Undergraduate Programmes

Drama (performance) / Drámaíocht (Léiriú) DT529

Qualification awarded: BA Drama (performance)Level 8 / BA Drámaíocht (Léiriú) Leibhéal 8
Duration of programme: 3 years
Type of programme: Honours Degree
Number of places: 20 approx.

What is Drama (Performance)?

The BA in Drama (Performance) is a three-year, full-time programme in practical drama training and education. The DIT Conservatory has over 20 years experience in drama training and is one of the leading programmes in Ireland. DIT Drama graduates have had national and international success as actors, directors, drama facilitators, and drama researchers.

What are my career opportunities?

Graduates go on to work as actors, directors, drama facilitators and researchers. Among the many places where recent DIT Drama graduates have been employed are: The Abbey Theatre, The Gate Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, RTÉ, BBC, London’s West End, Buena Vista Films International, Showtime, TEAM Educational Theatre Company, Smashing Times Theatre Company and schools and healthcare centres in Ireland and abroad.

What other options do I have after completion?

Recent DIT Drama graduates have gone on to practical Master’s programmes in performance and postgraduate academic research (including PhD level) in Trinity College Dublin, UCD, UCC, University College London, The Central School of Speech and Drama, Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts and The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

What will I study on this programme?

You will study fundamental acting techniques, voice and language in performance (including Shakespeare), and performance in a variety of cultural, historical and aesthetic contexts.

You will also develop your body through movement, singing dance and combat. You will learn how to use drama in social and educational contexts through performance and running workshops and you will learn how to analyse and write about a wide range of drama and performance.

Over the three years, there are two small-scale productions and a large-scale graduating production. While practical performance is at the core of the programme, you will be required to undertake substantial academic research and analysis as well.

Module listing

Year One

Acting
Voice and Speech
Ensemble Performance
Movement, Singing and Dance
Drama Facilitation
Critical Analysis

Year Two

Monologue and Scene Study
Shakespeare and the Acted Word
Irish Drama and Modern Drama
Renaissance Drama to Romantic Drama
Movement, Singing, Dance and Combat
Theatre in Education

Year Three

Acting to Camera
Radio Drama
Contemporary Theatre and Drama
Movement, Singing and Combat
Drama in Social Contexts
Graduating Production
Thesis
Recital

Entry Requirements

Minimum no of		Minimum Grade in
Subjects	Honours	Maths	English/Irish
6	2		OD3
Other Requirements Applicants must attend an audition/interview in March/April.

Audition

Applicants must apply through the CAO by 1 February. DIT will then send out an audition request form, which applicants must complete and return to DIT. All applicants, including Mature applicants and Advanced Entry applicants must participate in the audition. The audition usually consists of:

a practical group workshop
performance of a 2-3 minute monologue from a play of your choice (something close to your own age range, experience and social context is recommended)
a short written response to a set text

What our students say!

Aoife Courtney (2007): started her own company after graduating and was selected by the Dublin Theatre Festival and the Abbey Theatre for The Next Stage 2008, an initiative for up-and-coming theatre artists. “The skills I learnt on my degree are to the highest standard . . . the actor training is exceptional.”

Gavin Fullam (2009): has acted in major productions in The Abbey Theatre and The Gate Theatre. “The three years are really intensive . . . the course is indispensable for those looking to pursue a career in drama.”

Further information

Conservatory of Music and Drama
T: 01 402 7815
E: conservatory@dit.ie
W: www.dit.ie/conservatory