NI Concert Band launches their new Training Band in September!

Starting Thursday 4 September 2025

Church of God, Glenmachan

6:30-7.30pm

Get more information available by emailing the address below.

Scratch My Progress is the Oh Yeah Music Centre’s flagship annual talent development programme.

It is supported by PRS Foundation, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.

Each year we recruit 4-5 emerging artists from Northern Ireland onto a structured and dedicated scheme of work that supports the creation, performance and promotion of their work. The programme is guided by our dedicated talent development specialist, Charlene Hegarty and builds a system of ‘real world’ experience and support around artists at pivotal stages of their career development. 

The support offered includes mentoring, one to one meetings with industry experts, and workshops on everything from vocal coaching, songwriting, funding and festival applications, copyright & IP management and developing skills in managing finances. 

As part of the 9-month programme each act will gain free rehearsal space, recording time, PR and marketing support and training, a professional photoshoot and a biography writing session as we prepare for an official release as part of the programme.

The theme for our summer programme this year is Books and Story Telling!

We will take inspiration from Oscar Wilde’s sparkling comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest. Participants will be encouraged to explore the play’s themes of mistaken identity, love, and social conventions, and use these ideas to create their own performances.

Through lively workshops and creative exploration, they will devise unique theatre pieces that capture Wilde's wit and charm, bringing his timeless satire to life on stage.

Taught by a team of professional facilitators, this course is perfect for those studying Drama/Performing arts for GCSE and A level.

At the end of the week, family and friends will have the opportunity to join us for a sharing of their work, showcased in the Naughton Theatre.

Dates: Monday 18 – Saturday 23 August

This exciting course provides an exceptional opportunity for anyone drawn to the world of theatre

You will explore the back-stage and on-stage disciplines of theatre. With a strong emphasis on personal creativity, the course provides a unique view of performance and production. It is a rewarding alternative to the traditional ‘A’ Level route. Equivalent to 3 ‘A’ Levels, it links theoretical preparation in lectures and workshops with practical classes.

Based on the idea of repertory theatre, students undertake public performances and musical/dance showcases. Students have been prize winners in the Northern Ireland Inter College Performing Arts Competitions.

The course is based in the Foyle Theatre complete with dressing rooms, costume store, stage craft and property workshops. AV equipment are of the highest professional standard. Whether working back-stage or performing onstage, you will gain an invaluable insight into the world of theatre and develop professional skills in both public performance and technical support.

Explore contemporary performance to develop your creativity, critical thinking and practical skills for a career in creative industries and beyond

Drama in the School of Arts and Humanities provides an exciting and challenging programme with an emphasis on contemporary performance practices. Our approach to teaching and learning integrates theories and practices of performance in order to extend our understanding of Drama as an art form in its social, political and cultural contexts.

Our expert lecturing staff are internationally-recognised researchers with a range of industry-related experience. Students are able to take advantage of our nationally-acknowledged teaching expertise and will have opportunities to extend their experience of contemporary performance practices through contact with part-time staff and key visiting lecturers. The Drama programmes benefit from extensive links with theatre practitioners and key Irish theatre companies, who use our spaces for performances and delivering practice-based workshops.

Drama allows students to learn in a rigorous and stimulating environment where they are encouraged to develop essential skills as thinking creative practitioners.

Looking to discover new talents and explore career options in hair and beauty?

Learn to create your own looks and meet new people on our free Get Started with Hair and Make-up course.

Discover techniques for doing daytime and glam make-up. And learn how to work with different hair types to create attractive styles.

Get hands-on experience and explore what career options could be right for you. You’ll also benefit from support from our staff or one of our mentors to help you uncover your next steps.

Dates: 20 - 24 January 2025

Read me aloud