Omagh's cross-community stage school since 1993
Drama, music and dance for ages 3 to 19 — thousands of students have passed through our studio doors to find their confidence, their voice and their stage.
Coming This Christmas
15th – 19th December 2026 · 7.30pm
Strule Arts Centre, Omagh
Experience the magic, the heartbreak and the bond of sisterhood as the March family comes to life in Civil War-era America. Breathtaking sets and costumes, and a cast of exceptionally talented local actors. Schools performances on 16th & 17th December at 10am.
21st – 22nd December 2026
Strule Arts Centre, Omagh
Our KS3 students (Year 8 – Year 11) take to the stage with their very own show this Christmas — a tale as old as time.
Welcome
Hazel Wand is one of Northern Ireland's longest established stage schools. Our studio doors opened on Bridge Street, Omagh in 1993 and since that time thousands of students have attended weekly lessons to develop in all aspects of the performing arts.
The team at Hazel Wand are all trained professionals in theatre education or theatrical practice. We have specialists in the three fields of performing arts — Drama, Music and Dance. Every member of the team brings something unique, and every member of staff started out as a student of Hazel Wand founder Sister Aengus Fitzpatrick MBE. We carry forward her cross-community ethos of 'performing together' as we continue in her memory.
What We Offer
Weekly classes in drama, music and dance, with a Junior class for primary school students and a Senior class for secondary school students. Classes are divided by age into smaller groups so everyone gets the attention they deserve, and students work towards big productions, showcases and exams throughout the year.
Students entering Year 11 or Year 13 can complete AQA GCSE or A Level Drama at Hazel Wand. The courses are completed in one academic year and taught by PGCE qualified teachers — a challenging mix of performance, devising, coursework, live theatre visits and a written paper.
Students thrive in the more casual studio setting and achieve very highly in their qualifications.
Each year students are offered the opportunity to complete NEA Speech & Drama, Acting and Musical Theatre exams. Students prepare with experienced, qualified teachers who teach exam material one-to-one, so every student gets the training they need to achieve their best — from initial grades up to diploma and teacher diploma level.
Every Summer
Every year we run an annual themed summer scheme. These are longer sessions over several days, jam-packed with drama, music and movement — plus summer camp favourites like obstacle courses, capture the flag and campfire stories — all building up to a performance at the end of the week.
Past themes have ranged from Disney Magic to Les Misérables meets Wicked, and this year's detectives cracked a murder mystery before taking to the Strule Arts Centre stage.
Watch This Space
Our summer production is already in the works — the big reveal is coming soon.
Announcement Coming SoonEst. 1993
Thirty years of performing together! We celebrated our 30th year with a year of theatrical events, Throwback Thursday photos from three decades of Hazel Wand shows, and our 30th Anniversary Gala on 15th June 2024 — thank you to every student, parent and friend who has been part of the story.
For Adults
Not just for young performers! The Golden Apples Players is a performing arts community group for adults, based right here in Omagh. Whether you're a former Hazel Wander, a parent who has caught the bug, or have always wanted to tread the boards, there's a place for you on stage.
Join Us
Registration is open — book a free taster session and see what the Hazel Wand studio could do for you or your child.