The Northern Ireland Social Media Awards is set to be an unforgettable night, thanks to the generous sponsorship and entertainment provided by Mourne Stars Speech & Drama, a renowned academy that specialises in nurturing confidence and talent in children and young people through the power of drama and performance. Founded and led by the inspirational Clare McAvoy, Mourne Stars Speech & Drama will not only be sponsoring one of the prestigious awards at this year’s ceremony but will also provide entertainment on the night, showcasing the incredible talent of Clare’s students.
About Mourne Stars Speech & Drama
Mourne Stars Speech & Drama has become a well-loved drama school in Northern Ireland, known for its exceptional teaching and commitment to building confidence in young people. Through her academy, Clare McAvoy has helped countless children and young people find their voice, express themselves through performance, and develop a lifelong love of the arts. Clare’s philosophy is built around the belief that confidence comes from within and can be cultivated by believing in yourself. This core value is at the heart of Mourne Stars, where students are encouraged to grow not only as performers but also as individuals.
With a wide range of drama classes designed for various age groups and skill levels, Mourne Stars is more than just a training ground for aspiring actors—it’s a space where young people can thrive, build self-confidence, and enhance their communication skills.
Clare McAvoy: An Inspirational Leader in Drama and Education
The driving force behind Mourne Stars Speech & Drama is Clare McAvoy, an educator with over 17 years of experience in teaching Drama, English, and Performing Arts. Clare’s passion for nurturing young talent and her commitment to excellence has made her a standout figure in the field of drama education.
1. An Educational Background
Clare is a graduate of Queen’s University, Belfast, where she earned a joint honours degree in English & Drama. Following her undergraduate studies, Clare pursued further education at Queen’s School of Education, completing her PGCE, which qualified her to teach Drama and English at the highest levels. Clare’s academic foundation, combined with her extensive experience, has equipped her to be an outstanding mentor for the students she teaches.
2. A History of Achievements
Throughout her career, Clare has been widely recognised for her dedication to teaching and the impact she has had on her students. In March 2022, she was nominated for the Inspirational Teacher award at the Music & Drama Awards in London—a prestigious event attended by only a select number of teachers from across the UK. This nomination was a testament to her ability to inspire and mentor her students, helping them reach their fullest potential.
Clare’s outstanding contributions to drama and education continued to be recognised when she won the Mighty Women Award in 2023, followed by the title of Best South Down Business of the Year at the Local Women Awards in November 2023. These accolades not only reflect Clare’s passion for teaching but also her exceptional skill in creating a learning environment where young people are empowered to succeed.
3. A Leader in Drama Competitions
In addition to her role as an educator, Clare also adjudicates the GAA Scór Competitions across Ireland, specifically in the Recitation and Dramatic categories. Her involvement in these competitions further demonstrates her commitment to fostering talent and her expertise in the art of performance. Clare’s ability to provide thoughtful, constructive feedback makes her a respected figure in the Irish drama community.
Clare’s Continuous Professional Development
Clare’s dedication is evident in her continuous pursuit of professional development. She attends various training programmes and workshops to enhance her own skills and bring the latest industry techniques back to her students. Some of the prestigious organisations Clare has worked with include:
- Mary Ellen O’Hara (Coaching, Casting & Intimacy)
- Shelley Lowry (Acting Classes for Screen)
- Drama Matters Drama Teachers Network, Birmingham
- Lyric Theatre, Belfast
- Youth Theatre Ireland
- Belfast Improv
- NI Screen
- New Era Academy
- Theatre & Dance NI
Through these collaborations, Clare stays on the cutting edge of drama education, ensuring that her students receive the best possible training. By continually improving her own skills, Clare sets a powerful example for her students, showing them the importance of lifelong learning and dedication to their craft.
Clare’s Philosophy: Confidence Through Drama
Clare McAvoy’s teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that “Confidence is something you create within yourself by believing in who you are.” This mantra is central to the work she does at Mourne Stars Speech & Drama. Clare’s approach to teaching goes beyond the technical aspects of acting and performance; she focuses on building self-esteem and helping her students develop the confidence to express themselves authentically.
Drama, in Clare’s view, is not just about being on stage—it’s about finding your voice, overcoming self-doubt, and building the courage to face challenges with resilience. The skills learned through drama classes at Mourne Stars benefit students not only in the performance arena but also in their personal and academic lives.
Mourne Stars Speech & Drama at the NI Social Media Awards
This year, Mourne Stars Speech & Drama will play an integral role in the NI Social Media Awards. As a sponsor of one of the evening’s awards, Clare and her academy will be celebrating the incredible achievements of those who have excelled in the world of social media in charity. Their sponsorship is a natural fit, as both Mourne Stars and the Social Media Awards focus on the power of communication and the impact.
But the academy’s involvement doesn’t stop there—Mourne Stars will also be providing entertainment on the night, giving guests a glimpse into the world of drama and performance that Clare nurtures through her classes. This performance will showcase the talents of Clare’s students, demonstrating the confidence, creativity, and skill that come from her years of experience in drama education.
Contact Mourne Stars Speech & Drama
For anyone interested in learning more about Mourne Stars Speech & Drama, or enrolling in one of Clare’s inspiring classes, you can get in touch through the following channels:
- Email: mournestars@gmail.com
- Contact form: Mourne Stars Contact
Whether you’re looking for classes in speech, drama, or performance arts, Mourne Stars Speech & Drama offers a nurturing environment where students of all ages can grow in confidence and skill.
The NI Social Media Awards is set to be a night of celebration, creativity, and entertainment, and Mourne Stars Speech & Drama is thrilled to be part of it. As both a sponsor and entertainment provider for the event, Clare McAvoy’s academy continues to inspire and elevate young performers, fostering confidence and creativity in every student. The awards night will undoubtedly be enhanced by Mourne Stars’ presence, as Clare’s passion for drama and dedication to her students takes centre stage.
Be sure to follow Mourne Stars Speech & Drama to stay updated on their performances, classes, and upcoming events, and join us in celebrating the best of Northern Ireland’s social media and creative talents at this year’s awards.