North East Musical and Dramatic Society

21/08/2026

💙 A show we will never forget… 💙

Our public review of Dear Evan Hansen is now available, and it has brought back so many emotions and memories from what was an incredibly special production for NEMS.

The response we received throughout the run was something we will always treasure. The messages, the standing ovations, the conversations afterwards and the incredibly kind words from so many who came to see the show meant more to us than we could ever properly express.

To our phenomenal cast, production team and technical team — thank you for giving so much of yourselves to this show and creating something that touched so many people.

And to every single person who reached out, supported us and shared in this production with us — thank you. 💙

Dear Evan Hansen will always hold a very special place in the NEMS story.

Society name: North East Musical & Dramatic SocietyShow name: Dear Evan HansenAdjudicator date of attendance: 21/04/2026North East Musical & Dramatic Society’s production of Dear Evan Hansen was an emotionally intelligent and carefully crafted interpretation of a challenging contemporary musical. ...

16/06/2026

💙 Celebrating the success of our neighbours 💙

A huge congratulations to our friends in Tullyvin Musical Society, SONG Musical Society and Dundalk Musical Society on your fantastic AIMS nominations and achievements this year.

It’s always wonderful to see local societies recognised for the passion, dedication and countless hours that go into bringing musical theatre to life. The standard across the region continues to go from strength to strength, and we couldn’t be prouder to stand alongside such talented groups.

A very special congratulations to SONG Musical Society on an incredible four AIMS wins – a phenomenal achievement and so richly deserved. 👏

And an extra special mention has to go to Andrew Browne, who took home the award for Best Technical Achievement. Andrew, this recognition has been a long time coming and nobody deserves it more. Your creativity, innovation and eye for detail are second to none.

We at NEMS have been incredibly fortunate to have had Andrew as part of our own technical team since the very beginning, and we know first-hand the dedication and talent he brings to every production. Seeing him recognised on the AIMS stage filled us with immense pride.

Congratulations once again to Tullyvin, SONG and Dundalk. Your success is a success for musical theatre in our region, and we can’t wait to see what you all achieve next. 💙✨

16/06/2026

💙 What a weekend. What a year. 💙

As we reflect on an unforgettable weekend in Killarney celebrating alongside our fellow musical societies, we can’t help but look back with immense pride on everything NEMS has achieved over the past year.

From the joy, energy and spectacle of Sister Act in November to the raw emotion and powerful storytelling of Dear Evan Hansen in April, we were privileged to bring two productions to the stage that will stay with us forever. They challenged us, inspired us and reminded us why we love what we do.

The icing on the cake was seeing our incredible Jenny McCabe recognised for her outstanding portrayal of Heidi Hansen, taking home the AIMS Award for Best Supporting Actress. It was a truly deserved moment for a performer who poured her heart and soul into every performance, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Awards are wonderful, but they only tell part of the story. Behind every production are countless hours of rehearsals, friendships, volunteers, late nights, laughter, tears and an extraordinary team of people all working towards the same goal.

To every cast member, musician, crew member, creative, volunteer, sponsor and supporter who played a part in our journey this year – thank you. You helped create something truly special.

We are forever proud of everyone who wore the NEMS name and helped make this one of the most memorable years in our society’s history.

Here’s to celebrating what has been… and to everything that’s still to come. 💙✨

11/06/2026

🕸️ CAST REVEAL 🕸️

What an incredible few days it has been!

We had the privilege of seeing over 90 talented performers audition for both lead roles and ensemble in The Addams Family. The standard across the board was nothing short of exceptional, making the casting process one of the toughest we’ve ever faced.

To every single person who auditioned – thank you. Thank you for the hours of preparation, the commitment, the courage to step into the room, and the passion you brought to every performance. We know how much work goes into an audition, and we truly appreciate the time and effort each of you invested.

Whether you’ve been cast or not, you should be incredibly proud of what you achieved. The quality was so high that many decisions came down to the smallest of margins.

A huge congratulations to our cast! We can’t wait to bring this wonderfully weird, spooky and spectacular production to life with you.

And to everyone who auditioned – thank you for being part of the journey. Your support, enthusiasm and talent are what make NEMS such a special community.

Now… meet your Addams Family! 🖤 🕯️

04/06/2026

JOIN THE ADDAMS FAMILY! 🎭🕸️

For the past number of weeks, registrations have been flooding in from familiar faces and brand-new members alike. The excitement is building, the audition material is out, and we are now preparing to close registrations for The Addams Family Musical.

If you’ve been thinking about signing up…

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time”…

If you’ve ever watched a musical and thought, “I’d love to do that…”

This is your moment.

We are casting both Lead Roles and our incredible Ancestors/Ensemble (16+) for what promises to be one of the most exciting productions NEMS has ever staged.

🎭 No experience necessary
🎭 New members always welcome
🎭 Make new friends and unforgettable memories
🎭 Challenge yourself and build confidence
🎭 Be part of an amazing community theatre family

The truth is, some of our strongest performers today walked through the door for the first time only a few years ago. Many joined knowing nobody, with little or no experience, simply wanting to try something new.

Now they’re among the most valued members of our society.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a parent looking for a new challenge, someone who has always wanted to try musical theatre, or simply someone looking to meet new people and have a lot of fun — we’d love to welcome you.

