GCSS caters for all levels of talent and ability from 5 years of age to early 20's. Our success is built on a professional approach and artistic endeavour in an atmosphere of enjoyment and fun. GCSS promotes self-confidence and enjoyment and encourages interaction with fellow pupils. We believe the best way of learning is through performance where our students learn, not only stage skills, but als
o team work. We strive for professional standards and our students are very lucky to have such a wonderful theatre as Draíocht to perform in. Draíocht has one of the largest stages in Ireland with fantastic technical and backstage facilities. Students get the opportunity to work with top professional choreographers, musicians, lighting engineers, sound operators, hair/make-up artists, wardrobe and stage management for our annual end of year shows. Gladys has been immersed in all things theatre both on and off stage for as long as she cares to remember. Having trained in the Royal Irish Academy of Music under Prof. Michael O'Higgins and the DIT College of Music she went on to perform in Feis Ceoil and various Feiseanna, culminating in winning the gold medal for contralto solo. She has been involved in musical theatre for over 40 years as both a performer and a director. With Stagezone Theatre School she directed "Les Misérables", "Oliver!", "Hot Mikado", "The King and I", "Jungle Book" and all their end of year shows in Draíocht. Gladys taught speech and drama in many schools in the Dublin 15 area in the 1990s and has directed several plays for local drama groups in the same area and further afield. She has maintained her love of being onstage during this time by performing in many plays with different groups in the Sean O'Casey Theatre and Axis Theatre that includes an invite to perform Hugh Leonard's Summer in the Acting Irish International Theatre Festival in the United States and Canada. Gladys has performed in over 80 musicals with various musical societies in the Dublin area and beyond and has played many leading roles that include dramatic, comedy, and Gilbert & Sullivan contralto roles. Her favourites include Aunt Eller in Oklahoma, Katisha in The Mikado, Ruth in The Pirates of Penzance, Golde in Fiddler on the Roof and Carrie in Carousel. She won Best Supporting Female at the Northern Ireland Festival for her powerhouse performance of Jewel in O'Connell Musical Society's Best Little Wh******se in Texas in 1987. She has graced countless stages around the country including The Olympia Theatre, The Gaiety Theatre and the National Concert Hall and performed numerous times in the Northern Ireland Light Opera Festival and the Waterford Festival of Light Opera. Gladys has a love and passion for musical theatre that she wants to share and pass on to the next generation! Nothing gives her more pleasure than seeing children grow in confidence as they develop a love of performing on stage. Students will enjoy training in musical theatre including singing, drama and various types of dancing; contemporary, musical theatre, hip-hop, ballroom, jazz and tap. Join us in the magical world of musical theatre. Children, teenagers and young adults catered for in an enjoyable and friendly atmosphere. No experience necessary. Great for confidence building. Fully staged show presented each year in Draíocht theatre.
