The Spark That Started It All

If you had told me ten years ago that a small community drama festival would change the course of my life, I would have smiled politely and thought you were exaggerating. Yet here I am, years later, reflecting on what the Ballina One Act Drama Festival has meant to me as we celebrate its 10th anniversary.

I didn’t have the privilege of being part of the very first festival, but I joined as a volunteer in 2016. At the time, I was just looking for a way to get involved in something local and creative. I had no idea it would become one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

By 2017, I found myself invited onto the committee as Social Media Manager. It felt like a huge honour, but also a chance to learn something completely new. What started as “helping out” quickly turned into a deep love for theatre for me, particularly the technical side.

Falling in Love with the Magic of Theatre

There’s something incredible about watching a play come alive, especially from behind the scenes. I became fascinated by the lighting, how it changes the entire mood of a scene. A soft amber glow can make an audience feel safe and nostalgic, while a sudden blue wash can send a shiver through the room.

Then there’s the soundscape. Those clever layers of sound that create a world beyond what’s visible. A single note, a whisper of wind, or a closing door can make the whole story feel real.

I learned how minimal props can say more than elaborate sets ever could. A single chair, a well-placed spotlight, or a piece of fabric can turn imagination into emotion.

I wasn’t acting on stage, but I was part of something special. Every show reminded me that storytelling isn’t only about what happens under the lights. It’s also about the people behind them, the ones who pull cables, adjust microphones, and make sure every cue lands just right.

Finding My First True Community

The Ballina One Act Drama Festival was the first community group I ever became fully involved in. That alone makes it unforgettable.

But what truly sets it apart is the people. From the directors and stagehands to the front-of-house volunteers and local supporters, and the hardest working committee everyone brings something unique.

For me, it was the first time I felt completely seen, valued, and respected. There’s a real sense of equality on this committee. Everyone’s voice matters, everyone’s contribution counts, and there’s genuine pride in doing things together.

We share the late nights, the pre-festival nerves, and the laughter that comes when things go sideways (not too often) because they always do at least once a season. And somehow, those little mishaps make it even better.

Being surrounded by such an inclusive, open-hearted team showed me what true belonging feels like. It also planted the first seed of something I didn’t recognise at the time. My OWN journey into advocacy.

From Drama to Disability Advocacy

Working with this festival taught me more than how to schedule social media posts or run sound cues. It taught me how powerful it feels to have your voice heard.

I started noticing how inclusion wasn’t just happening on stage but in the way the committee operated. Everyone was welcome to contribute ideas, to take part, to be part of something bigger. There were no barriers, no labels, just people coming together through creativity.

That experience shaped how I see the world today. It opened my eyes to how important it is that every person regardless of ability, background, or circumstance has access to community, creativity, and connection.

When I think back, my time with the festival was the beginning of my path as a disabled advocate. It gave me the confidence to speak up, to share lived experiences, and to believe that change begins locally. One conversation, one opportunity, one inclusive space at a time.

A Decade of Storytelling and Connection

Ten years on, the Ballina One Act Drama Festival has grown from a small local event into a highlight of the Irish amateur drama circuit. It’s a festival that celebrates creativity, courage, and connection. The very things that make community life thrive.

Each year, welcome old friends and sometimes new groups, audiences grow, and the standard just keeps rising. But the heart of it all remains the same: storytelling.

Every performer, director, and volunteer brings their own story to the stage, and in doing so, reminds us that art has the power to unite people who might otherwise never meet.

There’s nothing quite like the buzz of opening night and the whisper of the curtain, the hum of anticipation, and that moment when the first line is spoken. It’s pure magic. And for those of us lucky enough to play even a small part, it’s deeply personal.

What I’ve Learned Along the Way

If I’ve learned anything from being part of the Ballina One Act Drama Festival, it’s that community involvement is one of the most meaningful things you can do.

It teaches you patience, teamwork, and humility. It also teaches you to laugh a lot. Because there’s nothing quite like watching someone accidentally walk off stage with a prop they shouldn’t, or hearing a light flicker at the wrong moment and everyone silently praying it holds out.

These are the moments you remember most. They remind you that it’s okay not to be perfect what matters is showing up and giving it your best.

The festival has given me lasting friendships, countless memories, and a real sense of belonging. It’s proof that when you make space for everyone, amazing things happen.

Looking Forward

As the Ballina One Act Drama Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary, I can’t help but feel proud of what’s been achieved and excited for what’s still to come.

The dedication of this committee, the creativity of the performers, and the loyalty of the audience are what make it all possible. It’s a true example of what grassroots community arts can be when driven by passion and inclusion.

And at the heart of it all are two remarkable people — Eugene and Marie Loftus. They turned their dream of a local one act festival into a thriving reality. Their energy, commitment, and love for theatre created something that continues to inspire everyone who walks through those doors.

I feel incredibly grateful to have known them both and to call them friends. Eugene’s humour, warmth, and tenacity filled every rehearsal space, and though he passed away in 2019, his legacy will forever burn brighter than any stage light. His influence continues to guide us, and Marie’s dedication ensures the festival keeps growing from strength to strength.

So here’s to the next chapter! To more laughter, more learning, and more magic behind the curtain.

Happy Anniversary to the hardest working Ballina One Act Drama Festival committee, and continued success for the next 10 years. Follow along their journey on instagram @ballinaoneact