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Susie Power awarded the "Young Achiever of the Year" 2009

It is with great pleasure that we inform you that Susie Power age 6, who plays 'Eleanor Daly' on RTE's Fair City was awarded the "Young Achiever of the Year" 2009 award at the "Maternity and Infant Awards" which was held Thursday 12th November at a very prestigious award ceremony in the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin.

Susie received the "Young Achiever of the Year" Crystal trophy award for her impressive acting for such a young age on Fair City, for her achievements at the recent World Championships Of Performing Arts (where she was awarded GOLD) and her excellent CV for the Performing Arts for a 6 year old child which includes theatre, short films and modelling.

On accepting her award, Susie was interviewed on stage and gave a tremendous Thankyou speech where she thanked all the cast and crew of Fair City, Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency in Clondalkin, and her family. The host on the day was RTE newsreader Sharon Ni Bheolain. The award ceremony will be aired on the City Channel TV Station over the next fortnight.

You can see Susie's impressive acting skills at the moment on FAIR CITY as her onscreen father Brendan Daly is in a dramatic court case for killing his brother in law Floyd Phelan.

For more information on the awards ceremony, please check out their website:
http://www.maternityandinfant.ie/awards/

Lorna Dempsey signed by New Leaf Entertainment in Los Angeles

Lorna Dempsey has been a singing and drama student of Maureen's since she was 8 years of age and is still taking lessons with her. Maureen has been Lorna's sole agent for singing, dancing and drama and represents her in Ireland for all entertainment work including films, TV, theatre, cabaret, dance etc. Lorna also has been a choreographer at the Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency for over 3 years and Maureen and the staff and students will be very sorry to lose Lorna but are so proud of her being selected for the new 5 piece girlband which are destined for fame worldwide. The selection for the band came about when Lorna competed at the 2009 WCOPA of which Maureen Ward is the the Irish National Director.

LA's 'New Leaf Entertainment' manager Susan J Cooper was "entranced" by Lorna's performances at the singing, dancing and drama competitions. Maureen had also put an Irish group together for the Official Opening Ceremony of the WCOPA called CELTIC FUSION of which Lorna was the main Female lead and demonstrated her singing and dancing skills from Irish trad to musical theatre to Opera, alongside fellow performers: Shane Landers, Sarah Vaughan, Amy Gleeson, Siobhan Murphy, Leah Donegan, Ellen Gallagher, Sarah Molloy, Megan Coleman, Pamela Fitzgerald and Nicole Maher. Ms Cooper could not wait to meet Lorna in person and asked for an appointment with her and Maureen at the 'GO SEE DAY'. Ms. Cooper, who has worked with many acts such as THE PUSSY CAT DOLLS, was looking for the final member of her new 5 piece girlband and immediately selected Lorna in an instant! Lorna had a meeting with the other girlband members at the event and hit it off straight away. Lorna flew over to Los Angeles on Saturday 22nd August to start her exciting new venture. Maureen is still representing Lorna in Ireland and has been in constant contact with her since she headed to L.A. Although Maureen is sorry to lose Lorna as a student and choreographer she is delighted that Lorna is finally getting her well deserved break. All staff and students from Talented Kids wish Lorna the very best of luck and will be expecting VIP Tickets to all of her O2 gigs in the future!!

