters. You breathe in for the count of 7 and out for the count of 11. You breathe deep into your diaphram, your belly should rise as you breathe in and fall as you breathe out. This practice is particularly beneficial to lower emotional arousal because the out breathe sends a signal to the brain that it is time to relax which switches on the parasympathetic nervous system. By practicing this technique we can allow the thoughts running through our head to come and go without getting caught up in them, as we count in for 7 and out for 11. It is not possible to stop our thoughts, even when we have been practicing mindfulness for a long time, as we have something like 60,000 thoughts a day. Mindfulness allows us to acknowledge these thoughts but not get caught up in them. We become more aware of the thoughts that are benefitting our wellbeing and the ones that are needlessly stressing us out. Mindfulness takes us out of the fight or flight mode that we so easily end up in when we are not mindfully aware of what is going on around us. When we practice mindfulness we can take back control of our lives in a relaxed, non-judgemental way so that we can live in full awareness of the life we are living.

If you’d like to join Anne Marie and Amy `at The Power Of Me and learn to meditate or reconnect with a fallen practise, email us at thepowerofmeweekend@gmail.com

Creative Writing Weekend

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Act The Maggot

Creative Writing Weekend Intensive – Dublin

Kick-start your writing habit with this fun, immersive and inspiring weekend with award-winning writer and tutor, Niall McArdle. Not everyone can make or get into our Tuesday night top-selling flaghship course –Beginners Creative Writing – consider joining us for this stimulating creative writing weekend where we will explore the many facets of writing. This Creative Writing Weekend course is perfect for curious beginners or those who would love to get back on their creativity saddle! Act The Maggot knows creativity – we’ve been at it nearly 10 years!

Who can take this Creative Writing 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 like to write but haven’t in a while.
People who have NO experience in writing.
PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ACT THE MAGGOT!!!

What are the dates for the creative writing weekend intensive?

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

What are the workshop hours for the creative writing weekend intensive?

Friday
7.30pm to 9.30pm followed by welcome drinks nearby.
Saturday
10.30am to 1pm – Lunch Break – 2pm to 4.30pm
Sunday
11am to 1.30pm

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 creative writing weekend intensive?

You must be over 18 or over 12 if accompanied by an adult.

How much does the creative writing weekend intensive cost?

€240.00 (or get your early bird ticket for just €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?

Drawing Weekend

Posted on June 12, 2019 by Act The Maggot

Drawing Weekend – Dublin

Kick-start your mark making with this fun, immersive and inspiring weekend. Not everyone can make or get into our Tuesday night top-selling flaghship course – Beginners Drawing– consider joining us for this relaxing exploration of the basic principles of drawing. This Drawing Weekend course is perfect for curious beginners or those who would love to get back on their creativity saddle! Act The Maggot knows creativity – we’ve been at it nearly 10 years!

Who can take this Drawing Weekend?

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 work in the arts but haven’t used a pencil in years.
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 drawing.
PEOPLE WHO WANT TO ACT THE MAGGOT!!!

Life drawing #pencil

What are the dates for the drawing weekend intensive?

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

What are the workshop hours for the drawing weekend?

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 drawing weekend intensive?

You must be over 18 or over 12 if accompanied by an adult.

How much does the drawing weekend intensive cost?

€240.00 (or get your early bird ticket for just €180.00 if you book before Dec 15, 2019 (concessions available upon request) (concessions available upon request)

What does this fee cover?

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