Dublin is a welcoming city, a place that offers the visitor an opportunity to experience not just a rich cultural heritage but also all that is best from a modern vibrant and energetic city. The city has a strong literary tradition and is proud of its Nobel prize winning authors Samuel Beckett, William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Seamus Heaney. Dublin is also home to Booker prize winning authors Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright and John Banville. There is also a lively and contemporary artistic and musical culture with gigs and night clubs to suit every taste, not to mention an eclectic mix of galleries and museums of arts and crafts. Dublin is small and compact, so that visiting students often comment that they feel very comfortable exploring without fear of getting too lost! Public transport such as the Luas (tram system), DART (light rail system) and bus services enable students to commute easily to our central location in Temple Bar. For information on visiting Dublin, see www.visitdublin.com

Training at the GSA is about training to be a professional actor. But drama covers an array of career and work options, and due to the complete training our students receive the career paths of our graduates are flexible, leading to a variety of related work. Our graduates go on to form their own theatre companies to create dynamic new works, others focus on directing, writing and/or teaching. We also have graduates who work in the area of casting agencies, arts administration and production management. However, the vast majority go on to act.

There are successful actors who did not attend drama school but, as a recent Manpower services report found, 86% of working actors have received professional training. Attending a drama school is seen as increasingly important in developing a sustainable career across the whole breadth of the profession. The training on courses at specialist institutions like The Gaiety School of Acting not only includes the components of acting but also provides career advice and support in finding work and an agent – which can greatly help career prospects.

There has always been a concern that pursuing a career as an actor will not lead to employment, or at least not to a “proper job”. The truth is that not everyone can be a star and becoming an actor may not guarantee great wealth but many of the School’s graduates are working professionals with long careers. It is true that much of the employment is freelance and there can be uncertainty about where the next contract will come from. However the desire to act, and the personal rewards of doing something that inspires you, can be immense. Working as an actor is not always the most financially rewarding profession, and many actors, even well-known ‘household names’, undertake work which utilizes their skills in a range of areas such as advertising, voice-over, business and corporate training. There is a variety of areas open to an actor such as television, radio, film, musicals, classical, repertory or experimental theatre, TIE (Theatre in Education) etc., and some graduates go on to form their own acting or media companies. For some this has included moving into other related areas such as directing, musical directing, writing or teaching.

The Gaiety School of Acting is situated on the south side of Dublin’s city centre, on Essex Street West in Temple Bar, where most of the cultural and artistic activity of the city is delivered. We are situated at the back of Smock Alley Theatre and are proud to work closely with the theatre. For more information and a link to Google maps of our Dublin schools, please see the Contact Us section of our website.

The facilities include three acting studios, a 90-seater black box studio theatre, changing rooms and showers, common areas, computer bank and library.

Prospective students should be aware that, from the outset, the programme is physically and emotionally demanding. Attendance to all classes is mandatory, as the essential work of the programme is a tireless process carried out day by day in the studio or classroom. Indeed, a commitment to one’s craft and peers supplies the very foundation of an artist’s technique, and so the daily discipline of full attendance remains integral to the training process. An average day of formal classes begins with a warm up at 8.30 a.m. and runs until 6 p.m., after which students are expected to prepare work for the following day. Students are expected to continue aspects of class work at home, and they may under certain circumstances be called to attend rehearsals or classes in the evening or on the weekend. Students are expected to attend a theatre visit each week, which forms a mandatory part of the course. These visits are crucial for enabling students to reflect on their craft and to be inspired by seeing their future colleagues at work! Although allowances are readily made for medical, family, or other problems, it should be noted that prolonged or recurring absence or tardiness will result in suspension or expulsion.

Students are not permitted to take on work which interferes with classes. In general, students are advised against taking on any work. The week is extremely full and each student must be physically and mentally present for the full day of classes. The course demands activities such as theatre visits and fundraising activities after class time, which should not be compromised by work or social commitments.

Yes, you can!

