If you have a theatrical spirit, let Dublin beckon you to the world of drama in its most prestigious schools. In this city, drama isn’t just art. It’s a living, breathing narrative that unfolds on its historic stages and cobblestone streets.
We’re all seeking our spotlight in one way or another, even as seasoned performers.
Regardless of your experience or skill, the drama schools of Dublin have a stage for you. The city has a rich theatrical heritage, giving you many options to peruse.
From classical acting to avant-garde techniques, enrol in one of these schools to sharpen any dramatic skillset.
How much does a drama school cost?
The fee structure of Dublin drama schools can vary greatly depending on the institution and class level. For example, affordable schools may charge between €10 and €20 per hour for group classes.
Meanwhile, prestigious schools like The Lir Academy charge on a term basis, such as €425 for ten weeks of intermediate classes. Undergraduate diplomas can cost as much as €9,332 in such an institution.
How does a DRAMA school work?
Your entry to Dublin’s esteemed drama school begins with making a few choices. You’ll need to pick your top schools, preferred acting style, and desired class level. Then, you can submit your applications and learn about class schedules and availability.
You can start your dramatic voyage with an orientation session, where you’ll meet your instructors and other aspiring actors. Step into the limelight and enter the world of drama with the city’s prestigious theatre schools.
Key Takeaways
Versatility in Skills
At drama school, you’ll garner a skill set that includes versatile acting techniques, improvisation, voice modulation, and stagecraft.
Emotional Intelligence
Acting demands an understanding of human emotions. Dublin’s drama schools foster lifelong emotional intelligence as students explore complex emotions and backstories.
Problem-Solving
Actors frequently encounter challenges during performances, sharpening their ability to think on their feet under pressure.
Collaboration and Team-Building
Theater is a collaborative art form. In drama school, you’ll learn to prioritize teamwork to put one performance together.
Confidence Beyond the Stage
Drama school students don’t just become confident on the stage but also in everyday life. They’ll speak assertively and make impactful presentations.
Enroll in Dublin’s esteemed drama schools to garner skills that help you excel beyond the world of theatre.
Contents
1 | The Lir Academy
Specialities:
- Acting
- Technical
- Audition Preparation
- Stage Management
- Stage Design
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | thelir.ie |
Phone | 353 (0) 1 896 2559 |
Email-Address | info@thelir.ie |
Google Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 based on 41 reviews |
Founded in 2011, The Lir Academy is a wellspring of talent for aspiring performers within theatre, film, and TV industries. With undergraduate, postgraduate, and short courses, The Lir Academy continues to mould performers and technical personnel who meet the highest global standards.
The Lir Academy takes pride in its faculty, a group of seasoned industry professionals passing on their craft. The acting degree places considerable emphasis on voice and movement training. Meanwhile, established actors can benefit from standalone short courses designed to hone these skills further. Technical courses span from introductory programmes in lighting, sound, stage management, and costume, to a three-year Bachelor degree in Stage Management and Technical Theatre (SMTT).
The Lir Academy is contained in a purpose-built facility with state-of-the-art training resources. It embodies high-calibre professional instruction in acting, voice, movement, and numerous technical areas.
Established through the Cathal Ryan Trust’s collaboration with Trinity College Dublin and affiliated with the world-renowned Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), The Lir Academy paves the way for aspiring performing arts professionals.
Featured Review
"I organized a workshop for my team (coming from one of the GAFAs) as a way to stimulate team communication, trust and organization. We opted for the stage combat and do not regret it. It was amazing. It started gradually from no contact to contact but no danger and even adapted to people with injuries. Even shy people did like it a lot and opened up. We were 20 people with 2 instructors for a workshop of 2 hours. I highly recommend it."
2 | Flying Turtle Productions
Specialities:
- Acting School
- Writing Courses
- Public Speaking
- Production
- Youth and Teen Drama
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | flyingturtleproductions.com |
Phone | 0868244826 |
Email-Address | info@flyingturtleproductions.com |
Google Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 based on 17 reviews |
Founded in 2005 by Director Kathleen Warner Yeates, Flying Turtle Productions was formerly known as the Abbey School of Drama. It began as part of the Abbey School of Music & Drama collaboration established in 1995. In October 2016, the company became the Ireland Institute’s resident performing arts group at 27 Pearse Street, Dublin 2.
