Abbey Theatre and The Lir Academy Announce a New Theatre Producing Bursary
The Abbey Theatre, Amharclann na Mainistreach and The Lir, National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity College Dublin are delighted to announce a new bursary, funded by the Abbey Theatre, to support a student participating in The Lir’s Master of Fine Art (MFA) in Theatre Producing.
Recognising the need to support regional talent, the Abbey Theatre Bursary in Producing is specifically for people resident outside the Greater Dublin Area on the island of Ireland. All applications from people who fulfil the criteria will be considered for the award of €6,000 and it can be used to assist with tuition fees or living expenses.
Co-Director of the Abbey Theatre, Artistic Director, Caitríona McLaughlin said: "There are so many factors that makes choosing a career in theatre more difficult than ever before, and often this is because of a lack of access to support, expertise and infrastructure. For this reason, I am delighted that the Abbey Theatre is partnering with The Lir, National Academy of Dramatic Art, on this valuable opportunity. Our producers are the backbone of productions, bringing economic nous, creative thinking and holistic management to projects. As the National Theatre of Ireland, we are very aware of the talents throughout the country. We believe this bursary will make a big impact and will help bring a rural-based producer one step closer to Irish stages in the coming years.
Speaking on the announcement, The Lir’s CEO/Director, Gemma Bodinetz, noted ‘We are so grateful that the Abbey Theatre has come on board to support the development of talent with this award. It is fantastic to see our national theatre investing in the nurturing of producing practice across the country. This award will not only hugely benefit the successful student but will also go some way to ensuring that the industry is further opened to diverse voices and that theatre making outside of the capital is represented and developed.”
The MFA in Theatre Producing is the newest course at The Lir Academy and began in 2024. It was created following a consultation with the sector who articulated the lack of trained theatre producers. Led by leading producer Matt Smyth, the first 5 graduates have just completed their studies and there are currently 8 students on the programme from Ireland and abroad. They come to the course from a range of disciplines including: stage managers; dancers; performers; early-stage producers; directors; and artistic practitioners.
The programme runs for approximately 13 months from September each year, the MFA is conferred by Trinity College Dublin. The course includes training with leading practitioners and hands-on producing practice, as well as a professional placement. The deadline for applications is March 31st. For more details and how to apply see thelir.ie.