The Gaiety School of Acting have a state of the art studio for hire at excellent rates, Monday – Saturday 9am – 10pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm. The school is very centrally located on Essex Street West in Temple Bar, close to restaurants, cafes and cultural attractions. The studios would be suitable for any type of class (including dance), lectures, workshops, rehearsals, auditions, meetings etc. The studio may be rented on a long term basis if needed. Rates are €30 per hour, or €150 per day (negotiable for long term rentals). For more information or to arrange a viewing of the space, please contact us on 01 6799277, or email info@gaiety.stage-secure.com. Please note we do have a busy schedule of courses here at the school and the times you request may not always be available.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we will not be taking on any interns or work experience students until further notice. With no exceptions. 

Audition consists of your presentation of two contrasting monologues of your own choosing, each of about 2-3 minutes in length.
In general, people use one classical and one contemporary piece, but this is not a rule – you are free to contrast your pieces thematically if you prefer. The reason for our asking for contrasting pieces is to allow you to show the best breadth of your ability; there is little point in showing us two fabulous comedic pieces if we can’t see what other potential you might have!
We suggest that you don’t use a film scene. It can be too hard to disassociate from an iconic performance so it really doesn’t do you any justice. We also suggest that you don’t select your pieces from a monologue book – you should really read the whole play from which the piece comes.
Following your presentation we will want to have a chat with you to get a better idea of who you are, what you can add to your class, the school and so on. We would be interested in knowing more about your reasons for choosing your pieces, your interest in that play or playwright, your responses to theatre, the arts, the position of the arts and theatre in society in general…any of these things may come up! It is informal so don’t get too bogged down with preparing yourself for this – the purpose of the interview is to get to know a bit about you.
What we are looking for at audition.
Here is a short guide as to what we are looking for at audition. This is not an exhaustive list nor is it the exact template – rather it is to give you an idea of what we might ask you and what we might ask you to do during the audition and call back workshop should you be selected for this.

Applicants’ responses to various issues such as but not limited to:
reasons for wishing to train; reasons for choice of GSA in particular; details of previous training and/or experience to date; sense of commitment to pursuing the course and commitment to achieving their own full potential; appreciation of role of theatre and the arts in society; commitment to achieving professionalism in their craft; a sense of their aspirations and ambitions for after the course; an appreciation of the role of ensemble in actor training
Applicants will be challenged on their presentation of their pieces and will be asked to represent taking on board directions concerning, for example (but not limited to)

• movement
• gesture
• articulation
• voice
• energy

They will be asked to explore a character motivation choice and show evidence of research into the character, piece and overall work from which it came
Applicants must show an understanding of the importance of the voice area in performance

At interview: Applicants will be questioned using their application statement and choice of audition pieces as a start point for discussion. Examples of questions/topics that may arise from this could include (but will not be limited to):

• Their world view on the role of theatre
• the actor and the arts in society
• the nature of the craft of acting and the role of the ensemble in performance
• their reasons for wishing to train
• their favourite play and playwright and why
• their favourite actor and why
• their reasons for wishing to be an actor
• applicants will be invited to question us

At call back workshop: The call back places the applicant in the dynamic of an ensemble and will address the following areas amongst others:

• Warm up – working as an ensemble
• concentration and focus used for perfecting an exercise or task set by director
• physical coordination
• vocal clarity and articulation
• improvisation and use of imagination and creativity in response to a task set by director
• cooperation and completing a challenge – working in small groups to present as asked by director.

Location: The Gaiety School of Acting is based at newly refurbished premises at Smock Alley, Essex Street West, Temple Bar, Dublin 8. Access to Smock Alley is off Parliament Street. If you are arriving from Dame Street, turn onto Parliament Street, take the first left at the Turk’s Head pub and Smock Alley is on your right opposite The Bakery. If you are coming from the quays, the turn for Parliament Street is from Wellington Quay just after the Clarence Hotel. The Turk’s Head will then be on your right.

