Meet our full team of MFA in Theatre Producing Tutors!
Some of the most talented producers, artistic directors and arts consultants are on our teaching staff. Meet them all here.
Last summer, we announced some of the tutors that joined us at The Lir Academy to teach on our new MFA in Theatre Producing that commenced in September.
Since then, we have had even more acclaimed practitioners join the team, led by course director and award-winning producer Matt Smyth. Meet them below!
They are currently guiding our emerging producers studying for their one-year MFA in Theatre Producing (or two years part-time). You can see full biographical details on the tutors listed below at the link for the Master in Fine Art Theatre Producing section here .
Course applications are currently open - see more here.
Anne Clarke
Anne Clarke is the founder of the multi-award-winning Landmark Productions, one of Ireland’s leading theatre producers, which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024. In that time, she has produced 46 plays, three operas and a musical – 33 of which were world premieres. The company’s work has been seen on major stages overseas: at the Barbican, National Theatre and ROH in London; at the Edinburgh International Festival; at St Ann’s Warehouse and BAM, New York; as well as in the West End and on Broadway.
Renn Miano
Renn Miano is a writer, archivist, creative producer & anti-disciplinary artist based in Ireland. As the founder of Origins Eile and CO-OP label DIAxDEM, Miano curates cultural projects that celebrate Black Queer People and people of color. Origins Eile focuses on creating visibility and support networks for emerging artists, emphasizing inclusivity and community.
Ruth McGowan
Ruth McGowan is the Literary & New Work Director at the Abbey Theatre. Prior to this, Ruth was Artistic Director & CEO of Dublin Fringe Festival from 2018 – 2023, As a dramaturg, programmer and producer, Ruth has been building creative partnerships and championing new work across performance disciplines since 2009. Specialising in idea development and talent development, she has supported hundreds of artists to bring their work from the page to the stage. She has produced world premieres in festival fields, above pubs, and in historic theatres from Letterkenny to the Lower East Side.
Sinead McPhilips
Sinead McPhillips is a Cultural Communications Consultant with a passion for connecting
audiences with high quality cultural experiences. Sinead’s current and recent clients include some of Ireland’s leading arts organisations including: Landmark Productions; Wexford Festival Opera; Galway International Arts Festival; Creative Places; Music Network; Cúirt International Festival of Literature; Dance Cork Firkin Crane; and Project Arts Centre,
As previously announced, the other tutors are:
Cian O'Brien
Cian runs his own production, touring and consultancy company COBA: Cian O’Brien Arts. Previous to that, Cian was Artistic Director of Project Arts Centre and a freelance producer.
Claire O'Neill
Claire is a Producer and Arts Manager. She has held a variety of managerial and production roles over the last 15 years and is the Creative Producer for Paul Curley and Julie Sharkey
Emer McGowan
Emer McGowan has over 30 years of experience working in the arts sector and is the Director of Draíocht in Blanchardstown.
Loughlin Deegan
Loughlin Deegan was the founding Director of The Lir Academy, he has been a member of The Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon and is an established artistic director and producer.
Niamh O'Donnell
Niamh has over 30 years professional experience in the arts sector and has been Director of Irish Theatre Institute since April 2022.
Tilly Taylor
Tilly is a Dublin-based independent producer working across theatre, dance, film and multidisciplinary performance.
Tom Lawlor
Tom is a consultant linking audiences and brands with Ireland's leading cultural innovators, events, arts organisations and festivals.