Flying Turtle Productions offers a safe haven for performers to replenish their creativity and vitality. Its beginner drama classes encourage adults to reconnect to their childlike state of fluid imagination through ‘psycho-physical’ techniques actors use. The classes help students explore their vocal range, body awareness, and ability to create narratives from personal experiences.
The studio offers a versatile line-up of services – part-time acting/drama classes for youths and adults ages 6-96, tailored workshops, and public speaking courses.
Located in the heart of Dublin, Flying Turtle Productions is an oasis for creatives seeking to uncover their artistic potential. This school is not affiliated the Abbey National Theatre. With an independant theatre and film production company at its core, it has a fascinating history of vibrant theatre productions worth exploring.
Featured Review
"I enjoyed studying there, we have a nice teacher and also friendly yet crazy classmates. Overall I love it, and I learned a lot!!!"
3 | Dublin School of Drama and Communications
Specialities:
- Elocution
- Public Speaking
- Pronunciation
- Drama Classes for Children
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | speechdramadublin.com |
Phone | 353 87 219 6516 |
Email-Address | sales@speechdramadublin.com |
Google Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 based on 37 reviews |
The Dublin School of Drama and Communication offers a platform for all, young and old, to refine their communication and performance skills. This institution has classes designed to foster public speaking skills and confidence in its students.
Recognising that every learner is unique, they provide various learning modes—workshops, group sessions, and one-to-one classes. This allows students of all ages and proficiency levels to progress at their own comfort and pace.
If you want to amplify your voice, rise confidently onto a stage, or capture audiences, look no further. The Dublin School of Drama and Communication will teach you to conquer your public speaking fears and shine in your performances.
Featured Review
" I did a series of 1-1 pronunciation classes with Jill, and that was an absolutely fantastic experience. Jill's feedback and guidance were tailored to my specific needs and helped me a lot. Lessons and materials are well-structured, and Jill's attention to detail is outstanding. Highly recommended."
4 | PlayAct Drama School
Specialities:
- Camps (All Ages)
- Lets Play(3.5-5 years)
- The Players(6-12 years)
- The Impactors Theatre (13+ years)
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | playact.ie |
Phone | 085 275 4057 |
Email-Address | hello@playact.ie |
Google Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 based on 85 reviews |
The PlayAct Drama School offers a unique teaching experience for children and young people to connect, interact, and delve deep into theatrical creativity. The school uses several elements of drama, including acting, prop making, writing, and imagination, to create a dynamic learning environment.
Through our weekly drama workshops, students experience a boost in confidence, social interaction skills, and interpersonal communication. Our approach caters to each student’s interests and rising talents. We aim to nurture their creativity while fostering an all-rounded development in a relaxed setting.
The PlayAct team believes in the strength of a collective effort. Regular check-ins, staff meetings, and continuous staff training help us stay aligned with our learning goals and outcomes.
Our founder, Adrienne Lee, is a seasoned drama, theatre, and performance specialist. She and her team of fully qualified drama facilitators are committed to your child’s learning journey.
Safety is paramount at PlayAct Academy. We adhere to Government guidelines for managing COVID-19, and all our staff are Garda-vetted and certified in the TUSLA Children First programme. With PlayAct, your children won’t just learn drama, they’ll grow as individuals while embarking on a voyage of self-discovery.
Featured Review
"Our 7-year-old daughter has been doing a weekly class with PlayAct for 2 years and loves it! The classes are fun, and her wonderful teacher gives the children the freedom & space to express themselves and create their own wonderful stories. A fantastic way to learn."
5 | Momentum Acting Studio
Specialities:
- 1-2-1 Coaching
- Showreel Servic
- Castability Plus
- Meisner Technique Intensive
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | momentumactingstudio.com |
Phone | 353 1 661 8975 |
Email-Address | info@momentumactingstudio.com |
Google Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 based on 27 reviews |
Momentum Acting Studio, a profound presence since 2014, offers rigorous training with roots in internationally acclaimed institutions. Driven by unwavering commitment, the studio sees actors not only as talent but as craftspeople, nurturing their skills for a thriving career.
Guided by Paul Sorvino’s adage about technique, the establishment uses the Meisner Technique to harness emotional authenticity. They lend a supporting hand to actors hoping to fine-tune their skills and be more castable on the big screen or stage.
