GATEWAYS

What is GATEWAYS?

GATEWAYS is the Gate Theatre’s community engagement programme.

At the Gate Theatre, we aim to cultivate an environment where a broader range of communities can call this space their own. We want people to feel empowered by their engagement with us and we aim to foster and continually develop strong and innovative partnerships with community, arts, education, and other organisations locally and nationally.

GATEWAYS is the result of a consultation process involving the Gate, community groups, schools, both local and across the country, and local community leaders. Since the beginning of 2023, the Gate has invited groups into the theatre for tours and workshops and asked how it can partner and enhance their lives.

With its new priority of civic accessibility, the Gate aims to become a vital part of the local social fabric and enhance its impact through and beyond its productions whilst also creating new audiences for the future. The main target groups for GATEWAYS are schools, under-represented/ marginalised groups and, importantly, the local residents and community organisations of Dublin’s North Inner City (DNIC).

Through GATEWAYS the Gate provides Dublin 1 and beyond with multi-faceted opportunities for personal, social and artistic development. We have fostered key partnerships with local schools and organisations, offering members of the community year-round workshop programmes and access to the theatre to encourage interest and gather feedback that will continue to inform the structure of our programme.

GATEWAYS Youth Theatre

GATEWAYS Youth Theatre is run by the Gate Theatre as part of its community engagement programme ‘GATEWAYS’. Youth drama is a unique form of theatre that is defined by the contribution of young people and is also a unique youth work practice that engages young people as active participants in theatre by using group or ensemble drama approaches. Youth theatre contributes to the artistic, personal, and social development of young people through their commitment and voluntary participation.

Our Youth Theatre group are currently preparing for their 2024/25 showcase in the Gate Theatre.

GATEWAYS Updates

Transition Year Work Experience Programme

The Gate Theatre are delighted to launch our Transition Year Work Experience Programme. The programme designed to immerse students in the world of theatre. We aim to promote an appreciation for theatre through hands-on experience, creative workshops, and direct interaction with theatre professionals. The programme will develop students’ understanding of theatrical production, enhancing their communication and teamwork skills, and inspiring potential career interests in the industry.

2024 Business to Arts Awards

We were delighted to win the Irish Life Creativity in the Community Award at the 2024 Business to Arts Awards with our partners Workday.

As part of our GATEWAYS community engagement programme, the Gate and Workday partnered on the ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ initiative. This initiative invites 200 residents from the North Inner City to a GATEWAYS PREVIEW of every mainstage production, free of charge. ‘Everyone Belongs Here’ is central to our vision of creating an Open Gate where every person has access to great theatre.

Get In Touch

If you would like to learn more about GATEWAYS, or get in touch about potential collaborations, please contact the Gateways Team at community@gate-theatre.ie.