Click here for more photos of Lorna

CONGRATULATIONS TALENTED KIDS STUDENTS AT WCOPA 2009

I am absolutely delighted to inform you that this yearsTalented Kids students who represented Team Ireland have won numerous scholarships, trophies, medals and awards at the World Championships Of Performing Arts. The event was held in the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Hollywood, Los Angeles. 5000 contestants from over 50 countries in all, competed in dance, drama, singing, modelling, instrumental and variety competitions.
The 85 members on the Irish team hail from all around Ireland republic and range in age from 5-33 years. 48 members of this team were from Talented Kids.
Seana Kerslake, 18, who is a member of Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency was awarded the top Drama prize of a $10.000 scholarship to the prestigious New York Conservatory of Drama course which is 2 years long.
Darragh Kelliher from Tralee, who is a student of Maureen's, won 'Overall World Champion Senior Drama Performer Award' and performed a monologue written by the talented Martina Keogh in the final showcase.
Celtic Fusion, also a group made up of 11 of the Talented Kids students ranging in age from 10-23 years won 6 gold medals and 1 silver medal for their 5 part harmonious singing and excellent dancing. They also performed in the final showcase.
10 year old Sarah Molloy received 3 Overall Awards as well as 13 medals......most of them being gold for singing! Sarah also performed in the Final Showcase. The final showcase was televised on FOX TV.
Fair City's Niamh Quirke (Rachel Brennan) received 2 Overall Awards for Best Actress in the Junior age category. She also won 5 medals: 3 gold and 1 silver. Niamh also received an Industry Award medal for excellence.
Lorna Dempsey, 22, has been signed by New Leaf Entertainment, who were extremely impressed with her exceptional versatility at the dance, drama and vocal competitions. She will be a part of a new girl band that will be for the international stage. She is ecstatic about the news and we wish her all the very best with it! She flew over on 22nd August to pursue her dream career.
Roberta Fox, a singing student of Maureen's, has been asked to consider moving over to Hollywood by top agent Shele Sondheim for her to work on a cd.
Fair Citys Susie Power age 5 who is the youngest competitor who competed won 8 medals in all for vocal, drama and dance competitions.
Due to the very impressive high Irish standard in the Drama competitions, the New York Conservatory of Drama awarded all senior actors who were on Team Ireland a $500 scholarship for their 2010 Summer Course. Many of the seniors will partake in the course next year. There were many awards given.

Maureen is thrilled to bits over the Irish success. "For such a small population, we conquered the world with our Irish talent! I am so proud of everybodys achievements. We won so many awards and are still celebrating!" For more info on the award winners, please see
http://www.wcopa.com/site2010/index.php?pid=129
http://www.wcopa.com/site2010/index.php?pid=128#Ireland
http://www.wcopa.com/site2010/index.php?pid=114

Maureen V Ward from Talented Kids, was the National Director for the Irish team and won the award for Best National Director. The Irish team also won a Costume award for their Opening Ceremony Parade. Maureen has just signed up to be the 2010 National Director and will be holding auditions around Ireland from September 2009 for the 2010 Irish Team. Please check out 'Team Ireland WCOPA' on facebook for more details.

A celebration party was held for the Talented Kids Students who attended the WCOPA on the 15th August in the Aras Chronain in Clondalkin. There have been many press releases in Local and National Papers. Please see the following links to some of the news articles
http://www.rte.ie/tv/faircity/2009/0728/wcopa2009winners.html
http://www.herald.ie/national-news/hollywood-bowled-over-by-our-young-performers-1836626.html

Kildares Miah crowned Winner of RTE's All Ireland Talent Show "STARSEARCH"

We are delighted to inform you that 11 year old Singer/Songwriter Miah Phelan Sweeney from Moone in Kildare has won the All Ireland Talent Show "Star Search". The final which was aired on RTE last Friday 29th May saw the extremely talented Miah sing and play on piano her own composition which scored her full marks. Miah is from a musical family with both her Mum and Dad being distinguished musical performers in their own right.

Star Search has been running heats since last September 2008. Each performer who made the final 5 auditioned to take part on the popular show last summer. From these auditions, 5 performers were selected to perform each week on the Starsearch Show with one then being the weekly winner through the phone/text votes of the viewing public. A semifinal was then aired with these weekly winners and from this the final 5 were selected.
Each finalist was then mentored by entertainer Mickey Harte who was also an adjudicator on the programme. He gave them advice and tips on each of the finalist's performances.

When Miah's name was called out as the Overall Winner at the Grand Final, she was ecstatic! "Im so excited that i won, playing and singing is all i want to do and im so happy all my practising has paid off!" said Miah. Miah is delighted to be the winner of a holiday voucher worth €3000 and receive the title of RTE's STAR SEARCH WINNER 2009.