Our curriculum relies on the ingenious Repetition Exercise classes, bridging the gap between jobs, keeping actors’ instruments sharp, and allowing them to slowly reveal their character through responses.
A notable feature is their emphasis on the actor’s physical self-awareness. By examining personal habits and breathing patterns, Momentum ushers in an environment for artists to let go, expand their imagination, and broaden their acting range. It’s a holistic approach to training, merging each facet of acting into an indisputable whole.
Featured Review
"I've just completed the Meisner Technique introduction course and I have to say that it was super interesting and totally inspiring. The way Robbie and Liza explain the process and care about every single detail is just brilliant. They absolutely know what they do, you can see the passion in their eyes, and that's enough to recommend to attend their classes. You will learn the first tools of the Meisner technique by practising it and observing other people. I haven't done the foundation course yet, but it's on my list. Thank you, Robbie and Liza."
6 | Next Stage Theatre School
Specialities:
- Workshops
- Audition Coaching
- Minis
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | nextstage.ie |
Phone | 087 153 2277 |
Email-Address | nextstagetheatreschool@gmail.com |
Google Reviews | 5 out of 5 based on 55 reviews |
Next Stage Theatre School in Naas is led by Evelyn Shaw, an accomplished actor and drama teacher. She has a BA in Drama Studies, an MA in Musical Theatre, and over a dozen years of experience in the field. Next Stage, established in 2018, focuses on affordable performing arts training by fostering confidence and embracing fun.
This innovative school caters to all, from timid beginners to practised performers. They create a warm, nurturing environment where children can foster friendships, bolster self-belief, and learn about performance. Get ready to be charmed by end-of-term/year performances and witness kids’ anticipation for Drama/Musical Theatre exams under the guidance of trained, approachable educators.
Not confined to school term times, Next Stage also organises exhilarating performing arts camps during school holidays, adhering to their commitment to inclusivity and quality.
Evelyn began her teaching journey 16 years ago and founded the highly successful Summer Stage camps. She brings an array of acting credits, including a host of productions at Mill Theatre Dundrum and several UK/Ireland tours. As an empathetic instructor, she facilitates special-needs workshops and directs school performances, making Next Stage a holistic theatre school.
Featured Review
"My daughter attends the weekly classes with Next Stage theatre school. She absolutely loves it, and her confidence has really grown since she joined. She looks forward to the class every week during term time. She took part in the summer camp this year, and so did her little brother, who’s 4. Another fab experience!! They both had an amazing week. He’s still showing off the dance moves he learned. Evelyn and the team are fantastic!"
7 | Miss Ali Stage School
Specialities:
- Dance Classes
- Singing Classes
- Acting Classes
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | missalistageschool.ie |
Phone | 353 86 172 2272 |
Email-Address | missalidance@gmail.com |
Google Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 based on 134 reviews |
Welcome to the award-winning Miss Ali Stage School, where the focus is not only on the joy of dancing but also on character development and friendships.
This school, celebrated for its positive discipline, offers a vast array of dance genres: jazz, commercial dance, and ballet, along with musical theatre and lyrical dance. Never shy of championing early starters, the school accepts kids as young as three, nurturing them till their twenties.
With over fifteen years of legacy and state-of-the-art facilities, Miss Ali Stage School provides a comprehensive suite of classes, including drama, singing, and acting. The expertise of industry veterans and a stream of exciting prospects keep pupils ever-engaged.
Miss Ali Stage School also understands the symbiotic relationship between performance and self-confidence. Grooming young talent into established performers, the school excels in reducing stage fright, improving technique and posture, and imprinting rhythm – a complete package for the stars of tomorrow.
Featured Review
"My daughter absolutely loves attending Miss Ali stage school. So much so she is now attending two classes a week. After each class, she comes out buzzing! In the space of a few months, she is now more confident and doesn't hesitate to perform for people outside of a Miss Ali class! We are loving her progress!"
