by Conor Dempsey
Trinity’s new academy of dramatic arts, the Lir, has launched its first undergraduate degree in Acting. The old Trinity Bachelor of Acting Studies ceased in 2007. The centre will begin auditions in November for entrance in September 2011.
The Academy will be located in a new building on Pearse Street, near the Grand Canal Theatre and will house comprehensive studio facilities, rehearsal rooms, changing facilities and teaching rooms.
The Lir is formally associated with the renowned Royal Academy of the Dramatic Arts (RADA). A further undergraduate course, a Diploma in Stage Management and Technical Theatre, is expected to begin in September 2012 and, subject to approval, a Master in Fine Art (Playwriting) in November 2010 followed by MFA specializations in Directing, Lighting Design and Stage Design in 2013.
College noted that “creating a national academy of dramatic arts for Ireland was a long-held ambition of the late Cathal Ryan who established the Drama Academy Development Company two years ago to develop and fund its creation.”
