Act Up Festival is Tallaght Community Arts’ annual one act theatre festival for secondary schools in South Dublin County.

Now in its 15th year, Act Up festival supports second level students to stage their own one act play. The students, act, direct, tech and produce all aspects of their play, supported by Act Up Festival Directors Bronwen Barrett and Michelle Henry. The 2025 Participating Schools were:

• Deansrath Community College
• Tallaght Community School
• St. Marks Community School
• Firhouse Educate Together

The Act Up Festival 2025 Adjudicator was Seán Farrelly. Seán has worked as a writer and drama facilitator since 2018. He has had four plays produced and is involved in Fighting Words, mentoring young writers between the ages of 7-17. He is represented by The Blair Partnership literary agency and his first book will be published by Faber in 2026.

During festival week, the adjudicator gives positive feedback and guidance to the students on their production. Invited guest speakers also give a short talk to the audience and Act Up participants on their career in the industry. Act Up Festival 2025 took place in The Performance Space, Rua Red from Monday 31st March - Saturday 5th April 2025, with the Awards ceremony taking place on Wednesday 9th April.