Professional Development
The National Opera House Corporate Events Team is expanding its event offerings. For the most current live events, please see below.
Please contact John Warburton at john@nationaloperahouse.ie
Do you need your message to resonate with the people who matter?
Can you make complex information clear, persuasive and memorable?
Do you want greater confidence when presenting to diverse audiences?
Join Dr Sara Walmsley and Elizabeth Drwal for an immersive, one‑day professional development workshop at the award‑winning National Opera House, Wexford.
Designed for teams who communicate complex ideas, this creative, evidence-based programme strengthens clarity, confidence and influence.
What You Will Gain
- Stronger public messaging that connects with non-expert audiences
- Greater confidence in presentations, interviews and media settings
- Improved stakeholder engagement and clearer policy dissemination
- Enhanced team creativity, resilience and wellbeing
What The Day Includes
- Voice & Presence Coaching
Resonance, projection, articulation and vocal variety
Practical techniques to sustain vocal health and stamina - On-Stage Practice
Rehearse in the O'Reilly Auditorium, home of the Wexford Festival Opera
Reduce presentation anxiety through supported, real-stage experience - Creative Team Communication
Drama-based collaboration and problem-solving in the Jerome Hynes Theatre
Boardroom roleplay to test messaging, strategy and audience-centred communication - Wellbeing & Support
Breath work, vocal warm-ups and supportive creative practices
Networking lunch in La Vista, overlooking Wexford Harbour
Who It's For
- Ideal for teams who must communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively
- Policy teams and council communications units
- Senior leaders, spokespeople and board members
- Scientists, researchers and technical experts
- Corporate communications, PR and engagement teams
Practical Information
- Duration: Full-day workshop (tailored schedules available)
- Group Size: Recommended 8-20 participants
- Location: National Opera House, Wexford (online options available)
- Optional: Follow-up resources, recordings and refresher sessions
Our Facilitators
Dr. Sara Walmsley, an artist-researcher and anthropologist, designs creative, participatory frameworks using music and theatre to foster inclusive communication and resilience in complex organizational and environmental contexts. Her work enhances collaboration across difference and strengthens agency in multi-stakeholder groups, as detailed at sarawalmsley.com.
Elizabeth Drwal is a community artist and producer specializing in socially engaged arts, combining classical training with devised improvisation to facilitate community development, performance, and climate-focused youth opera. She leads community education for the Wexford Festival Opera and creates, produces, and manages projects, including recent works for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, as outlined at elizabethsinging.co.uk.