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Sarah Allen appointed Artistic Director of Expressive Arts Theatre School. Expressive Arts Theatre School founder, Pearl Kiely, pictured with Sarah Allen in Centre. Photo: Olene Oleksienko/ilovelimerick. In Collaboration with Expressive Arts Theatre Company

Expressive Arts Theatre School, celebrating 40 years of helping young people build confidence through drama and dance, announces Sarah Allen as its new Artistic Director

Sarah Allen appointed Artistic Director of Expressive Arts Theatre School as they celebrate 40th anniversary
Sarah told I Love Limerick she was proud to be back at Expressive Arts Theatre School in the role. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Sarah Allen has been appointed Artistic Director of the Expressive Arts Theatre School, who are celebrating 40 years of helping young people build confidence through drama and dance in Limerick.

Sarah brings more than 15 years of experience to the role, having produced, directed and choreographed musicals across Limerick, Tipperary, Clare and Cork.

Sarah told I Love Limerick she was proud to be back in the role. She said, “ I started when I was five, I started in 1997. I was 13 years there until I was 18, and then I came back just to help to encourage the kids in the wings and to make sure that they got the same out of Expressive Arts that I did. I wanted to make sure the success continued, and now I finally get to be back in a much bigger capacity, and I’m thrilled.”


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Sarah, who holds a Master’s degree in Music and Mathematics Education, as well as a Licentiate in Musical Theatre Performance and an Associate in Classical Voice from the London College of Music, says she “couldn’t be happier” to inspire a younger generation.

Sarah added, “ Growing up, Expressive Arts was everything to me. Going on a Friday and a Saturday, when I got older, to Expressive Arts was the highlight for me. I can remember every scene, every costume I ever wore.

“Then leaving Expressive Arts and continuing to choreograph for teenagers especially, and then I started my own stage school in East Clare, and getting to see that they’re experiencing the same thing that I did, it just makes me so happy.”

Sarah Allen appointed Artistic Director of Expressive Arts Theatre School as they celebrate 40th anniversary
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

The new Artistic Director currently trains under Emma English at the Limerick School of Music and is completing her Fellowship in Musical Theatre Performance.

Allen has performed with many of Ireland’s leading musical theatre societies, taking on roles including Snow White in Snow White and Wendy in Peter Pan with Limerick Panto Society, Ermengarde in Hello, Dolly! and Francisca in West Side Story with Cecilians Musical Society, and Jennyanydots in CATS with Mary Immaculate Dramatic Arts Society.

She also appeared in the Irish amateur premieres of Shrek the Musical and Legally Blonde the Musical with Shannon Musical Society. Her performance as part of the Delta Nu Sextet in Legally Blonde earned the group the ‘Spirit of AIMS’ Award at the Association of Irish Musical Societies Awards.

During the 2022/23 Christmas season, Allen performed in the Lime Tree Theatre’s first fully professional pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk.

Founded in 1988 by directors Pearl Kiely and May O’Halloran, Expressive Arts Theatre School is marking almost 40 years of inspiring young people in Limerick through drama, singing and dance, all while building a reputation for nurturing Limerick’s stage talent.

Catering for children and teenagers aged five to 18, each class combines specialist tuition, with each class involving three separate modules, where the pupils work with specialists in each discipline of song, dance, and drama

Looking to the future of Expressive Arts Theatre School, Sarah is hoping to keep the classics while adding modern elements. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick

Speaking at a celebration at University Concert Hall, where Expressive Arts stages their annual shows, founder Pearl Kiely told I Love Limerick the school was founded after the encouragement of friends. She said, “ I had two friends who kept saying, ‘You have to teach this stuff. You know a lot, you’ve got to teach it.’

Looking to the future of Expressive Arts Theatre School, Sarah is hoping to keep the classics while adding modern elements.

She explained, “ I love the classics the same as Pearl. I really do, and I learned about them through Expressive Arts. So to keep the classics but to add those modern elements, bring in some new ideas in, in choreography and staging and new shows.”

Urging young potential performers to get involved, Sarah says there is nothing stopping them from taking to big stages such as University Concert Hall. When asked what advice she has for young people who would like to join Expressive Arts Theatre School, Sarah told I Love Limerick, “ Just give it a go. There’s nothing stopping you from going into one class, two classes and trying. There’s no commitment at the beginning, and I can almost guarantee that you’ll be there and you’ll be performing on this stage next year!”

The new season starts this September 2026 and Expressive Arts are offering a £10 discount on the first term to those signed up before August 1st. Email [email protected] or call 087 227 9927 for more info.

Photos: Olena Oleksienko/iloveliemrick

Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
Expressive Arts Theatre School in Limerick is celebrating almost 40 years of helping young people across Limerick build confidence through drama, singing, and dance. Picture: Olena Oleksienko/ilovelimerick
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Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.