Tag Archives: City Centre

“Create” your way to better mental health this summer

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img_4446.jpgSometimes it can feel that becoming well again and staying well is all hard work and no fun at all. “Eat well, exercise, sleep early, take your meds, don’t drink too much alcohol, tea or coffee, avoid noisy, loud places – learn to meditate and how to stand on your head or do the downward dog!! Are you tired of being so serious about minding your mental health? Do you feel like having some fun? The road to recovery can be a winding, challenging journey but it can be an enjoyable one too, when shared with peers. Remembering how to act the maggot again can be an integral part of your recovery. Build confidence and have fun tapping into your creativity with this 6-week course. During this Drama for Self Esteem course you will explore gentle, fun drama exercises in a safe, relaxed environment. Simple mindfulness tools will also be incorporated into each session. Confidentiality and mutual respect is important in order to build group trust so participants can learn, have fun and really enjoy themselves. Limited places.nido2
Drama for Self Esteem – Lantern Centre, Dublin. See googlemaps

Thursdays 2pm – 4pm – May 10 to June 14, 2018   – €150 per person.

Participants can be any age as long as they are over 18!
Wear loose comfortable clothing and bring water.

N.B. This course is recommended to compliment your current wellness treatment plan. While the benefits may be therapeutic, this course is not intended as a replacement for any form of therapy. If the idea of signing up for this course excites you more than it scares you (a little bit of fear is good!) and you feel you are able for the social aspect, get in touch. Maybe you can seek the advice of your counsellor, GP, family or friends. If you feel you are not up to taking part right now, that’s ok too. Don’t rush yourself. Be kind and patient with yourself. This course will happen again.

Who is this course for?
Mental Health Therapists ◆ Psychologists Social Workers, Teachers ◆ University Lecturers ◆ Psychotherapists ◆ Medical Doctors ◆ Nurses ◆ Carers ◆ Healers ◆ Art Therapists ◆ Students ◆ Psychiatrists ◆ Psychiatric Nurses ◆ Mental Health Nurses ◆ Support Workers ◆ Counsellors ◆ Clinical Managers ◆ Holistic Therapists ◆ Parents ◆ Facilitators ◆ Coaches ◆ Drugs Project Workers ◆ Social Workers ◆ and anybody who wants to empower and support their own or someone else’s Health and Healing.

Drama for Self Esteem will take place on Thursday afternoons from 2pm – 4pm – May 10 to June 14, 2018 in the

Zephyr Room,
Lantern Centre,
15 Synge St.,
Dublin 8, Ireland
See googlemaps

For more information or to book your place please contact actthemaggot@gmail.com

The act of writing by hand engenders true mindfulness

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quote1-w“The Creative Writing course with Act the Maggot opened my mind to the world of words. I have always written creatively and this course made my writing better and gave me a better sense of what and how I write. Thanks to the teacher, we were able to explore the art of writing and poetry in depth. ”
Testimonial from Marluce Lima, student from January 2018 group

The following is an extract from an interesting article published in Forbes Magazine proposing an argument that writing with pen and paper in longhand is a powerful tool for learning, relaxation creativity and connection.

Stephen King purportedly wrote Dreamcatcher in longhand — using a Waterman cartridge pen. J. K. Rowling penned The Tales of Beedle the Bard — all 157 pages of it — in longhand, and the leather-bound tome sold for almost $4M at auction. F. Scott Fitzgerald did it, as did Hemingway, Kafka and countless others, each of whom had access to either a typewriter or, later, a computer. They all chose to put pen to paper and see where it took them. This is perhaps the true magic of a pen: It transports us to unexpected places, on wings that require no more than a timely shot of ink to keep them aloft, destination unknown. And in the process, the mindfulness writing engenders encourages calm and creativity. Here are three proven ways that handwriting is good for your brain…

1. Handwriting increases neural activity in certain sections of the brain, similar to meditation. According to a study performed at the Indiana University, the mere action of writing by hand unleashes creativity not easily accessed in any other way. And high-tech magnetic resonance imaging has indeed shown that low-tech writing by hand increases neural activity in certain sections of the brain much like meditation.

2. Handwriting sharpens the brain and helps us learn. Writing is good for keeping one’s grey matter sharp and may even influence how we think, as in “more positively,” studies show. Apparently sequential hand movements, like those used in handwriting, activate large regions of the brain responsible for thinking, language, healing and working memory.

