Lismore Dramatic Society was formed in 1898, but there are few records of the productions produced in the early years. Since 1940, there are records of at least one production annually, and in last 10 to 15 years the Group have produced a number of plays and musicals every year, as they have a membership now of over 100 young people as well as the adult troupe. The Group also run and support many concerts during the year in the facility, as it is open to all comers.
The Lismore Dramatic Society is a voluntary organisation and applied to the Waterford LCDC for funding under the Rural Development 2014 – 2020 LEADER Programme. Their application was successful under the Local Objective 1 Tourism as a key driver of Economic Development, Strategic Action 1.2 Culture & Heritage Product Development.
Because they are voluntary, it has become increasingly important to ensure that the equipment they use is both robust and safe, and also provides the basis for staging quality productions for locals and visitors alike.
To this end they decided to install robotic lighting to lessen the need for volunteers to be going up onto scaffolding to alternate and set lights. They also needed to improve lighting quality for discerning visitors. To this end they purchased robotic lights that could be operated and adjusted remotely from the sound box.
In terms of quality productions, sound is now very important, and the second element of the project was the purchasing of a professional sound system.
Lismore Dramatic Society is well organised and run. The members realise that although they are volunteers, they have to operate in a professional and transparent manner, and it is this approach that has led to the continued growth and development of the Society.
The investment has insured a safer operating environment, while assisting in the provision of a quality experience to the group’s patrons.
