Applications Open for the Dónal McKeating Bursary - Autumn 2025
This theatre directing bursary is applicable for all Lir Academy alumni.
Following on from the successful launch in 2023, The Lir Academy at Trinity College Dublin is thrilled to announce the third application process has opened for the Dónal McKeating Bursary award for emerging directors. This has been made possible with the generous support of Dónal McKeating and director Marc Atkinson Borrull, and is open to graduates of The Lir Academy.
The award was piloted in 2023 with the acclaimed production of Enda Walsh’s Bedbound co-produced by Landmark Productions and Galway International Arts Festival, and directed by Marc Atkinson Borrull. The inaugural recipient was MFA graduate Effie Spyridaki.
This year offers two bursary opportunities. The first was awarded to 2024 MFA Theatre Directing graduate, Connor Mickiewicz, who has been the assistant director on A Misanthrope by Moliére in a new adaptation by Matthew Minnicino. It is currently running at Smock Alley Theatre until August 2nd, directed by Marc Atkinson Borrull and produced by Marc Atkinson Borrull and Molly O'Cathain in association with Once Off Productions.
The second opportunity is now open for applications. This is to work with director Marc Atkinson Borrull on his latest production Three Sisters as part of the Dublin Theatre Festival progrmame. This enduring Chekhov classic has been given a contemporary Irish take in a new adaptation by award-winning playwright Ciara Elizabeth Smyth. See more at the link here.
The applicant selected should be fully available to be in Dublin from September 1st to October 12th, as well as have some availability for meetings in the weeks running up to this period - this would most likely be remote.
Deadline for application is Monday, August 11th at noon and interviews will be held later that week in person or online - to be confirmed.
Please email alumni@thelir.ie with your CV and your suitability for this bursary.
This annual bursary allows for an assistant director position to be created and remunerated at an industry-standard rate. The award also includes a travel and subsistence allowance as well as several one-on-one mentorship sessions with Marc Atkinson Borrull.
Image credit: Nir Arielli with art direction by Molly O'Cathain.