Program Overview

Diploma in Acting and Theatre

The Diploma in Acting and Theatre is a one-year, full-time program designed to prepare students for three-year actor training at conservatoire level or broader drama degrees and related areas of study and work. The course is taught by a committed team of teachers, including many of The Lir Academy's core acting tutors and teachers from the Master of Fine Art programs.

Overview

The foundation course is aimed primarily at school leavers interested in preparing themselves for three-year actor training at conservatoire level, either at The Lir Academy or other drama schools. With an additional focus on broadening students' reading and understanding of plays and theatre history, it also prepares students for broader drama degrees and related areas of study and work. The course encourages students to develop their own individual creativity with a focus on collaboration, improvisation, and lateral thinking.

Course Details

• Awards: Diploma (NFQ Level 7)
• Number of Places: 16 Places
• Duration: 1 Year Full-Time
• Classes: Monday to Friday, six hours per day
• Core Subjects:
  • Acting
  • Voice
  • Movement
  • Physical theatre
  • Dance
  • Text analysis
  • Choral singing
  • Acting for screen
  • Theatre history
  • Audition technique
  • Professional development and career progression classes

Admission Requirements

• Entry: By audition
• Audition Process:
  • First audition: classical and contemporary monologue (each no more than three minutes long)
  • Second audition (for successful applicants): voice, movement, and group skills assessment
• English Language Requirements: Band B (Standard Entry)

Graduate Skills and Career Opportunities

The Foundation Diploma provides students with a basis in the fundamentals of Acting, Voice, and Movement technique. Students study the main genres of dramatic writing as well as performing these works and developing their own. This training provides the foundation for their future study as actors at drama conservatoires as well as for studying academically at B.A. level.

Course Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the relevant section.

Related Courses

• Acting
• Drama and Theatre Studies
• Drama Studies (JH)
• Film
• Film Studies (JH)
• Music
• Music (JH)
• Stage Management and Technical Theatre

Testimonial

The Foundation Course at The Lir Academy really is a foundation for life. The scope of the training introduced me to acting techniques and disciplines I had never encountered before, alongside encouraging me to continually grow and take risks as a performer. The distinctly welcoming and supportive environment of The Lir, cultivated by its family of exceptional tutors and likeminded, creatively driven students, makes whatever challenge the course presents ever-more achievable.

Katie Killarney

Graduate

Additional Information

The course is specifically designed to prepare students for drama/acting degrees and related areas of study and work within the theatre, TV, and film industries. All the training is provided by dedicated theatre professionals with strong industry links. The personal development of students is enhanced by regular individual tutorials with the course director, a dedicated member of staff who supervises all aspects of the program.