8 | StageScreen Classes
Specialities:
- Kids Course
- Online Course
- Adult Diploma Course
- Adult Performance
- Adult Filmmaking Course
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | stagescreenclasses.com |
Phone | 0861607565 |
Email-Address | stagescreenclasses@gmail.com |
Google Reviews | 5 out of 5 based on 23 reviews |
StageScreen Classes, with dynamic courses for all ages, offer a perfect blend of enjoyment and creativity under the expert guidance of award-winning theatre/film director Conor Armstrong Sanfey. Eager beginners of any age can start their theatrical journey with Conor, progressing eventually to a globally recognised Diploma level.
With a focus on quality over quantity, StageScreen maintains small class sizes to ensure that each individual student receives ample attention. The Adult Performance Course specifically caters to mixed levels, emphasising pleasure and creativity. A broad range of dramatic disciplines, including speech, drama, poetry, directing and improvisation, are taught, with renowned methods like the Meisner Technique, the Chekhov method and more.
The course further enhances pupils’ proficiency with camera-acting workshops, mime and movement drills, and film production. Additionally, it allows students to compile a personal showreel and prepare for a tantalising showcase at the Sean O’Casey Theatre. A workshop with Louise Kiely Casting promises to add another feather to this course cap, subject to availability.
Featured Review
"This was the best acting course I’ve attended. I learned so much during the 7 weeks of the screen acting course. Conor is a great tutor. Teaching different aspects of acting, from Stanislavsky's method to improv. All the work we did during the course resulted in creating a showreel we can use going forward. Would highly recommend it."
9 | Acting Academy Swords
Specialities:
- Acting Lessons
- Dance Lessons
- Singing Lessons
- Tots Classes
- Junior Class
- Senior Classes
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | actingacademy.ie |
Phone | 0877808437 |
Email-Address | lizziebracken@hotmail.com |
Google Reviews | 5 out of 5 based on 15 reviews |
In search of a holistic stage school for your child? You’ve found it in the Acting Academy. This exceptional stage school instils confidence, facilitates creativity, and delivers top-tier training in acting, singing, and dance.
Established in 2003, Acting Academy takes a dedicated approach, valuing each child’s creative potential. They enrich kids’ ability to work in teams, focus, and realise their dreams. Moreover, the school harnesses the spirit of play to improve physical fitness and self-discipline, teaching popular dance moves and styles along the way.
Catering to budding artists aged 4 to 15, the school promotes both teamwork and personal expression. Your child’s self-confidence can blossom while forging lasting friendships and beautiful memories. With its curriculum and learning environment, Acting Academy is recognised as one of Ireland’s leading children’s stage schools, creating skilled performers and well-rounded individuals.
Featured Review
"I attended acting academy from the age of 4 to 17 and it was class, Liz and her team are the most wonderful, kind and skilled teachers! There was always so much excitement at the end-of-year show, and it’s the best acting school I ever attended. The standard of singing and dancing was also brilliant, I would highly recommend the acting academy to anyone who’s interested in either acting, singing or dancing!!"
10 | Sean Gilligan Performing Arts
Specialities:
- Team Classes
- Educational Classes
- Shrek Adult Fees
- Workshop and Camps
Business Information: | |
|---|---|
Website | seangparts.com |
Phone | 085 2016428 |
Email-Address | welcome@seangparts.com |
Google Reviews | 5 out of 5 based on 11 reviews |
Established in 1993, the Sean Gilligan Performing Arts Company is Ireland’s most vibrant Performing Arts Company and Stage School. Nestled in the heart of Dublin, with branches in Artane, Kilbarrack, and Swords, the school invites students of all ages to immerse themselves in Singing, Dancing, Advanced Acting, and Musical Theatre.
They proudly host the famous Halleluia Gospel Choir and leading costume company Sparkle Costume. This institution embraces all facets of performing arts while supplying top-tier professional performers, production resources, and educational services across Ireland and the UK.
Under the expertise of creative director Sean Gilligan, an inclusive and safe environment is fostered for budding artists. Their award-winning productions are a testament to their quality training, exemplifying their students’ talents and abilities.
Featured Review
"Fantastic show. the talent from all the cast was brilliant well done, everyone can't wait for Shrek the musical."
Dublin’s theater scene invites you to experience life on the stage, giving aspiring actors a chance to make their dreams come true. Whether you seek classical Shakespearean roles or contemporary character portrayals, you’ll find a school that caters to your needs. Dublin’s drama schools are where the art of storytelling becomes a lifelong passion.