FAQ Applying for The Lir Academy Undergraduate Degrees
Are you considering applying for one of the undergraduate degrees at The Lir Academy? Below, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about auditions, interviews, choosing your monologue and studying at The Lir Academy
Do I need to put The Lir Academy on my CAO application?
Our application system is completely separate from CAO and any other points-based admission system. You apply directly on our website so you don't need to add us on your CAO application at all.
How many points will I need to get in my Leaving Cert?
You are asked to only meet the matriculation set out by Trinity but you don't need a certain number of points to get onto the courses (a pass in mathematics, English and a language other than English). We rely on auditions and interviews rather than points. Learn more on the Trinity College Dublin website.
How do I apply for the courses?
You apply on The Lir Academy website. When applying for the Bachelor in Acting degree please have your experience to date at hand, as well as a photo of yourself (max size 1 MB). You will have the opportunity to choose an audition date and time that suits you.
For the Bachelor in Stage Management and Technical Theatre Degree, you will be asked about previous experience, so please have those details to hand. You will be able to choose an interview date and time that suite you.
APPLY FOR THE BACHELOR IN ACTING HERE
APPLY FOR THE BACHELOR IN STAGE MANAGEMENT AND TECHNICAL THEATRE HERE
What will be asked during the interviews for Stage Management and Technical Theatre?
We ask you to bring some reference material that shows work from previous shows, work, hobbies etc that is relevant to what interests you. We then have a 15-minute interview around you and your interest in taking the course and have some time for your questions.
What will be asked during interviews for Acting?
We'll want to know about your interest in acting and your experience to date. Have you thought seriously about a career in acting and how challenging that can be? And we just want to get to know you a little and get a sense of why acting is for you.
Do I need to have previous acting experience?
You don't need any experience - either acting grades or professional experience
What do I need to bring with me for my auditions?
You just need to bring copies of your monologues with you to your audition. And wear loose, comfortable clothing.
Do you accept people straight from secondary school?
Yes. All our undergraduate courses accept a mix of school leavers and people with more life experience every year.
Do I need to have a lot of previous experience to be accepted on the Stage Management and Technical Theatre degree?
Don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of experience. The reference material is to start a conversation about your interests and why you want to do this degree. We’re looking for students who are passionate and have skills that can apply to the specialisations offered on this course. So anything from a love of fashion and design to great organisational skills or someone who is very technologically savvy.
What does the stage management & technical theatre course consist of?
It is a three-year practical degree focusing on lighting and sound, prop making, scenic art, set building, costume, production and stage management. In the first year everyone starts off by learning the same skills and from year two you get a chance to specialise more in one or multiple fields. That way you might want to be a stage manager, but you will also know a lot about lighting which makes you more employable.
You will gain practical experience by taking part in our public-facing productions from day one and you will have the chance to go on placement in your selected area. This is a great degree for those who learn best by doing and you will get to network and experience what it’s like on the set of productions very early in your studies, making you prepared for an intense and competitive industry when you graduate.
What happens if I get a big role during the degree?
In general the acting students don't work whilst they are on the course as they need to refocus on the training and the challenges it presents. Acting outside The Lir Academy significantly interrupts that process. The students are also not auditioning for roles until later in the third year, so the situation you outline is not likely to happen until then. If a significant offer is made to one of our third years we work to see how we might be able to accommodate it whilst the student also finishes the course and can be awarded their degree.
What are my career options after graduating from the Bachelor in Stage Management and Technical Theatre?
Our graduates have worked as stage managers, lighting and sound operators or costume supervisors in every key theatre in Ireland including the Abbey Theatre, the Gate Theatre or the Lyric Theatre, Belfast. They have toured the world with RiverDance, worked in the West End and at the Sidney Opera house. Because you are trained in many different areas of backstage theatre as opposed to focusing on just one you are more employable and have more work flexibility. It is a competitive industry, but the standard of training at The Lir Academy has already put our graduates on the map and has given them desirable skills for the entertainment industry and beyond.
Are there any scholarships available?
We have The Lir Academy Bursary which you can apply for once you've been offered a place. You can also apply for the SUSI grant and scholarships offered by Trinity which you can find a list of here: https://www.tcd.ie/study/