Miah is a student of Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency. The Talented Kids staff are over the moon at her fabulous achievement. Another of the Talented Kids Students Alice Naughton was also in the StarSearch final 5. Please see the link about Miah directly http://www.rte.ie/tv/theden/ice/icessfmiah.html

SINEAD MULVEY WINS EUROSONG 2009

Jeffrey Hovenden Keane SINEAD MULVEY WINS EUROSONG 2009 and will represent Ireland in the 2009 EUROVISION SONG CONTEST in Moscow May 2009:

The staff and students of Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency are thrilled to announce that Sinead Mulvey has WON " Eurosong 2009 " and will represent IRELAND this May in Moscow. Sinead, 21, has been a singing and drama student of Maureen's since she was the tender age of 9. Backed by the girl band "Black Daisy", Sinead brought the place down with her rendition of composers Niall Mooneym, Jonas Gladnikoff, Daniele Moretti and Christina Schilling song "Etcetera" on the Late Late Show last Friday 20th February. Sinead was deservedly crowned the outright winner for her tremendous performance of the rock chick song. Sinead will travel to Moscow for the Eurovision Semifinals on May 14th and will then hopefully perform in the Eurovision Finals on May 16th.

Click her to watch Sineads winning performance.

To date, Sinead has had a fantastic career with many lead roles in Musicals and Pantos throughout Leinster. She was a finalist in You're a Star 2006, and has been a multiple prizewinner at many Singing and Drama Talent Shows, Competitions and Festivals throughout Ireland since she was very young. She is regularly sought after for vocal work and stage work and is a well known face on the Irish Showbiz scene. Maureen accompanied Sinead to the Late Late Show last Friday night and will also be travelling to Moscow with Sinead in May for the Eurovision.

MASSIVE CONGRATULATIONS SINEAD! YOU ARE A WONDERFULLY TALENTED and BEAUTIFUL STAR and DESERVE TO GO ALL THE WAY!!!

Watch out Moscow! SINEAD MULVEY is the girl to bring back the Eurovision Crown to IRELAND!

Jeffrey Hovenden Keane wins IT'S MY SHOW!

Jeffrey Hovenden Keane, 13, has won the RTE programme IT'S MY SHOW!

It's My Show was an all Ireland search for the best TV Presenter. Out of hundreds who applied, Jeffrey made it to the final 25 contestants, then to the semi finals and then he wowed the judges so much with his spectacular presenting and improvisational skills, he coveted the title of "Best Young Irish TV Presenter".

The heats for the competition were shown throughout the Christmas holidays with the grand final being aired last Friday 2nd January.

Jeffrey has been a member of Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency in Kilcullen Community Centre for 2 years now. The staff of Talented Kids are extremely proud of his achievement ....but are not surprised! He is one exceptionally talented guy!

Click here for more photos

About It's My Show
Presented by Sinead Kennedy, It's My Show gives a group of 25 youngsters the chance to prove they could be the next big thing in the world of tv presentation.
It's My Show is the fun filled game show for 10 to 13 year olds who think they have what it takes to be the next big thing in TV presenting.
Contestants must cling hard to the theory that "the show must go on" as everything that can go wrong, will go wrong - stray animals, unpredictable weather conditions and a countdown buzzer.
All this and much more has to be overcome with style, a cool head and confidence as the contestants try to showcase their presenting skills in front of a live studio audience!
The show received hundred of entries from all over Ireland but only 25 made it through to the heats to showcase their presenting skills. There were five heats with two winners from each show going forward to the semi-finals. The prize for the winner is the chance to present the coolest show on the telly "ICE".
With Sinead following the action, the 25 participants are mentored by presenter Caroline Morahan for the five heats. The judging panel for the semi-finals and the final are theatre and film director Peter Sheridan, and tv presenters Brian Dowling and Caroline Morahan.

Uniform Details

Students can purchase our new Talented Kids/Teens T Shirt which will be worn in classes and will also be worn to OPEN auditions. It is in the school colours of Black and White. We also have hoddies available.

