Actor training in Ireland comes in many forms — from full-time drama schools to part-time evening classes, weekend workshops and private coaching. There’s no single “correct” path, but understanding your options helps you make informed decisions about where to invest your time and money.
This guide covers the main training routes available to actors in Ireland, what to look for in a good course or teacher, and how to approach training at different stages of your career.
Do you need formal training to act in Ireland?
There’s no legal requirement to have formal training to work as an actor in Ireland. Some successful Irish actors have drama school backgrounds, others are self-taught or learned primarily on the job.
However, training helps in several ways:
- Skill development: Acting is a craft. Training teaches technique, voice, movement, text analysis and character work
- Confidence: Good training gives you tools to tackle auditions and roles with more assurance
- Industry connections: Classes and schools put you in contact with other actors, teachers and sometimes industry professionals
- Credibility: Having recognizable training on your CV can help when approaching agents or applying for professional work
- Safe practice: Training teaches you how to work physically and emotionally in ways that don’t harm yourself or others
That said, training alone doesn’t make you a working actor. You also need experience, good materials, resilience and an understanding of how the industry actually works.
Full-time drama schools in Ireland
Full-time drama schools offer intensive, multi-year programs (usually 3–4 years). These programs are expensive and require a significant commitment, but they provide comprehensive training and strong industry connections.
What full-time drama schools offer
- Structured curriculum covering acting, voice, movement, text, improvisation, audition technique
- Productions and showcases, often attended by agents and casting directors
- Industry showcases in final year to help graduates find representation
- Access to facilities, rehearsal spaces and production resources
- Peer network of fellow actors training at the same time
Who full-time drama school suits
Full-time training works best if you:
- Are young (late teens to mid-20s, though mature students do attend)
- Can afford the fees or secure funding
- Can commit to several years of full-time study
- Want a comprehensive foundation before entering the profession
- Are prepared for intense, competitive training environments
What to consider
- Cost: Full-time drama school is expensive. Factor in tuition fees, accommodation, materials and living costs
- No guarantee of work: A drama school degree doesn’t guarantee you’ll work professionally after graduating
- Application process: Most schools require auditions and interviews. Competition for places is high
- Location: Most full-time drama schools in Ireland are based in Dublin, though there are some regional options
For more on the overall acting career path in Ireland, see how to become an actor in Ireland.
Part-time acting classes and evening courses
Part-time classes are a popular option for actors who are working, studying or unable to commit to full-time training. These range from beginner courses to advanced scene study and technique classes.
What part-time classes offer
- Regular weekly or monthly sessions, usually evenings or weekends
- Focus on specific skills (scene work, audition technique, voice, physical theatre)
- Lower cost than full-time programs
- Flexibility to fit around other commitments
- Opportunity to train while gaining practical experience
Who part-time classes suit
Part-time training works well if you:
- Are starting out and want to test whether acting is right for you
- Are working or studying and can’t commit full-time
- Want to build skills gradually while gaining experience in productions
- Already have some experience but want to refine specific techniques
- Can’t afford or don’t want to pursue full-time drama school
What to look for in a part-time class
- Qualified, experienced teachers: Look for teachers with professional acting and/or teaching backgrounds
- Clear structure: Good classes have a curriculum or focus, not just random exercises
- Safe, supportive environment: Training should challenge you, but never humiliate or harm you
- Reasonable class size: Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- Honest feedback: Teachers should give constructive criticism, not just praise
Avoid classes that make big promises (“we’ll get you an agent,” “guaranteed auditions”), charge excessive fees, or pressure you into long-term contracts.
Workshops and short courses
Workshops are intensive short-term training opportunities, typically ranging from a single day to a few weeks. They’re often focused on specific techniques, styles or skills.
What workshops offer
- Concentrated focus on a particular technique (e.g., Meisner, physical theatre, on-camera acting)
- Exposure to new methods and teachers
- Networking with other actors
- Shorter time commitment and lower cost than ongoing classes
Who workshops suit
Workshops work well for:
- Actors who want to explore a specific technique or style
- People looking to supplement existing training
- Actors wanting to stay active and learn between jobs
- Those who prefer intensive bursts of learning to regular weekly classes
What to watch out for
- Celebrity workshops: Just because a workshop is taught by a well-known actor doesn’t mean it’s good training
- Overhyped methods: Some workshops promote a single technique as the “only” way to act. Good actors draw on multiple approaches
- Cost vs. value: A weekend workshop can cost several hundred euros. Make sure it’s genuinely useful, not just marketed well
Private coaching and one-on-one training
Some actors work with private coaches for audition prep, scene work or ongoing technique development. This is common among working actors preparing for specific roles or auditions.