3. Handwriting forces us to slow down and smell the ink. Another often-overlooked benefit of writing by hand is that it just plain forces us to slow down and enjoy the moment — a novelty in today’s world where immediacy reigns. Mindful writing rests the brain, potentially sparking creativity, according to neuroscientist, Dr. Claudia Aguirre.

Want to try it out? Book your spot today on our next six-week Creative Writing class aimed at beginners. It starts on Tuesday, April 17th. You will cover character, plot, structure, poetry and do lots of writing exercises in class. It’s guaranteed to have you scribbling your way through Spring! Read about our course here. Drop us a line – actthemaggot@gmail.com if you wish to book or if you want to ask any questions.

 

Get out of your comfort zone! Booking now open for all three of our Spring courses.

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screen-shot-2018-02-16-at-17-48-07“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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Try one of our signature beginner classes and you won’t regret it! Always been curious about the acting game? Try our six week Thursday night class in Beginners’ Acting for Adults starting March 22. quote4-wFond of developing story-lines and characters but don’t know how to get started with a writing project or just haven’t developed a good discipline? Try our six week class Tuesday night class in Beginners’ Creative Writing.

Or have you always liked drawing or just want to try it out? It’s a fantastic way to unwind and relax. Try our six week Tuesday night class in Beginners’ Drawing.

Life drawing #pencil

Life drawing #pencil

At Act The Maggot – everyone is a beginner!! Some of our maggots have tried all three at different times of the year. Take a look around and make up your mind. We answer queries at acttthemaggot@gmail.com

Write it out! Join a fun, creative writing for beginners

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cw2018Would you like to write down your ideas and thoughts and play with story and character? Writing is such a wonderful hobby to develop, especially for those cosy, indoor afternoon and evenings in the coming months. Here are some testimonials from our previous courses.

“I went into with a good attitude and I wasn’t let down. My teacher was brilliant. He had an amazing passion for writing that he shared with all of his students. He shared good resources with us all and gave us a beginners insight into the writing world. Something that other courses don’t offer. I couldn’t recommend the course enough and I’m looking forward to doing another course with Act the Maggot.”

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“Act the Maggot was an excellent experience and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone with an interest is developing their writing skills or adapting their knowledge to serve an alternate purpose. With a diverse group of those looking to achieve different goals and pursue various methods of writing, we each have greatly gained from the course.”

“It was excellent and our teacher was amazing.”
“This was a great experience. It stretched my abilities and gave me confidence to carry on scribbling. Thanks to the teacher for his encouragement and easy manner. Keep up the good work.”

Read about the next Creative Writing course. If you have any queries please email us at actthemaggot@gmail.com

Creative Writing delayed by one week

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tootootDue to unforeseen circumstance the beginners’ creative writing class will commence a week later than advertised. It will now run from Tuesday Jan 30 to Tuesday March 7 inclusive. All classes are 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Contact us at actthemaggot@gmail.com if you would like to know more or book a place.

Friday Pick: HOME at The New Theatre Jan 23 to Feb 3, 2018

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home-megan-image-4New play HOME kicks off The New Theatre’s spring season of new work by female playwrights.
The play is centred around the trial of Anna Kelly, a first year college student who finds herself in court for allegedly defying an injunction put in place to prevent her from having for an abortion. The audience act as jury and vote on the outcome of the trial, deciding the end of the play and Anna’s fate.
HOME was inspired by the urge to explore what consent means in regard to Irish law, and the legal risk associated with seeking an abortion in Ireland. The audience are given a rare opportunity to interrogate what can often be considered the “grey areas” of consent and abortion law in Ireland in light of where the law stands in relation to these topics. The play is certainly topical, given the weight the recent #metoo campaign has carried in the media and the Dáil who are about to resume session to finalise plans for the Eighth Amendment referendum in 2018.

Preview Jan 22nd 7.30pm // Jan 23rd – Feb 3rd at 7.30pm

Anna is a first year college student who is on trial for allegedly defying an injunction put in place to stop her continuing with her plans to have an abortion. It is now time for you, the jury; to listen to the facts of the case and decide the verdict.

Imagine you’re a fresher. Newly single in the big city, you’re mad for two things: The Sesh and Tinder. Now imagine waking up with no recollection of the night before and your Tinder date is creeping out of your room because he thinks you are still asleep.

With over 60 Scenes, 10 Characters, 4 Actors and a verdict to decide, HOME will have you fighting to be on jury duty. 

