Sharon Mannion announced as writer in residence for Red Line Festival

Comedy Calls!

Comedian Sharon Mannion announced as writer in residence 2024 for the Red Line Book Festival

Calling aspiring comedians to apply to take part in a six-week programme of workshops to nurture local talent in the art of stand-up comedy.

Comedian Sharon Mannion announced as writer in residence 2024 for the Red Line Book Festival.  Sharon is perhaps best known for her role as ‘Concepta’ in the RTE 2/UKTV hit comedy, ‘Bridget & Eamon’. She is also the resident host of The Comedy Cellar at the International Bar, the longest running comedy club in Ireland.  She has performed her widely acclaimed stand-up shows throughout Ireland and the UK and also has an impressive array of Film and TV Credits.

As part of her residency, Sharon will lead a six-week programme of workshops which aim to nurture local talent in the art of stand-up comedy writing.  Aspiring comedians are encouraged to apply via the festival website www.redlinefestival.ie and closing dates for applications is August 29th.  This unique residency opportunity is supported by South Dublin Libraries and Arts.

The sessions and workshops will take place from 7-9pm on 2nd, 9th, 23rd and 30th of September and the 7th and 14th of October in the Rua Red Arts Centre, Tallaght with the final performance on the evening of Sunday 20th of October in The Coach House, Palmerstown.

The annual Red Line Book Festival will take place from 14th – 20th October 2024 and features local, national and international authors, as well as panels, workshops, theatrical productions, children’s events and more. The festival is a celebration of all things literary and the magic of words and storytelling.

“This year, we're delighted to bring a new element to the festival programme with our Comedian in Residence, Sharon Mannion. Have you ever wanted to try stand- up comedy? Now is your chance! This is a fantastic opportunity to develop new skills, and contribute to the vibrant literary scene at the Red Line Book Festival. The course is open to anyone over the age of 18.”  Said Festival Producer, Síle Coleman.

No performance experience of any kind is required and throughout the workshop series, participants can expect to be mentored and gently encouraged to bring out their inner comedian through a series of exercises that have been tried and tested over Sharon's 20 plus years of experience. The course will include all aspects of Stand Up Comedy writing and performance such as being comfortable on stage, developing your storytelling skills, using improvisation techniques as a tool to develop confidence in spontaneity, finding source material, finding the comedy within it, editing and re-writing your work, developing your presentation skills and much much more.

The Red Line Book Festival seeks to enhance the experience of culturally curious audiences visiting Dublin, offering them an exciting cultural environment in a suburban area of Dublin not normally associated with literary festivals. For more information see www.redlinefestival.ie