SIAMSA Tíre has appointed Justin Walsh as its Community Engagement Manager.
He will be responsible for connecting with the Siamsa Tíre Community cast and the diverse communities across Kerry, to explore opportunities to deepen relationships, develop engagement and performance opportunities and explore new partnerships.
Nicola Hopcroft, Acting CEO, Siamsa Tíre said: “Community engagement has always been a core part of what we do at Siamsa Tíre and it will be pivotal in our future arts programming as we meet the needs of a more diverse community of artists and audiences in Tralee and Kerry. We look forward to Justin’s return to Siamsa Tíre in this new role, bringing his experience and expertise to support this.”
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A native of Listowel, North Kerry, Justin began his theatre and Irish dance training at the age of five with the Jimmy Hickey School of Dance in Listowel and at seven began training with Siamsa Tíre, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland.
He graduated to perform in National Folk Theatre productions, notably Justin played the child role of Jerry Munnix the travelling dancing master in Fr Pat Ahern’s production of Ding Dong Dedero – Forging the Dance.
At 18, Justin became a full-time professional member with the company, providing training in various disciplines of theatre and dance and in particular the Munnix style of Irish dance unique to North Kerry and the folk theatre.
He was also part of the creative teams on productions including Clann Lir – Children of Lir, Oileán- A Celebration of the Blasket Islands and Moriarty the story of John Moriarty and many more.
Justin has toured both nationally and internationally with Siamsa Tíre representing Ireland at Expo 92 Seville Spain at age 11 and performing at the world-famous Fords Theatre Washington DC in 1999.
At age 20, Justin pursued a career in dance in Dublin and trained in Ballet, Jazz, Tap and Contemporary Dance at The College of Dance, Diggs Lane.
During his training, he took part in a workshop for Riverdance producers Moya Doherty & John McGolgan and performed the lead role and principal dancer of RiRá.
He subsequently successfully auditioned for Michael Flatley’s “Lord of the Dance” which began an eight-year touring career worldwide.
During this time, he performed in Michael Flatley’s productions of “Celtic Tiger” and “Feet of Flames” and in 2008 he joined “Riverdance the Show” touring extensively with a highlight of performing with Michael Flatley at Madison Square Garden New York City.
Justin also performed as lead dancer with the Norwegian Theatre Company in their production of “Playboy of the Western World”.
He has also performed on TV in Ireland and America. Justin’s qualifications include a Diploma in Professional Dance Training (College of Dance, Diggs Lane) and a Master’s Degree in dance performance at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance University College Limerick. Justin continues to teach and is guest tutor in University College Limerick.
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