Drama (Performance)Drámaíocht (Léiriú)

This is a three-year, full-time course in practical drama training and education. TU Dublin Conservatory has over 25 years’ experience in drama training and is one of the leading centres of education in the performing arts in Ireland.

Our graduates have had national and international success as actors, directors, drama facilitators and drama researchers.

You’ll study fundamental acting techniques, voice and language in performance (including Shakespeare), and performance in a variety of cultural, historical and aesthetic contexts.

You’ll develop your body through movement, singing, dance and combat. You’ll learn how to use drama in social and educational contexts through performance and running workshops, and how to analyse and write about a wide range of drama and performance.

Over the three years, there are two small-scale productions and large-scale graduating production. While practical performance is at the core of the course, you’ll be required to undertake substantial academic research and analysis as well.

Modules include Acting, Voice and Speech, Ensemble Performance, Movement, Singing & Dance, Drama Facilitation, Monologue and Scene Study, Shakespeare and the Acted Word, Irish Drama and Modern Drama, Renaissance Drama to Romantic Drama, Theatre in Education, Acting to Camera, Radio Drama, and Contemporary Theatre and Drama.

Contact hours: 26-40 hours per week. Days onsite: Mon-Fri. Days online: currently N/A

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students can apply to study abroad in the Theater Department of Columbia College Chicago in the second semester of Year 2. Students are also eligible to apply for Erasmus exchanges.

Leaving Certificate Requirements

QQI/FET Requirements

In addition to the QQI minimum entry requirements, QQI quotas and QQI points apply. The max QQI points awarded is 390. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/qqi

Mature Applicants

Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome. Further details at www.tudublin.ie/mature

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website. Applicants for this course should have a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Additional Requirements

Garda Vetting: Garda Vetting required through TU Dublin see www.tudublin.ie/gardavetting

RESTRICTED COURSE

Cut-off date for Irish/EU applications is 1st February for original CAO application choices, or 1st March if added as a late change-of-mind on an existing CAO application.

Cut-off date for international applications is 31st March.

Audition & Interview

All applicants  are required to attend an audition/interview. This is a requirement in order to be eligible for a conditional offer. Precise information on dates and times of when to submit a portfolio or to attend a test/audition/interview will be notified directly to each applicant. Due to the large number of applicants and the difficulties in scheduling, applicants should be prepared to attend for assessments at short notice. The University cannot make special arrangements for those who do not respond to, or are not available to deal with correspondence in respect of portfolios/tests/auditions or interviews.

We are looking for potential. This means openness, curiosity, a willingness to follow instincts, an ability to make strong creative choices and to connect and share with others. You will be invited to attend a 3-hour session, where you will be asked to participate in the following:

• Group workshop: Drama exercises with other applicants, usually involving physical and imaginative exercises
• Presentation of monologue: Two to three minutes in length from a play of your choice.  We recommend that you choose a piece close to your own experience, age, culture, etc.
• Writing: You will be given a very short text to read and asked to provide a short written response to a set question
• Questions: Drama staff will answer any questions you have about the course

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Graduates go on to work as actors

• Directors
• Drama Facilitators
• Researchers

Recent graduates have been employed in:

• The Abbey Theatre
• Gate Theatre
• Royal Shakespeare Company
• RTÉ
• BBC
• London’s West End
• Buena Vista Films International
• Showtime
• Smashing Times Theatre Company
• National and international schools and healthcare centres
• Netflix

Graduate Job Titles:

• Community Arts Worker
• Dramatherapist
• Dramaturg
• Playwright
• Producer
• Teacher
• Theatre Director
• Voiceover Artist

Roles where Drama would be useful:

• Arts Administrator
• Actor
• Broadcast Presenter
• Teacher
• Theatre Stage Manager
• Tour Guide

Graduate Employers:

• Abbey Theatre
• BBC
• Bewley's Cafe Theatre
• Buena Vista Films International
• Dublin Fringe Festival
• Fishamble: The New Play Company
• Gate Theatre
• Landmark Productions
• London’s West End
• National Gallery of Ireland
• Project Arts Centre
• Rough Magic Theatre Company
• Royal Shakespeare Company
• RTÉ
• Schools and healthcare centres in Ireland and abroad.
• Showtime
• Smashing Times Theatre Company
• Smock Alley Theatre
• The MAC, Belfast
• ANU Productions
• Druid Theatre Company
• The New Theatre
• Netflix
• Livin Dred Theatre Company
• Barnstorm Theatre Company
• HotForTheatre
• Barabbas
• Lane Productions
• The Performance Corporation
• The Corn Exchange
• Pan Pan Theatre Company
• The Ark
• Galway International Arts Festival

Click on the link below to view an indicative timetable for this course. Timetables are subject to change and up to date timetables will be provided to students on commencement.

View Sample Timetable

Please note, advanced entry is not being offered in 2024.

My education from the Conservatory of Music and Drama made me a confident, well-rounded theatre-artist. Since my graduation I have worked as an actor, dancer, theatre director and most recently a choreographer.

I was taught me how to research and take responsibility for my own art-making. Since graduating I have had several grants to travel abroad to study in Seattle, Massachusetts, New York and recently attend a European conference on the performing arts in Copenhagen.

My career highlights to date include: a year-long mentorship by Fishamble Theatre Company as an emerging director. Staging my first group choreography, Flock, in Castletown House, Co. Kildare. Working as a dance artist in residency with Genesis Collective, Dance House. Acting with Gavin Kostick in ‘Heart of Darkness’ (winner Spirit of the Fringe). Commissioning a new play, ‘Jetlag Waltz’, by John Grogan for my company Ready Fire Aim. Running a monthly arts night, Art Party, to showcase new music, dance and theatre talent in Dublin in the workman's club.

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.