Brand new musical theatre foundation course launches in Tipperary
First Act Musical Theatre Foundation Course Launches in Thurles
Studying musical theatre at Third-Level would be a dream come true for many. But getting into these courses involves more than filling out the CAO form and reaching for the highest points you can. It involves auditioning. But what if you’re not ready?
First Act – a new theatre training academy in Thurles headed by Therese Maher, Artistic Director of Dwan Academy Performing Arts School and Limelight Theatricals – is launching its Musical Theatre Foundation Course to help passionate post-Leaving Cert students prepare for these auditions. This full-time, one-year course involves 30 contact hours a week, training students in acting, singing, dance, theatrical production and more, beginning in September 2025.
There’s only one other such course in the country, in Dublin. “And Thurles is really well located for a course like this. We’re in the midlands, we’re on the main Cork to Dublin train line and we’re right off the motorway, so I’m looking forward to meeting our first incoming students from across the country and welcoming them into our new purpose-built studios.”
This course also offers modules in nutrition, fitness and marketing for performers, as well as audition preparation, vocal health and career guidance, taught by guest speakers and industry professionals, making this course incredibly unique. Add-ons are available in teacher training and production experience. Graduating students will have a well-rounded theatre education that sets them up for success.
“I’ve created a holistic course that enriches students, fuels their passions, and prepares them for a life and career in theatre. Because it isn’t easy! It takes endurance and stamina too. But if it’s what you really want to do, it’s indescribably fulfilling,” says Therese.
She will be teaching production classes, while vocal expert Linda Ryan will be teaching students technique in several different styles, as well as correct voice management. Stephen O’Ríain, whose recent professional credits include Jersey Boys and The Commitments, will be leading the drama department, looking at text analysis, phonetics and acting through song. An opening remains for a qualified, energetic dance teacher, with suitable dance qualifications and five or more years’ professional experience. Get in touch at the email address below if interested.
Therese will be at the Perform Festival in Simmonscourt, Dublin, on February 8-9, or can always be reached at [email protected], for questions from prospective students. But if your heart is already singing “Yes, yes, YES!” with jazz hands, sign up for your audition through this google form https://forms.gle/mNJs1jDbgKrJeZ7TA Previous experience is nice to have but not required. “We’re looking for potential, drive, openness and a strong work ethic.” Auditions will be held in April.
And if you want to jeté into this course now but you’re still in secondary school, a modified version of the Musical Theatre Foundation Course is available for post-junior cert students considering Transition Year.