What private coaching offers
- Personalized attention and feedback
- Flexibility to focus on exactly what you need
- Confidential space to work on challenging material
- Scheduling that fits around professional work
Who private coaching suits
Private coaching works for:
- Working actors preparing for important auditions
- Actors working on specific challenges (accent work, emotional access, physicality)
- People who prefer one-on-one learning to group classes
- Actors in regional areas without access to good group classes
Finding a good coach
Look for coaches with:
- Professional acting experience and/or teaching qualifications
- Good reputation among other actors
- Clear rates and boundaries (no vague promises or unprofessional behavior)
- An approach that suits your learning style
Ask for a trial session before committing to a package. Trust your instincts — if something feels off, find a different coach.
University drama and theatre studies programs
Some Irish universities offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in drama, theatre studies or performance. These programs are more academic than vocational drama schools, but can still provide valuable training.
What university programs offer
- Blend of practical performance training and academic study (theory, history, criticism)
- Degree qualification that may be useful for other careers
- Access to university facilities, productions and networks
- Often cheaper than private drama schools (especially if you’re an Irish or EU citizen)
Who university programs suit
University drama programs work if you:
- Want a broader education alongside acting training
- Are interested in the academic study of theatre and performance
- Want a degree qualification for career flexibility
- Prefer a less exclusively vocational environment
Note that university drama programs generally provide less intensive actor training than full-time drama schools, and may not have the same direct industry connections.
Youth theatre and community drama groups
If you’re just starting out or exploring whether acting is for you, youth theatres and community drama groups offer accessible, low-cost entry points.
What youth and community theatre offer
- Regular sessions and productions
- Supportive, social environment
- Opportunity to perform and build confidence
- Low or no cost
Who they suit
Youth theatres are for young people (usually under 18 or early 20s). Community drama groups welcome all ages and experience levels.
These are great starting points, but they’re not a substitute for professional training if you’re serious about a career in acting. They’re best seen as a way to gain early experience, build confidence and decide whether to pursue formal training.
For guidance on gaining your first acting experience, see getting your first acting experience in Ireland.
How to choose the right training for you
When deciding what training to pursue, consider:
Your current level
- Complete beginner: Start with part-time classes or community theatre before committing to expensive full-time training
- Some experience: Part-time classes, workshops or full-time school, depending on your goals and resources
- Working actor: Workshops, private coaching and continued skill development alongside professional work
Your goals
- Serious about a professional career: Full-time drama school or consistent part-time training combined with real-world experience
- Exploring whether acting is for you: Part-time classes or workshops
- Improving specific skills: Workshops or private coaching
Your resources
- Time: Can you commit full-time, or do you need flexible part-time options?
- Money: What can you realistically afford without going into unmanageable debt?
- Location: Are you based in Dublin, or do you need options in regional areas?
Red flags to watch for
Avoid training that:
- Promises guaranteed work, agent representation or fame
- Charges excessive fees with no clear value
- Uses humiliation, bullying or unsafe physical/emotional practices
- Pressures you into long-term contracts or additional purchases
- Makes you feel worse about yourself rather than building your skills and confidence
Training is ongoing, not a one-time thing
Good actors never stop learning. Even experienced professionals take classes, work with coaches and explore new techniques throughout their careers.
Think of training as part of your ongoing development, not a box to tick before you’re “allowed” to act professionally. You can start training at any age, and you can keep training for as long as you’re working.
Final thoughts
There’s no single correct training path for actors in Ireland. Some people thrive in full-time drama schools, others build skills gradually through part-time classes and on-the-job experience. What matters is that you’re learning from good teachers, developing your craft consistently, and approaching training with honesty about your goals and resources.
Invest in training that’s right for your current situation. Stay curious, stay humble, and keep learning throughout your career.