Theatre Forum CLG trading as Performing Arts Forum AGM
We invite all members to join us for our AGM, which will be held online on Zoom on Friday, 26 September 2025, at 11 a.m. This meeting is a valuable opportunity to learn more about our organisation’s strategy and upcoming initiatives, and to vote for the election of the Board.
Please ensure your membership is up-to-date in order to attend and vote at the AGM. We extend our thanks to everyone who has already renewed. If you haven’t yet renewed, you can easily do so online.
Use your vote
We strongly encourage all members to participate in the upcoming AGM.
If you are attending online, please register for the AGM here. You’ll have the opportunity to vote during the meeting on a number of resolutions and to elect three Board members. The Board candidates are listed at the bottom of this page.
If you’re unable to attend, you can still make your voice heard by appointing a proxy to cast your votes on your behalf. For your convenience, we suggest appointing our Secretary, Paul Johnson, as your proxy, though you may choose any other member if you prefer. Please complete the Proxy form to designate your proxy. Proxy Votes must be submitted by 6pm 25 September 2025, the day before the AGM.
Agenda
Theatre Forum CLG trading as Performing Arts Forum AGM
Notice of the company’s Annual General Meeting
26 September 2025, 11am
- Open the meeting and review the AGM 2024 Minutes
- Resolution 1: Adopt the company’s 2024 Financial Statements together with the report of the statutory auditors.
- Resolution 2: To authorise the Directors to appoint the statutory auditor and to fix their remuneration.
- Proposed amendments to the constitution
It is proposed to resolve that the Constitution of the Company be altered as follows:
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- Resolution 3
Article 35 to be changed to read:
‘Where a matter is being decided (whether on a show of hands or on a poll) every individual member present in person or by proxy and every company member acting by its nominated representative present in person by proxy shall have one vote. Affiliated members shall be entitled to attend and speak at all general meetings of the Company but shall not be entitled to vote.’from (this is the current constitution): ‘Where a matter is being decided (whether on a show of hands or on a poll) every individual member present in person or by proxy shall have one vote. Every company member, acting by its nominated representative or his or her proxy shall have the number of votes allocated to the member by the system of weighted voting set out in the Rules of Membership. Affiliated members shall be entitled to attend and speak at all general meetings of the Company but shall not be entitled to vote.’
Note this proposed resolution removes the existing weighted voting system of 3:1. - Resolution 4
Article 50 to be changed to read: ‘The Company shall have a minimum of nine and a maximum of twelve directors, not less than nine of whom shall be elected in accordance with articles 51 – 55 (inclusive) and not more than three of whom shall be non-elected directors, co-opted by the Board in accordance with article 56.’from (this is the current constitution): ‘The Company shall have a minimum of six and a maximum of nine directors, not less than six of whom shall be elected in accordance with articles 51 – 55 (inclusive) and not more than three of whom shall be non-elected directors, co-opted by the Board in accordance with article 56.’ - Resolution 5
A new Article 21(b) be added, as follows:
(a) General meetings of the Company shall be held in the State at such time and at such place as the Board shall appoint.
(b) Notwithstanding the preceding sub-article, a general meeting of the Company may take place wholly or partly online with the use of communications technology if the Board shall so direct and provided the conditions laid down in Section 176A of the Act (as inserted by Section 12 of the Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Act 2024) are complied with).
- Resolution 3
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- Review candidate statements and hold an election for three board positions.
There are six candidates standing for election for three director positions. Members may vote for up to three candidates, either by casting their vote during the meeting (if attending) or by submitting a proxy vote in advance. - Receive the Chair’s Review of the company’s affairs and overview of the strategy, plans and forthcoming events.
- AOB
If you have any queries about your membership, the AGM or appointing a Proxy, contact irma@performingartsforum.ie.
Key Documents
- 2024 Financial Statements
- AGM 2024 Minutes
- Constitution & Rules of Membership
- Performing Arts Forum Strategy June 2024
Candidates for Election are as follows:
Mary Boland
Mary is the current Chair of Performing Arts Forum.
A native of Waterford, Mary has been committed to supporting artists and arts activity throughout her 30-year career. Since graduating from Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College, Mary has spent many years working in a range of management roles in the arts sector. She has worked as Production Manager on various theatre productions as well as Company Producer with Red Kettle Theatre Company. Mary’s work has brought her to Donegal, Galway and Cork as well as her native Waterford.
With 13 years’ experience as Theatre Manager at the Theatre Royal, Mary has recently stepped into the role of Theatre Director incorporating the programming and artistic leadership of the organisation. Mary continues to play a major role in the development of the venues journey while continuing to maximise on increased supports to artists through the venues annual programming strategy and resources.
As a venue partner with the South East Venues Network, Mary continues to deliver supports to the sector regionally.
Janice de Bróithe
Janice is the Artistic Director of Barnstorm Theatre Company. Previous to this, she was the Artistic Coordinator of Equinox Theatre at KCAT Arts Centre and a freelance theatre-maker. She has been a long-time collaborator with Asylum Productions, co-directing two of their recent productions: First Light and The Local and has worked as an artist, producer and facilitator across multiple projects with VISUAL Carlow and Carlow Arts Festival. She was the founder and Artistic Director of Slapdash Theatre Co, a community-based theatre company focussed on making inter-generational inclusive theatre. She also regularly facilitated drama workshops, ran theatre programmes and made work in primary, secondary and further education schools, various community groups and arts organisations.
