We are thrilled to introduce our new SEEDS artists who will participate on the 2016/17 programme, our 8th two-year SEEDS programme. From a total of 87 applications, five participants were offered a place on this prestigious development initiative for emerging theatre practitioners. 

 Participants have the opportunity to observe and experience Rough Magic’s work and to gain exposure to the working methods of international artists through mentoring and placements. The SEEDS artists are encouraged to engage with the company’s approach and become part of its process.

The SEEDS artists work together from the outset, participating in separate programmes designed around the individual but integrated within the collaborative spirit of the company. 

The 2016/17 Participants are:

Lee Coffey / Writer 

Lee is a writer from Dublin. He trained as an actor in ICFE, The Gaiety School of Acting and Trinity Guildhall, London.

In 2014 he wrote The Tenements for Collaborations in Smock Alley. Lee’s next show Leper + Chip directed by Karl Shiels, ran at Theatre Upstairs in May ’14 to critical acclaim and a sold out run. It then transferred to the Project Arts Centre, The Edinburgh Fringe Festival (where it was nominated for the National Student Drama Award and the Broadway Baby Bobby Award) Electric Picnic, The Lyric, Belfast and Axis. He works with ICFE, writing their first year showcase play, directed by Helene Montague. His second play Peruvian Voodoo which he also directed, premiered in Theatre Upstairs in May '15. His play Angels of Mercy was a part of the Peacock Scratch Night in the Abbey Theatre and he will be one of the writers taking part in 24 Hour Plays in the Abbey Theatre in Jan '16.

He is a founding member and artistic director of Bitter Like A Lemon Theatre Collective.

Sinéad Diskin / Sound Designer 

Sinéad Diskin is a sound designer, composer and song writer based in Dublin. Sinéad studied music in Trinity College Dublin, majoring in music technology and was awarded the Geoffrey Singleton Prize for excellence upon completion of her degree. 

Recent theatre credits include: Mother You (Lousie White)assistant sound designer; Spring Awakening (Ill Advised Theatre Company) musical director; Pornography (The Lir) sound designer; Off Key (Ill Advised Theatre Company) musical director; Advocacy (Talking Shop Ensemble) assistant sound designer; The Winter's Tale (Bedsheet Theatre Company) composer and sound designer.

Sinéad has studied piano to diploma level with the Royal Irish Academy of Music and is a member of contemporary band The Keel Collective. She also writes and performs solo work and will record her debut EP in summer 2016. 

Dara Hoban / Lighting Designer 

Dara is a Dublin based Lighting Designer. Dara is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Drama and Film Studies. 

Recent credits include; God's Ear (Samuel Beckett Theatre) Harder, Faster, More (Smock Alley, Tiger Dublin Fringe), Fireplay (The New Theatre), Stockholm (The Samuel Beckett Theatre), God of Carnage (The Lir), and Made-Up (Players Theatre). Dara also works as an Actor and as a Production Manager. Recent credits include: Attempts on Her Life (Samuel Beckett Theatre)  and Enemy of the Stars (Samuel Beckett Theatre, Festival de Fés du Théatre Universitaire) as an Actor. The Soldier's Tale (Smock Alley Theatre) and The Party (Tiger Dublin Fringe) as Production Manager.

Katie McCann / Producer 

Katie is a producer, actor and writer based in Dublin and is originally from Co.Wexford. 

She has a Bachelor of Arts from UCD where she studied English and Drama and was Treasurer of the award winning drama society, Dramsoc. 

She also studied as an actor in the Gaiety School of Acting. Most recently she produced Cirque des Rêves at Smock Alley Theatre, which returned for a second run this December due to popular demand. Other producing credits include Hollow Ground for Illustrated Productions and Theatre Upstairs, Petals by Gillian Greer which was nominated for Best New Play at the Irish Times Theatre Awards 2014, and Tales from Briar Hall for Illustrated Productions. Katie has also previously worked as Associate Director at Theatre Upstairs and is a founding member and the Artistic Director of Illustrated Productions. 

Molly O’Cathain / Set & Costume Designer 

Molly grew up in Dublin and has also lived in Malmo, Sweden. She studied photography at Ostra Grevie in 2011-12 and Drama and Theatre Studies at Trinity College, Dublin.

Previous set and costume designs include LOVE+ (Claire O’Reilly Productions, 2015 Spirit of the Fringe); East (Claire O’Reilly Productions); Stockholm (Debut Festival, Samuel Beckett Theatre); Aunty Ben (Super Paua: Chelsea Theatre, London and Axis, Ballymun); At Sea (Just The Lads - nominated for Best Design at 2014 Tiger Dublin Fringe Awards); pool (no water) (Debut Festival, Samuel Beckett Theatre);  Life In Our Blood (Paul Testar - Irish Student Drama Award for Best Set Design 2014); A Woman of No Importance (Samuel Beckett Theatre - ISDA Best Costume 2013). Previous assistant design and scenic artist credits include The True Story of Hansel and Gretel (including props design, Theatre Lovett); Way To Heaven and Assassins (Rough Magic SEEDS Showcase), Reckoners (15th Oak); Mice Will Play (Willfredd Theatre); Fused (Dan Bergin Productions). Previous directing credits include Freak (Players Theatre) and Boys (Players Theatre).