Mary O’Malley, who founded the Lyric Theatre, thought Drama for young people was vital. With no full-time actor training available in Northern Ireland, Lyric Drama Studio has, for 40 years, helped bridge that gap by offering affordable, professional training to young actors here. For the last ten, we have supported our members in applying for a place at a recognised Drama School in the UK and Ireland. Many former members now work very successfully in a variety of roles in the creative industries.
In the past 8 years, 64 of our alumni have taken up offers at Drama Schools across Ireland, UK and further, some at the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, Mountview, East 15, RADA, The Lir, Guildhall, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. We are delighted that a record 15 of our students have successfully been offered a place at Drama School in 2020.
A unique opportunity to make the most of affordable, high quality training with experienced teachers for those who want a career in professional theatre
The Lyric Theatre Drama Studio provides a unique opportunity for young people aged 18-25 years old to gain invaluable skills and experience. Throughout the course, expert facilitators lead workshops in a wide variety of theatre skills, all designed to boost the confidence of those taking part and help dispel the inevitable apprehension of auditioning in highly-respected institutions across the country.
Philip Crawford, Head of Creative Learning commented:
"It bodes well for the standard of theatre-making in the future that so many young people from the Lyric Drama Studio have been successful this year in gaining places at these very reputable institutions.
The high quality training they will receive from a diverse range of experienced practitioners can only stimulate their imagination and provide them with the skills they will need to work in an ever more competitive profession.
I am delighted that Creative Learning has been able to help them get to this point.”
Even when the course has ended, the Lyric team continue to offer as much support as we can; providing mentorship and audition coaching, and keeping in touch with recent graduates and young actors. This offers a comprehensive networking opportunity, allowing us all to exchange information and advice, and employment opportunities.
Feedback is generous and appreciative:
“Taught by the best practitioners in the UK, Ireland and beyond.” – Ashlene McGurk
“The most effective route towards professional actor training in Northern Ireland.” – MJ McCullough
“One of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” – Shannen McNeice (winner of the Laurence Olivier Bursary from The Society Of London Theatres 2020)
“Absolutely career-changing!” – Chris Grant (Irish Times Awards nominee 2020)
And for the past 2 years, thanks to sponsorship from the FinTrU Theatre Bursary, we have been able to offer financial support to many students over the course of their studies.
With long established schools like RADA and newcomers like the Leeds Conservatoire alike, the Lyric Drama Studio has now established an excellent rapport and reputation, enhanced by the high standard of the students we continue to send them.
The deadline for applications to the 2020 Lyric Drama Studio course has been extended and will now close on Wednesday 19th August. You can find out more information here.