YouthINK theater program promotes creative cultural exchange between Irish and American teens

Seventeen local Boston teenagers will be joined by thirteen Irish teens this week for a creative mentorship program . The program allows the youths to come together through art.

The immersive, interactive theater workshop is hosted by YouthINK - a non-profit program that seeks to provide young people on both sides of the Atlantic with creative opportunities and experiences. This week, thirteen carefully selected aspiring Irish actors traveled to Boston where an upcoming workshop will challenge them to get experimental.

“It is for any young person from 13-18 who is passionate about the arts and ordinarily might not get to experience something like this. That's the key," said founder and mentor, Christy Cashman.

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Christy is an actress who has credits in movies like American Hustle, Joy, and Ted 2. She and her husband Jay purchased Kilkea Castle in Co Kildare in 2012 and while it didn’t immediately stand out as a venue for acting workshops, the 12th century space couldn’t be more perfect for its limitless creative possibilities.

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“It felt meant to be when we started doing the workshops there.”

The workshops take place in both Kilkea and Boston - Christy’s other home where she now lives with her husband and sons. This week, the Irish actors will get some real New England inspiration with a visit to the historic Salem and the Peabody Essex Museum followed by a private tour of the world-famous Boston Public Library’s Special Collections.

The following days will involve mentored instruction on script writing, filmmaking, acting, casting, costume, hair, and set design. The YouthINK workshop will culminate with a final performance at The Newbury hotel in Boston.

“YouthINK brought me out of my shell,” said YouthINK veteran, Dante Sanchez. “I’ve always had a passion for acting and I’ve never done anything like it. On top of that, I got to build relationships with people my age. You learn so much from everyone, you get to hear all the different accents…regardless of where you come from we’re all just people with a passion.”

Sanchez, who has been a participant in previous workshops, plans to return as a leader when he ages out. He mentions that he is already looking forward to meeting new Irish friends this week.

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