Our Story
Putting the arts at the heart of our community since 1995.
Backstage offers a welcome space for people to enjoy and engage with the arts. We endeavor to enhance the cultural landscape of Longford, celebrate our artists, enrich the lives of people in our community and contribute to the development of the arts nationally.
Our Mission
It is our mission to promote the development of the arts regionally by presenting a high quality, diverse and innovative program of arts activities. Valued by and engaging the community we serve and which provides a platform and resource for artists and companies to present their work.
Over the years, a growing audience at Backstage has been treated to a dynamic program of exciting and inspiring theatre. Whether you fancy top quality drama, breathtaking dance, belly chortling comedy or live music we have something to suit all tastes.
Over the years, a growing audience at Backstage has been treated to a dynamic program of exciting and inspiring theatre. Whether you fancy top quality drama, breathtaking dance, belly chortling comedy or live music we have something to suit all tastes.
From acorns grow mighty oaks
Our History
Backstage Theatre was an initiative of Backstage Theatre Group and Longford Slashers GFC who set about building a “Theatre for Longford” with help from Arts Council Ireland and the people of Longford.
Opened in 1995, Backstage comprised of a 214 seater auditorium and Atrium Gallery. In 2010 a studio space (capacity 80) was added, funded by the Department of Arts under Access 11 and Longford County Council. Backstage Theatre has been funded by the Arts Council from the outset and is also funded annually by Longford County Council. For 25 years our commitment to our central role as a regional Theatre has been based on the vision of the initiators of the theatre project. They planned “A Theatre for Longford” which is accessible, participatory and enhances the cultural infrastructures of the region.
Bringing you the best
Our History
Over the years a growing audience at Backstage has been treated to a dynamic program of exciting and inspiring theatre from some of Ireland’s leading companies. We strive to present a varied programme that programme that will engage, entertain, challenge and stimulate.
Whether you fancy top quality drama, breath-taking dance, belly chortling comedy or live music we have something to suit all tastes & moods.
Current programme
About Us
Backstage Theatre is one of Ireland's leading arts venues, bringing you the best shows, gigs and entertainment. Located in Longford in Ireland's Hidden Heartlands, Backstage Theatre is the ideal choice for theatre, dance, comedy, family fun, school trips and a great night out. Take a browse to find out what's on in Longford. We also offer artists support through residencies and bursaries helping to nurture the arts in Ireland. Our venue is also multi-functional offering an ideal location for conferences, meetings and workshops in Longford.
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Artists Support
We are proud to give artists the support, the space and the opportunity to create, develop and dream through our Core Residency and Activate Residency Programmes. We will continue to develop these programmes, strengthening the support to even more artists and continuing to add value to the supports offered.
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