MALE & FEMALE:

Talented Kids or Talented Teens Tshirt which can be purchased at class

Plain Black Tracksuit Trousers or Sweat Pants (NO LOGOS)

Black Jazz Shoes

Runners

World Championships of Performing Arts

CONGRATULATIONS to all of the students from Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency who took part in the the World Championships of Performing Arts Competitions. You all did brilliantly while over in Los Angeles. The students who competed in Singing, Acting, Dancing and Modelling competitions not only came back with 15 World Championship medals: gold, silver and bronze, but 5 students have been offered the chance of a lifetime by top agents and record producers over there. Jolene Callaghan,16, has been asked to stay over in Los Angeles and work with 2 different record producers. Philip Kennedy, 17, has also been asked to consider moving over to Los Angeles by top agent Don Gibbell for Musical Theatre. Ellen Fitzsimons, 17, received tremendous feedback for her catwalk modelling and was approached by Nova Model Agency to move over and work with their agency. Nicole Maher,11, and Susie Power,4, were both asked by top children's agent Morgan Graham based in Los Angeles and Nashville to move over to for work. Nicole, and her parents are considering the move at this moment in time. Susie who stars as "Eleanor Daly" on RTE's Fair City will not be moving over due to her contract with "Fair City" but it has been agreedthat if a temporary part comes up for her that is suitable, and will not interfere with "Fair City", she will be able to fly over for it. Since the students arrived back, young Chloe Callaghan, 10, has been featured on RTE's The Buzz speaking about her time at the WCOPA on THE BUZZ HOLIDAY FEVER, and how she met so many friends from the 41 different countries competing.

The Talented Kids students also got to travel to Universal Studios, "Wicked" the Musical, The Hollywood Tour where they saw the homes of Justin Timberlake, The Beckhams, Britney Spears etc and got to do plenty of shopping. Considering the struggle that the teachers, students and parents had before going to the WCOPA, due to money being with-held by the original National Director, overall the WCOPA experience has been a tremendous one. Maureen Ward from Talented Kids was nominated as the National Director for the whole of Team Ireland while over in Los Angeles and looked after all of the groups in Team Ireland.

It was very encouraging for the students and teachers of Talented Kids when a copy of the ECHO article that Ms Maureen Bolger of Teenline Ireland wrote, wishing our students the very best and to follow their dream, was circulated on the plane trip over. We would like to thank Maureen Bolger for her kind words and encouragment.

Siobhan Shanahan nominated as Best Actress at Monte Carlo

It really has been a fantastic year for young starlet Siobhan Shanahan. She has just recently returned from the Monte Carlo TV and Film Festival where she was nominated once again for Best Actress in the TV Drama Mini Series category. (Siobhan was also nominated for an IFTA in February for the same role of "Stacey" in RTE's Prosperity).

This is yet again a fabulous achievment for her. Siobhan and her Mum Jean travelled over to the festival which was held on June 11th and June 12th. Although Siobhan did not win the category, she and her mum had a fantastic 3 day holiday and enjoyed the ceremony immensely!

Click here to see some photos of the event.

Congratulations to Sarah Vaughan!

Susie on her first day as “Eleanor” with her Fair City Nana Renee (Una Crawford) and Fair City Mum Heather (Una Kavanagh) The AIMS/Volkswagen Awards were held in the Gleneagles Hotel, Killarney, 14th June 2008. They were hosted by Simon Delaney and Richie Hayes. Sarah Vaughan won Best Female Singer and Actress in a Leading Role for her potrayal of "Brenda Blossom" in "Hollywood Pinafore". Sarah sang the role in both Ireland and Sweden. She received the Northern Region Trophy.

Another winner at the event included (BBC's 'I'd Do Anything' runner up) Jessie Buckley.

The awards were presented to the winners by AIMS National President Winston Johnston and Tom O'Connor of Volkswagen Group Ireland.

Click here to view the AIMS awards highlights video
Click here for the seminar official photos

Niamh Quirke joins the cast of Fair City

Niamh Quirke, 11, from Clondalkin is the latest edition to RTE’s Fair City. She will be starring as “Rachel Brennan” Paul Brennan’s daughter. Niamh’s first scenes will be shown on RTE in July. She has had a great time shooting scenes over the last few weeks since she started and has fit in very well. She particularly loves sharing scenes with Clelia Murphy who plays “Niamh” and her on screen Father Paul played by Tony Tormey.

“Niamh is a born star! We at Talented Kids are thrilled that she got the part! Niamh beat off stiff competition from many 11 year girls to win the coveted part of “Rachel” on the programme. We wish her the very best on the series!”