She holds a BA and MA in Drama & Theatre Studies from UCC, a PG Dip in Theatre Directing from LAMDA and was among the first cohort to receive certification as a Wellbeing Coordinator for the Creative Arts.
She currently sits on the board of Performing Arts Forum, Carlow Arts Festival and the Praxis Committee.
Davey Kelleher
Davey is a director working across Theatre, Opera, Musical Theatre, and Arts Education.
He is a creator of new and reimagined artistic work. He is passionate about creative collaboration, and the support and development of artistic process and potential.
As a maker, he has directed and produced award-winning work nationally and internationally, including with Dublin Theatre Festival, Dublin Fringe Festival, Cork Opera House, The Gate Theatre, The Abbey Theatre, Lyric Belfast, VAULT London, Edinburgh Festival, and the European Theatre Festival of Lebanon, Sydney and Melbourne Fringe Festivals, and the Irish Repertory Theatre, New York. He works regularly with Irish National Opera, and was a studio member of the INO ABL Aviation Studio (2020-2022). He works regularly with the Cork Opera House in their development of new work, musical theatre, and interdisciplinary outreach. He is an Associate Artist at the Civic Theatre, Dublin; a graduate of the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College; and holds an M.F.A in Theatre Directing from The Lir Academy, Dublin.
He is a core mentor and production director with TENDERFOOT, an award winning arts apprenticeship programme for transition year students, run at the Civic Theatre, Tallaght. He is a regular guest tutor, and production director for the Lir Academy, Dublin; Ireland’s National Academy of Dramatic Art; for the BA Acting Programme, as well as designing content for and facilitating a number of short courses, workshops, and outreach programmes.
He is a member of the Dramaturgs Network of Ireland, and regularly mentors and supports the development of new work of practicing and emerging theatre artists.
He is the current Artistic Director of Dublin Youth Theatre.
Orla Moloney
I am Executive Director at Project Arts Centre, working closely with Artistic Director Sophie Motley. We run a busy multidisciplinary arts centre in Dublin City Centre, which prioritises edgy contemporary work and welcomes adventurous and diverse artists and audiences .
I have served on the Board of Performing Arts Forum since 2022, Co-Chairing the Arts Centres Working Group and taking an active role on the EDI Working Group.
Previously, I worked as Head of Arts Participation with the Arts Council/ An Chomhairle Ealíon (2007 – 2013), Director of both Droichead Arts Centre and Age & Opportunity’s Bealtaine Festival, and Regional Development Manager with Music Network.
I have extensive experience as an independent arts consultant, working on research, policy development, and evaluation in a range of arts contexts across the country.
I have served on the Boards of Dance Limerick, Create, and Barnstorm Theatre Company and am currently Secretary on the Board of Music Network.
Katherine Murphy
Katherine is currently the Programme Manager of Dublin Fringe Festival. In this role she manages a year round artist support Programme (FRINGE LAB) and the annual open call for Ireland’s largest multidisciplinary Festival. Alongside the Festival Director, she helps to shape the overall artistic direction of the festival, ensuring it remains innovative and relevant. Before joining the Festival in January, she was Programme Manager in Irish Theatre Institute, where she managed a suite of artist support programmes, residencies, and Playography for over 7 years. She also played key roles in coordinating international networking events as part of Dublin Theatre Festival and Dublin Fringe Festival, ensuring Irish artists were connected with global opportunities.
An arts manager from Dublin, Katherine brings over a decade of experience in the creative sector. A 2014 graduate of Trinity College Dublin with a joint BA in Drama Studies and English Literature, she has since built an impressive career in Ireland, the UK, and the USA. Her roles with leading national and international organisations include Landmark Productions, TV3 (now Virgin Media), Brooklyn Web Fest, Day One, Super Paua, c Venues, and a previous position with Dublin Fringe Festival.
Niamh Murtagh
Niamh is a passionate arts and culture professional with a love for bold, innovative, and boundary-pushing work. Holding a BA in Film and Broadcasting (2015), Niamh has built a thriving career within the film, TV, and live performance sectors, always seeking out the unconventional and the avant-garde.
After recently completing her role as Programme & Artistic Support Coordinator for the Dublin Fringe Festival, where she championed visionary artists and curated unforgettable festival experiences, Niamh is now embarking on an exciting new chapter as Programme Manager at the Irish Theatre Institute. In this role, she continues to foster creative excellence and support a vibrant, inclusive arts community.
A proud Clore Emerging Cultural Leader (2023/2024), Niamh combines her industry expertise with a deep commitment to innovation and leadership in the arts. With a Capricorn Sun, Aries Moon, and Taurus Rising, her work is driven by determination, creativity, and a grounded passion for making a lasting impact. She brings a mix of ambition, energy, and practicality to every project, thriving on challenges and opportunities to push boundaries.
Niamh’s career is defined by her desire to challenge the status quo. She loves working on projects that spark change, question norms, and celebrate the weird and wonderful. Whether behind the scenes or front-and-center, her unique combination of artistic insight, leadership, and tireless work ethic makes her a driving force in the arts community.