First presented as a work in progress at the Scene + Heard festival in February 2017, Megan O’ Malley’s new play HOME is an exploration into what happens when the authorities get involved in the often-regarded “grey areas” of consent and abortion law in Ireland. HOME puts the verdict in the audience’s hands, giving you the opportunity to anonymously vote on Anna’s fate after being presented with both sides of the case.

HOME is written by Megan O’ Malley, a graduate of the Gaiety School of Acting’s full time course, and current MA in Theatre Practice student in UCD. Megan performs the role of Anna in HOME. As an actor, Megan has worked with Smashing Times Theatre Company on Women in 1916, starred in Kerry Gold’s TV commercial, was awarded the Gaiety Bursary and the F.A.B. bursary award for Best Actress 16-21. As a writer, Megan was the first in the school’s history to premier her own work ‘MJ’ for the GSA graduation industry showcase. She also worked alongside Paul Meade for her Manifesto piece The Mourning Seat. From there Megan worked with Paul Meade over 2016 in developing her idea for HOME. Director Fiona Frawley is a graduate of the Gaiety School of Acting and an MA in Advanced Theatre Practice (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama). She has cowrote, and performed in shows such as That’s So 90’s (2017), and Welcome to Sidebank (2017) in London and Beauty Queen Dreams (2016) in Dublin.
 
HOME is performed by
Megan O’ Malley
Gordon Quigley
Ethan Dillon
Gemma Kane
 
Directed by Fiona Frawley
Produced by Kelley Gissane
Lighting Design by Shane Gill
Set Design by Áine O’ Hara
Stage managed by Megan Lynch
BOOKING INFO
The New Theatre 

Happy New Year 2018

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Wishing all you maggots, non-maggots and maggots-in-the-making much health and happiness for the coming year. May you entertain and be entertained.

Improv can change your life

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Spotted a great article recently in the Guardian newspaper about the power of Improv to help fight anxiety and build confidence. Perhaps 2018 will be your year to move outside your comfort zone and try a beginner’s acting class. Our beginner’s acting class teaches you the rudiments of improvisation. We create a fun, supportive environment where participants can learn to truly act the maggot! No-one is judging and everyone spurs one another on. Here are some of the latest testimonials:

“Act the Maggot was a wonderful addition to my week. I enjoyed every class and learned a lot as I let my creative side free. Thank you.”

“I was very satisfied with the level 1 acting course. It had what I was hoping for – taking me outside of my comfort zone, meeting fun people and having the craic.”

“Enlightening”

“It was fantastic, really well spread out and the increase in difficulty each week was great as it really took me out of my comfort zone.”

“It was brilliant. Fun and learned lots.”

“Enjoyed the experience, meeting lovely people in a playful environment.”

There are still places available on our end of January course. Contact us with any queries – actthemaggot@gmail.com – If you don’t think acting is your bag you can always sign up for our fun creative writing or drawing courses. All of our six week courses take place in Dublin city centre on Middle Abbey Street.

Read fresh testimonials! Join us in 2018

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IMG_2801“Act the Maggot was a wonderful addition to my week. I enjoyed every class and learned a lot as I let my creative side free. Thank you.”

“I was very satisfied with the level 1 acting course. It had what I was hoping for – taking me outside of my comfort zone, meeting fun people and having the craic.”

“Enlightening”

“It was fantastic, really well spread out and the increase in difficulty each week was great as it really took me out of my comfort zone.”

“It was brilliant. Fun and learned lots.”

“Enjoyed the experience, meeting lovely people in a playful environment.”

For more information on new beginners acting, drawing or creative writing classes in 2018, click on each hyperlink and drop us an email actthemaggot@gmail.com – Yes! There are places available. We will put on extra courses to satisfy demand. Happy Christmas one and all!

 

Draw your way into the New Year!

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Would you like to begin your new year in a fun, creative way? Have you ever wanted to get into drawing? Maybe you used to draw a lot and now everything is all done on computers and you feel removed? Want to get back to basics with pencil and paper? Do you want to develop a relaxing hobby? Do you need to develop storyboarding skills? Join our artist teacher and learn the rudiments of drawing in a chilled out group on Tuesday nights in Dublin city centre. This group will focus on line drawing, perspective, shading, still life and in true act the maggot vein will also have lots of fun drawing from the imagination. Click here if you want to read about our next beginners drawing course.
Five Good Reasons to take a drawing class.
1. Making art may reduce stress and anxiety.
2. Creating visual art improves connections in the brain.
3. Art making can help us get over sadness.
4. Mindless sketching can help focus.
5. Turning our problems into narratives can help us work through them.

If you want to read the full article on this subject click here