Susie Power age 4, now starring in Fair City

Susie on her first day as “Eleanor” with her Fair City Nana Renee (Una Crawford) and Fair City Mum Heather (Una Kavanagh) Susie Power aged 4 years, from Calverstown, Kilcullen is absolutely delighted to have landed the part of “Eleanor” in Fair City. She is starring as the daughter of Heather and Dr. Brendan and will be featured in many dramatic and emotional scenes from 1st April on. The cast and crew have been so impressed with her professionalism in reciting her lines and in taking direction for such a young age.

On getting the part, Susie says that she “just loves going in each day to spend time with her “Pretend” Mummy, Daddy and Nana who have all been so kind and generous to her”. They are her extended family now. She says that she is “a very lucky girl because she has a “real” family and a “pretend” family, and loves both of them very much”.

Susie’s first ever stage appearance was at 9 months old when she starred as the baby “Simba” in a rendition of the song “The Circle of Life”. When she was lifted up by the monkey in the song, many of the audience at first thought that she was a teddy bear because she was so small. From “Simba” the lion cub, she then went on to play a baby elephant in the “Dream Warp Show”.

Last Christmas, Susie starred as an “Angel” and as an “Elf” in “The Lost Toys Christmas Show” in aid of Teenline Ireland. The show ran in the Moat Theatre, Naas for 1 week and made over €7600 for the charity.

Susie is a member of Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency. At present, she is preparing for her first ever Speech and Drama Feis. Susie also takes lessons in singing, ballet, tap dancing and ballroom dancing, and will be doing her Kindergarten ballet exam after Easter. She is also a keen artist and loves to colour.

This is Susie’s first Television role….and she is absolutely thrilled to bits to be playing “Eleanor”. She especially enjoys socialising with the Fair City cast and crew in RTE’s canteen where she delights in eating sausages with marmalade on!

Susie will be featured in dramatic scenes with her onscreen parents Heather and Brendan from April 1st 2008 on. Susie is from Calverstown in Kilcullen.

SIOBHAN SHANAHAN NOMINATED FOR AN IFTA FOR BEST ACTRESS IN "PROSPERITY"

Siobhan on the Red Carpet Massive Congratulations to SIOBHAN SHANAHAN, for her recent IFTA nomination. Siobhan was nominated in the BEST ACTRESS Category for her amazing portrayal of “Stacey” in RTE’s “PROSPERITY”. Unfortunately, she did not win the BEST ACTRESS AWARD on the night, even though she was tipped by many of the leading Newspapers such as the SUNDAY TIMES, IRISH INDEPENDENT and IRISH EXAMINER as being the deserving winner. Ryan Tubridy also praised Siobhan from the stage for her fantastic acting skills. Siobhan looked stunning on the night and outshone many of the nominees, and indeed the winners, with her beauty and charm as well as her fantastic dress sense.

The drama series itself was the winner of many awards on the night and rightly so. “Prosperity” is now also up for the TV NOW AWARDS and VIP AWARDS. Both Siobhan and Maureen attended the IFTA Ceremony which was held in the Gaiety and then went on to a reception in the Shelbourne Hotel. It was a fabulous night! Siobhan, we are all so PROUD of YOU! You can see photos of the night in the Gallery.

Keep an eye out for Siobhan’s profile for the Face Up magazine soon on “Life as a Teenage Actress”.

Siobhan Shanahan to star in RTE's new Drama Series "Prosperity"

Siobhan Congratulations to 16 year old Siobhan Shanahan who stars in RTE's new Drama Series 'Prosperity' written by the makers of award winning film "Adam and Paul". We are all so PROUD of you Siobhan!!! After a long and tough audition process, Siobhan wowed casting directors with her improvisational and script reading skills to win the part of "Stacey".

Siobhan has been a member of Talented Kids for 4 years. She does Dance and Drama. Although Siobhan has starred in many musical productions and pantomimes, this is her first major TV role. And what a role to get!! Siobhan has had numerous Newspaper and Magazine articles written about her and her excellent portrayal of 17 year old unmarried Mother 'Stacey'. Siobhan as Stacey She has also been interviewed on the Afternoon Show and on many Radio stations.

