What am I going to do there?

Each week uses drama-based activities, like role-play, improvisation and group storytelling, to help you build confidence, communication and self-agency. Sessions follow a predictable structure every week: settling in, an activity and a closing routine.

Do I have to participate?

No. You can observe if you’d prefer, and only join in when you feel comfortable. No one will judge you or push you to participate.

What if I get overwhelmed?

We have sensory items and headphones to help with regulation. If you need a quiet moment, we can bring you to another room to sit quietly and regulate. You can also leave early if you need to.

What if I need to use the toilet?

There’s a toilet on site.

What if it’s cold?

We have heaters and can control the room temperature and we’ll do our best to accommodate everyone’s preferences.

Is this only for people who want to act?

No. It’s open to anyone aged 18–25, whether or not you’re interested in acting. If you love acting, you’re welcome. If you’ve never done anything like this before and just want to build confidence in a group setting, you’re just as welcome.

Where does the programme take place?

Sessions are held at the Aspire Ireland office at SPADE Enterprise Centre, North King Street, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 CX22.

When does it start and what’s the schedule?

The programme runs weekly for 12 weeks, starting Thursday 3 September 2026, from 7:30–8:30pm. For the first session, we ask you to arrive 10 minutes early (7:20pm) to settle in before we begin.

Who’s running the sessions?

Rosey Hayes is an actor and drama facilitator who works with performers of all ages and abilities. She graduated with a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts in 2016 and completed Youth Theatre Ireland’s Drama Facilitation Training Course in 2024. Rosey has previously facilitated drama classes with Aspire and is passionate about creating playful, inclusive spaces where people can build confidence, explore creativity, and have fun.

Will there be support during sessions?

Yes. A support worker is present throughout every session, and someone is stationed at the building entrance to welcome participants in.

What is the Group Participation Card?

The Group Participation Card is a personal and portable tool that you create during the programme. It is designed to help you understand and communicate what supports you to take part in group settings such as education, work, training or community activities.

The card is based on your own preferences, needs and strengths. You choose what information you want to include and what you are comfortable sharing with other people.

It may include questions such as:

• What helps me participate in a group?
• How do I prefer to communicate?
• What might I need if I feel overwhelmed?
• What would I like other people to know about me?
• What are my strengths in a group?
• What helps me feel comfortable and included?

The idea is to give you something practical that can support you beyond the 12-week programme. You can use it when joining a new group, starting college or training, entering a workplace or taking part in community activities.

The card belongs to you and it is yours to keep.

How much does it cost?

Due to the subsidised nature of the fee, it is non-refundable.

I’d like to apply on behalf of a young person I support — is that okay?

Yes. If you’re a parent, carer, or support worker applying on behalf of someone aged 18–25, that’s absolutely fine. The registration form has a section for carer or support person details.

I have expressive speech delays and am more comfortable with an older crowd — is this programme still for me?

Yes. The programme is designed to be sensory-aware and low-pressure, and it’s not about performance. Everyone takes part at their own pace.

I am 17, can I still join?

You’d need a guardian’s signature and your guardian would need to acknowledge that Aspire isn’t responsible for any loss, injury or damage arising outside of scheduled session times or from circumstances beyond our reasonable control. As long as your guardian agrees to that, you’re welcome to join.

I am more than 25, can I still join?

This programme focuses on supporting the “support cliff edge” in Ireland, where autistic individuals stop having structured support after turning 18. But if you’d like to join, get in touch with us by email — if there’s still a spot available, we’d love to welcome you.

How do I register?

Send an email to communications@aspireireland.ie expressing your interest. If there are still spots left, we’ll be in touch.