And remember, if performing on stage isn’t for you, there are also opportunities to get involved with our backstage teams including costumes, props, set crew, front of house and more.

🕸️ The Addams Family Musical
📍 Íontas Theatre, Castleblayney
📅 24th–28th November 2026

⏳ Registrations closing soon.
⏳ This is your final call.

Don’t be the person sitting in the audience in November wishing you had given it a go.

🖤 Come and be part of something beautifully dark.

👉 Register now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JztDmJVAinI39L4EdjUUVS_4bFDpz4b292K3P86_TvQ/viewform

02/06/2026

🕸️🎭 LAST CALL FOR ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS 🎭🕸️

This is your final chance to become part of something beautifully dark…

We are looking for performers aged 16+ to join the Ancestors/Ensemble of The Addams Family Musical at the Íontas Theatre this November.

The Ancestors are at the very heart of this production — singing, dancing, storytelling and bringing the world of the Addams Family to life from start to finish. This is not a “background” ensemble. These performers are featured throughout the entire show and play a huge part in creating the magic on stage.

✨ No experience necessary
✨ New members always welcome
✨ Meet new people and make lifelong friendships
✨ Build confidence and challenge yourself
✨ Be part of an unforgettable theatrical experience

Whether you’ve performed for years or have always wanted to give musical theatre a try, now is the time.

Over the past few years, many people joined NEMS having never stepped on a stage before. Some came to support a friend, some came along with a son or daughter, and some simply wanted to try something new. Many are now on their 2nd, 3rd and even 4th productions with us.

🕸️ Ensemble Dance Audition
📅 Sunday 7th June
🕞 3:30pm
📍 Carrickmacross - Phoenix Centre

Don’t sit this one out and wonder “what if?”

Join us for The Addams Family Musical and be part of an incredible cast, production team and community.

👉 Register now:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JztDmJVAinI39L4EdjUUVS_4bFDpz4b292K3P86_TvQ/viewform

27/05/2026

🕸️🎭 CHARACTER BREAKDOWN – LURCH 🎭🕸️

He may not say much… but when Lurch enters the room, everyone notices 🕸️

The iconic Addams Family butler is a commanding presence with minimal dialogue, relying on expression, movement and physical storytelling to bring the character to life.

We’re looking for a performer with strong stage presence, expressive physical acting and a rich bass voice.

✨ Stage Age: 25–50
✨ Vocal Range: Bass
✨ Strong physical performance required
✨ Rich bass voice essential

Lurch proves that sometimes the biggest characters say the least… 🎭

New members always welcome and no experience necessary.

👉 Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JztDmJVAinI39L4EdjUUVS_4bFDpz4b292K3P86_TvQ/viewform

25/05/2026

🕸️🎭 CHARACTER BREAKDOWN – ALICE BEINECKE 🎭🕸️

Reserved on the surface… but beneath it all lies a completely different side 🕸️

Alice Beinecke appears calm, collected and proper, but as the story unfolds we discover there is far more to her than first meets the eye!

We’re looking for a performer with strong vocals, great comedic timing and the ability to balance both sides of this wonderful character.

✨ Stage Age: 35–55
✨ Vocal Range: Mezzo / Soprano (Strong Belt)
✨ Strong vocals required
✨ Great comedic ability essential

This role offers huge character development, comedy and some fantastic musical moments 🎭

New members always welcome and no experience necessary.

👉 Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JztDmJVAinI39L4EdjUUVS_4bFDpz4b292K3P86_TvQ/viewform

24/05/2026

🕸️🎭 CHARACTER BREAKDOWN – MAL BEINECKE 🎭🕸️

Skeptical. Conservative. Completely out of his comfort zone… 🕸️

Mal Beinecke struggles to understand the strange and mysterious Addams family and cannot imagine becoming part of their world. But beneath the serious exterior lies plenty of humour and comedic moments!

We’re looking for a strong actor with great character work and comedic edge to bring Mal to life in our upcoming production of The Addams Family Musical.

✨ Stage Age: 35–55
✨ Vocal Range: Tenor / Baritone
✨ Strong acting role with comedic edge required

This role is perfect for someone who enjoys character acting and creating memorable moments on stage 🎭

New members always welcome and no experience necessary.

👉 Register here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JztDmJVAinI39L4EdjUUVS_4bFDpz4b292K3P86_TvQ/viewform

23/05/2026

🕸️🎭 CHARACTER BREAKDOWN – PUGSLEY ADDAMS 🎭🕸️

The mischievous younger brother of the Addams family… full of charm, humour and trying to find his place as everything around him changes 🕸️

We are looking for a young performer to bring Pugsley Addams to life in our upcoming production of The Addams Family Musical.

✨ Stage Age: 10–13
✨ Vocal Range: Alto
✨ Looking for a performer with charm, humour and a youthful voice

Please note we are looking for an actor who can play approximately 10–13 years of age. We are open to casting older performers who fit the role.

⚠️ Parent/Guardian registration must be completed for all those wishing to audition for Pugsley.

Never done theatre before? No problem! We welcome new members and no experience is necessary 🎭

👉 Register here:
https://forms.gle/2Rq1pSExpmPFtviM9