News

Spring Awakening! News: update

Posted On 23rd Aug 2025
Posted By Musical
Author LAURA-ROSE KERR (Secretary)


Dear Members,

As the final rays of summer sunshine begin to fade (and we slowly remember what time our alarms are set for), we can’t help but feel a surge of excitement. September is just around the corner, and with it comes a brand-new season of music, magic, and musical theatre mayhem.

And what better way to kick off the new year than with a BIG announcement?

drum roll, please...
 We are beyond thrilled to announce that our 2026 Full-Scale Production will be the groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and deeply powerful Spring Awakening!

Yes, the Tony Award-winning rock musical by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater is coming to our stage — and we can't wait to dive into this challenging and deeply rewarding piece with all of you.


What’s It All About?

Spring Awakening is not your typical musical. Set in 19th-century Germany, it follows a group of teenagers as they grapple with the mysteries of adolescence — love, desire, shame, curiosity, and confusion — in a world that refuses to explain any of it.

But at its core, this show is timeless. It gives voice to the universal struggle of growing up in a society that too often silences the questions that matter most. It’s about the tension between authority and self-expression, tradition and truth. It’s about what happens when young people are left in the dark — and how they find their light anyway.

With its soaring indie-rock score and emotionally charged storylines, Spring Awakening is a beautiful contradiction: devastating and uplifting, intimate and explosive, quiet and revolutionary.


Why This Show?

We believe theatre should do more than entertain — it should spark conversation, provoke thought, and connect us in meaningful ways. Spring Awakening does all of that and more.

It tackles important topics like mental health, sexual identity, abuse, grief, and the consequences of silence. And it does so with sensitivity, passion, and unflinching honesty. It's a show that resonates — with young people, with anyone who's ever felt unheard, and with anyone who's ever tried to find their place in the world.

This production is a chance for our society to grow not just as performers, but as storytellers, creatives, and a community that values courage, compassion, and connection.


Introducing Our Director: Seán Mac Mathúna!

We are incredibly excited to officially announce that Seán Mac Mathúna will be directing our 2026 Full-Scale Production of Spring Awakening!

A name that needs no introduction within the MUMS community, Seán has been a dedicated and dynamic member of the society for nearly two decades — first joining us back in 2008. Since then, he has left an indelible mark on our stage through unforgettable performances and a genuine passion for all things musical theatre.

In recent productions, Seán has captivated audiences with standout roles — including the larger-than-life Dr. Frank N’ Furter in The Rocky Horror Show (2025) and the heartful, conflicted Baker in Into the Woods (2023). His work in both productions earned him AIMS nominations for Best Comedian and Best Actor, a true testament to his range and talent.

While this will be Seán’s directorial debut for a MUMS full-scale production, he brings a wealth of experience from across the theatrical world. Seán has trained with Bow Street Academy and Helana Walsh Studios, has directed multiple musicals and plays with Dublin Societies, has obtained his certificate in Theatre Directing and is currently undertaking his Masters in Theatre Practice. His years both onstage and off have shaped a deep understanding of storytelling, character, and collaboration — and we know he’ll bring that same insight and passion to the director’s chair for MUMS!

Seán has a deep love for theatre that pushes boundaries and conversations, and Spring Awakening is a perfect match. While his creative vision is still under wraps (we do love a bit of mystery!), one thing is certain: under Seán’s direction, this production will be thoughtful, dynamic, and full of heart.

We can’t wait to work alongside him and see where this journey takes us.

Audition information for cast and orchestra will be coming your way very soon — so stay tuned!


Be Part of the Creative Team!

We are now accepting Production Team Applications for:

To apply, send your application (or any questions!) to: mumsspringawakening@gmail.com
Deadline: Friday, September 12th, 2025

Whether you’ve got a killer choreography vision, a love for leading a live orchestra, or an eye for managing magic behind the scenes — we want to hear from you!

·       Backstage Manager

·       ?Front of House Manager

·       Orchestral Director

·        Choreographer

·       Musical Director


Good Luck & See You Soon!


To all our members preparing for autumn examinations, we’re sending you every ounce of good luck, good vibes, and motivational musical numbers. You've got this — and we’ll be cheering you on from the wings.


And for everyone else, as the summer sunsets and September approaches, we absolutely cannot wait to welcome you back. Whether you’re returning for your final year or joining us for your first, this year promises to be an unforgettable one — full of bold theatre, new friendships, and maybe a few post-rehearsal karaoke nights at O’Neill’s.


So here's to a new season, a new show, and a society full of people ready to make something powerful together. Let’s awaken something extraordinary.


With love and (slightly chaotic) excitement,


Laura-Rose Kerr,


Secretary,


Maynooth University Musical Society

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