That is no problem! We have a range of classes tailored for all levels from beginners right the way through. Don’t worry if you are shy or quiet by nature, the purpose of our acting courses is to help you improve your confidence and teach you how to communicate yourself better. We have hundreds of testimonials to endorse this! See below one such testimonial from a new student:

‘I have just finished doing your 10 week course on the Introduction to Drama course with Oonagh Mcloughlin, I was a shy quite nervous person going into the course because it was something I have always wanted to do and which my cousin said there was nothing to be afraid. I am glad to say all the nerves and the fear of the course left me after two classes. Oonagh was an amazing teacher and I am happy to say that the course was worth every penny! It was so good I am coming back for the Page to Stage course in July for the 5 weeks and I have every intention of coming back for more.’

No. The Gaiety School of Acting is a small premises in Dublin’s city centre with no on-site accommodation available. Students should source and budget for their own housing. Following are some tips to help you find accommodation:

If you are moving city, be aware that moving to a new town is a big decision. If time permits, you should make a trip to Dublin to look at the suburbs or housing you are considering to accurately see for yourself what they are like. An area can be very different by day and by night or mid week and at the weekends. Make sure you see the place before you commit. Also get a good idea of the commute (if any) involved between your accommodation and class venue.
The most commonly used and best resource for seeking accommodation is http://www.daft.ie/ which categorises by area and accommodation type house/apartment etc and whether you want to share or live alone.
Dublin’s postcodes work so that odd numbers are on the city’s north side and even numbers are on the south side. The closest postcodes to Temple Bar are Dublin 2 and Dublin 8. Other good options are Dublin 6, Dublin 7, Dublin 9 and Dublin 3. Particular areas you may wish to look at for access to courses in Dublin City Centre are Temple Bar, Christchurch, Stoneybatter, Drumcondra, Harold’s Cross, Rathmines, Ranelagh, Marino and Fairview.
In general, property on the south side is a little bit more expensive.
All the areas mentioned are within either walking distance or a short bus/tram/train ride of our school.
It is advisable to negotiate on rent. In the nearby suburbs you should be able to get a humble 3-bedroom house for approx €1600 (so that would / could be a room in a house for approx €500 a month; you would usually also have to factor in bills on top of this: electricity/gas/waste disposal etc) but these would not be huge if shared.)
If you want to live in the city centre, prices would be a little higher.

The Gaiety School of Acting now offers One to One Coaching. This provides actors and performers with the unparalleled experience of having a master coach thoroughly custom-tailor a programme matching their level of skill, talent and goals. We cover essential skills and techniques and deliver them through a variety of proven methods and processes. We can put you in contact with a tutor should you wish specific assistance with e.g. voice, movement, audition preparation etc.

To arrange your one hour private session, please contact reception on 01 679 9277 or info@gaiety.stage-secure.com. Each session costs just €65.

Read on! Below you will find some tips and advise relating to Full Time & One Year Part Time auditions.

Audition consists of your presentation of two contrasting monologues of your own choosing, each of about 2-3 minutes in length.

In general, people use one classical and one contemporary piece, but this is not a rule – you are free to contrast your pieces thematically if you prefer. The reason for our asking for contrasting pieces is to allow you to show the best breadth of your ability; there is little point in showing us two fabulous comedic pieces if we can’t see what other potential you might have!

We suggest that you don’t use a film scene. It can be too hard to disassociate from an iconic performance so it really doesn’t do you any justice. We also suggest that you don’t select your pieces from a monologue book – you should really read the whole play from which the piece comes.

Following your presentation we will want to have a chat with you to get a better idea of who you are, what makes you tick, what you can add to your class, the school and so on. We would be interested in knowing more about your reasons for choosing your pieces, your interest in that play or playwright, your responses to theatre, the arts, the position of the arts and theatre in society in general…any of these things may come up! It is informal so don’t get too bogged down with preparing yourself for this – the purpose of the interview is to get to know a bit about you.

Please feel free to contact me on 01-6799277 or info@gaiety.stage-secure.com with any other questions you might have.

What we are looking for at audition.
Here is a bit of a guide as to what we are looking for at audition. This is not an exhaustive list nor is it the exact template – rather it is to give you an idea of what we might ask you and what we might ask you to do during the audition and call back workshop should you be selected for this.

