Yvonne Coughlan

Writer | Director | Producer | Arts Facilitator
Bringing stories to life through theatre, film, and music

About

Founder & Artistic Director | RSVP (Red Sandstone Varied Productions)

Yvonne Coughlan, MA Theatre & Drama Studies, is a multi-disciplinary artist from Kinsale, Co. Cork. Since founding RSVP (Red Sandstone Varied Productions) in 2006, she has led immersive arts participation projects across theatre, film, and music-engaging artists and communities across Ireland and internationally. Yvonne fundamentally believes in the healing power of art.

✨ "Art is an open invitation, an ongoing conversation between creators and audiences, professionals and participants, that inspires all to greater things; whether it be excellence in art, or, more notably, better life choices." Yvonne Coughlan.

From site-specific theatre to music videos, short films, and radio storytelling, Yvonne’s work is a fusion of creative disciplines, inviting both professional and community artists to collaborate in powerful, innovative ways.

📍 Worked in: Ireland, England, Scotland, Greece, Norway, Poland, Germany, USA, and Australia.

Arts Participation & Creative Projects

...Highlights...

🎭 Theatre

  • Kinsale Youth Theatre Project – Founder & Chairperson, mentoring young artists.

  • Promenade & Site-Specific Theatre – Engaging audiences in unexpected spaces.

  • Community-Devised Productions – Co-creating theatre with local and international groups.

🎬 Film

  • Short Film: 'Regret' – In pre-production.

  • Documentary, Educational & Art Film – Working with diverse voices to tell real stories.

  • Music Video & Promotional Film – Showcasing artists and local culture.

  • Connections-Make a film in 4 days- An arts participatory project.

🎶 Music & Multidisciplinary Arts

  • Kinsale Halloween Committee – Blending live music, theatre, and spectacle 2014-current.

  • A Night on The Town- a musical written and directed by Yvonne in 2018.

  • The Gathering-RSVP- Irish heArts a multidisciplinary promenade through Kinsale in 2013.

  • The Haunted History Tour- Yvonne's first professional production in 2006.

Recent & Notable Work

🎃 Kinsale Halloween An Tulca Festival

📍 Festival Producer | Supported by Eli Lilly, Pure Cork, Fáilte Ireland, and Cork County Arts Office.

A community-driven festival, combining participatory parades, theatre, live performances, and immersive storytelling, making Kinsale the heartbeat of Ireland’s Samhain celebrations.

🎤 The Opposite of Queer Trauma

📍 Creative Producer

A groundbreaking vocal art project by artist Yvon Bonenfant., supported by the Arts Council of Ireland, exploring the healing power of voice through participatory performance.

🎄 The Lord Mayor’s Gala Christmas Concert

📍 Director | 2023 & 2024 (contracted for 2025)

An inclusive, multicultural choral event blending traditional and contemporary holiday music, uniting artists from diverse backgrounds.

Leadership & Advocacy

  • 🎭 Chairperson – Dance Cork Firkin Crane & Inclusive Dance Cork

  • 🎨 Coordinator – The National Campaign for the Arts (Cork South West)

  • 🎬 Mentor & Facilitator – Kinsale Youth Theatre Project

Through these roles, Yvonne actively supports youth arts, disability inclusion, and the expansion of Ireland’s artistic landscape.

✨ "Art comes in at the heart." Yvonne Coughlan.

Media & Gallery

📸 Behind the Scenes & Productions
(Click to explore photo highlights from RSVP previous work!)

Photo Credit John Allen Images.

  • Promo pics from The Haunted History Tour 2007, A Night on The Town 2018.

  • Halloween Parade magic in action.

  • Behind the scenes film making.

  • Community projects, Seasonal family promenades.

  • Performance shot We all Mourn, part of Irish heArts 2013.

🎥 Watch: (Videos of past productions and project highlights.)

Get in Touch

✨ "My goal is to spark connection, creativity, and courage in communities through inclusive, joy-filled artistic experiences, so that every voice feels seen, heard, and valued.” Yvonne Coughlan.

💌 Let’s collaborate! Whether you’re an artist, producer, or community organiser, Yvonne welcomes creative partnerships.

📧 Email: rsvpireland@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 00353-(0)86-0479228