Siobhan's talent for acting really shines through in her portrayal of Stacey. Everybody knows Siobhan to be a happy go lucky, down to earth girl who is always the life and soul of the party! Stacey is the complete opposite! This is the most exciting role of the year to get for a 16 year old girl, and we are all extremely delighted that our very own Siobhan got it! Look out Hollywood, there's a new girl in town!!

Click here to visit the shows official website and to watch episodes online.

Jolene Callaghan at X Factor Boot Camp

Congratulations to Jolene Callaghan who was one of the seven Irish Singers to make it to the X Factor Bootcamp 2007.

KELSEY ENRIGHT stars as JANEY MARY

Four year old Kelsey Enright from Clondalkin has just finished shooting the film “Janey Mary”. The dark story is set in the Liberties in 1947 and follows little Janey on her quest to find food for the family in the midst of the horrific poverty of the time which was mainly due to the Flour Strike. She befriends Father Benedict who looks out for her and eventually saves her life.

The film is written and directed by Paul Brady who saw a few hundred girls for the casting of Janey. Paul cast Kelsey as “Janey” and also used 15 other girls in the film from the Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency for the school scenes.

Kelsey has been a student of Talented Kids since September 2006 and is a complete natural! She can act, dance and sing. She follows direction extremely well for a child of her age. The film will be broadcast on Television, Festivals throughout the world and will also be a help to Secondary School Students who will study the story for their English studies.Her Mum Martina was her chaperone for the film shoot.

Kelsey has received a lot of news coverage since shooting the film including news paper articles and an impressive feature on The DEN’S NEWSROUND where she gave an interview and some film footage was shown.

For more information about the film Janey Mary, please see www.janeymary.com

The film "Janey Mary" which stars Kelsey Enright in the title role, was screened on Monday 10th December 2007 on RTE

Abby Byrne stars as Mondo's daughter in RTE's Fair City

Abby Byrne aged 4 years of age has landed the part of Juliet O Connell in RTE’s FAIR CITY. She started filming over a month ago for the part. Abby is playing George McMahon aka Mondo’s daughter in the TV Drama.

Abby got the part through Talented Kids Performing Arts School and Agency. She is only 4 years of age and has already taken part in shows and had a part in a film since joining up in September 2006.

Juliet O Connell lives in England, so Abby, who is from Greenfort in Clondalkin, had to perfect an English accent at classes for the part.

“Abby is a very talented kid ….she follows direction extremely well for a 4 year old child….her teachers at Talented Kids are extremely Proud of her……..she is a great singer, dancer and a little Drama Queen, she is going to go a long way”
Maureen V Ward Artistic Director/Agent for Talented Kids

Jenny Kavanagh stars in "Fair City "

Jenny Fair City’s new star is Jenny Kavanagh who plays homeless CLEO COLLINS. Jenny who is 17 and from Kilnamanagh has wowed RTE Producers, the media and viewers with her portrayal of CLEO.

She has made such an impact that she has had numerous articles written about her and has also been informed that she is being nominated as 1 of the top 10 Irish actresses in the HOT PRESS POLL.

Jenny is not only a tremendous actress, but has a beautiful singing voice and model looks that could find her fame not just in Ireland but also on the Hollywood Stage.

Kathryn McKiernan becomes the new presenter on the Den

Katherine Congratulations to Kathryn McKiernan who is the new presenter on the Den. Kathryn, who hails from Rathcoole is a multi talented girl. She has been studying Singing and Speech and Drama with Maureen Ward since she was 10 and has most recently attained 2 Distinctions in her Grade 8 RIAM Singing Exam and Grade 8 RIAM Speech & Drama Exam. Examiners have been so impressed with Kathryn’s voice they have awarded her the TSB Higher Achiever’s Award for Singing which she will collect next month at a big ceremony. This is Kathryn’s 3rd time to receive the Higher Achiever Award. She has been a multi prizewinner at many Festivals for Singing and Speech and Drama throughout the years notably the Feis Ceoil, and Feis Maitiu. Talented Kids Performing Arts School & Agency wishes Kathryn the best of luck in her new career as Presenter on the Den.