Applicants’ responses to various issues such as but not limited to:
Reasons for wishing to train;
reasons for choice of GSA in particular;
details of previous training and/or experience to date;
sense of commitment to pursuing the course and commitment to achieving their own full potential;
appreciation of role of theatre and the arts in society;
commitment to achieving professionalism in their craft;
a sense of their aspirations and ambitions for after the course;
an appreciation of the role of ensemble in actor training
Applicants will be asked to present 2 contrasting monologues of approx 2-3 minutes in length each
They will be challenged on their presentation of these pieces and will be asked to represent taking on board directions concerning, for example (but not limited to) movement, gesture, articulation, voice, energy
They will be asked to explore a character motivation choice and show evidence of research into the character, piece and overall work from which it came
Applicants must show an understanding of the importance of the voice area in performance
At interview:

Applicants will be questioned using their application statement and choice of audition pieces as a start point for discussion. Examples of questions/topics that may arise from this could include (but will not be limited to):

Their world view on the role of theatre, the actor and the arts in society
The nature of the craft of acting and the role of the ensemble in performance
Their reasons for wishing to train
Their favourite play and playwright and why
Their favourite actor and why
Their reasons for wishing to be an actor
Applicants will be invited to question us
At call back workshop

The call back places the applicant in the dynamic of an ensemble and will address the following areas amongst others:
Warm up – working as an ensemble
Concentration and focus used for perfecting an exercise or task set by director
Physical coordination
Vocal clarity and articulation
Improvisation and use of imagination and creativity in response to a task set by director
Cooperation and completing a challenge – working in small groups to present as asked by director
Directions to the Gaiety School of Acting:
Coming from Dame Street: Walk up Dame Street away from Trinity College towards Christchurch on the right hand side of the street. You will come to Thomas Reads on the corner of Parliament Street, turn right onto Parliament Street, walking on the left hand side, and you will come to the Turks Head turn left onto Essex Street West. We are on the right hand side opposite ‘The Bakery’ coffee and cake shop.

Coming along the quays: walk along the South side of the quays away from town towards Heuston Station., turn left into Parliament Street and the immediate right onto Essex Street West. The entrance to the Gaiety School of Acting is on your right.

Yes! All are welcome to apply and we have had applicants and students & graduates from all over the world. Please note that Non-EU students fees differ from EU students.

All of the courses in The Gaiety School of Acting require you to be fluent in English. You will be reading text, writing and improvising through English. At least a level B2 in Cambridge English is necessary. http://www.cambridgeenglish.org/why-cambridge-english/international-language-standards/

Unfortunately, the GSA is not in the position to assist you with securing a visa for Ireland.
Please contact your state, embassy, consulate, etc. for further information.
We can only issue a letter for the purpose of obtaining a visa once you have been accepted onto the course, registered and fees have been paid in full. For further information and advice on obtaining an Irish visa, please visit citizensinformation.ie

The Gaiety School is a non-funded private conservatory drama school and so does not offer any funding to incoming students. The GSA is not a university, and so as such students are not eligible for much county council funding. To be sure of your options we advise you talk to your local county council or social welfare office. The majority of our students pay for the course through their own means. We will not provide letters to obtain funding until your place on the course has been accepted and fees paid in full. In the event that we are made aware of bursaries or funding opportunities we pass the information on to students. We do offer a bursary for a limited number of 1st year students going on to 2nd year, which will be available for students to apply for when going in to 2nd year.

You don’t need a certain Leaving Cert level, and graduates will not receive a Degree or Diploma. The Gaiety School provides purely practical, non-academic conservatory drama training. We provide a certificate upon completion of the 2 year programme, in the event that all requirements for graduation have been met. The training you receive at The Gaiety School is about preparing and training professional actors for direct entry into the business, providing them with full training and the valuable opportunity to make contacts with, and be seen by, theatre and film professionals (agents, casting directors, directors, writers etc).

No, you do not need previous training, however you may feel that some experience may be of benefit to you. The school offers many introductory level classes and also a One Year part-time course which will give you valuable skills to take with you into the interview and audition process.