Theatre Forum CLG, trading as Performing Arts Forum, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) online via Zoom on Friday, 27 September 2024, at 11 am.
Members were given the opportunity to learn more about the organisation’s strategy and upcoming initiatives. Attendees who had up-to-date memberships were able to vote during the meeting, while those unable to attend had the option to appoint a proxy.
The agenda included the review of the 2022 AGM minutes, consideration of the company’s 2023 financial statements and the statutory auditors’ report, authorisation for the directors to appoint and fix the remuneration of auditors, and an election for two board positions. The Chair also delivered a review of the company’s affairs, strategy, and forthcoming events.
- Election ResultÂ
Two candidates were elected: Joy Nesbitt & Kelly Phelan
We look forward to their contributions and to seeing how they will help shape the future of Performing Arts Forum. - New Chair
We are delighted to announce that Mary Boland is our new Chair. With over 30 years of experience supporting artists and arts activities, Mary brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the role. As Theatre Director at the Theatre Royal, she has successfully led artistic and financial initiatives, fostering strong relationships with local, national, and international artists.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to David Francis Moore for his outstanding leadership and dedication as outgoing Chair. His contributions have been invaluable, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Newly Elected Board Members
Joy Nesbitt
Joy Nesbitt is a director, writer, and musician inspired by stories of Black Femininity and postcolonial imagination. She has been named on The Irish Times and Sunday Times’ lists of “Ones to Watch in 2024.” In 2022, Joy attended the Theatre Directing MFA at The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts. She is a 2021 recipient of the Louis Sudler Prize in the Arts for the sum of her artistic activities at Harvard University. Joy is a 2023-2024 Director SEED for Rough Magic Theatre Company and a member of the 2023 cohort of the Rachel Baptiste Programme at Smock Alley Theatre. Joy has also written and directed short films, and has written a few full length plays.
Her selected directing credits include JULIUS CAESAR VARIETY SHOW by Joy Nesbitt (2024, The New Theatre), Boyfriends by Ultan Pringle (2024, Project Arts Centre), My Sister in This House by Wendy Kesselman (2024, The Lir Academy), Spear by CN Smith (2024, Corrib Theatre), Listen, A Black Woman is Speaking by Marlow Wyatt (2023, Project Arts Centre), The King of All Birds  by Martha Knight (2023, Project Arts Centre), endings. by Fionntán Larney (2023, Project Arts Centre and Smock Alley Theatre),  Appropriate by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (2022, The Lir Academy); God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza (2020, Harvard University); and Dreamgirls by Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen (2020, American Repertory Theatre)
Kelly Phelan
Kelly is a broadly experienced producer, project manager and casting director. She has a strong passion for working in the arts highlighted in multi- disciplinary projects and theatre shows, including BLUE THUNDER by Padraic Walsh and LIE LOW by Ciara Elizabeth Smyth. She has expertise in best practice work for young audiences and families and for The Ark her work includes THE GIGGLER TREATMENT by Roddy Doyle, adapted by Fionn Foley, THE HAIRCUT by Wayne Jordan and Tom Lane and THE RACE by Marc Brew as well as The RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW festival. As Casting director for The Abbey Theatre, Kelly cast over 60 productions including world premiere’s, OUR FEW AND EVIL DAYS by Mark O’Rowe starring Ciaran Hinds and Sinead Cusack, CYPRUS AVENUE by David Ireland, starring Stephen Rea and the acclaimed revival of BY THE BOG OF CATS by Marina Carr and starring Susan Lynch. She convened three international symposia around the decade of centenaries and also produced the world premiere of Roddy Doyles, TWO PINTS. She began her career as programme manager for The Performance Corporation.