Stage Design - The Lir Academy

In addition to the core classes and workshops, individual and group tuition from The Lir’s Head of Design will be a key feature of the training. In addition, master classes by visiting practitioners will supplement the student experience. Professional placements are a key feature of the programme and all students will showcase their work in public productions at the culmination of the course. Students can opt to take this course either part-time (24 months) or full-time (12 months).

The course is designed to complement the MFA in Playwriting and the MFA in Theatre Directing. Students on all three programmes will work together in collaboration, developing a shared understanding of contemporary theatre practice and a collective appreciation of the dedication and commitment required to make innovative performances happen.

Is This Course For Me?
If you have a passion for theatre and are interested in the many elements of stage design, you should consider the M.F.A. in Stage Design. This course is perfect for professionals looking to get practical experience and specialise in costume or set design.

Students elect to take this course either full-time (12 months) or part-time (24 months).

Full-time students take Contemporary Theatre Practice (20 ECTS), and two elective modules (20 ECTS x 2) in the first two terms, and Production Design (30 ECTS) in the third term and subsequent summer months.

Students who elect to take the course part-time ordinarily complete:

- Year 1: Contemporary Theatre Practice (20 ECTS); 2 elective modules (20 ECTS x 2)
- Year 2: Production Design (30 ECTS)

The final Production Design module will be taught by an ongoing series of individual tutorials.

Full-time and part-time students will take three concurrent modules in the first two terms. The final module (Production Design) will be taught in the third term and subsequent summer months (for full-time students) or in the second year of the course (for part-time students) and will culminate with a professional production staged in one of The Lir’s performance studios. Term Three will be supplemented by an ongoing series of master classes from professional directors and theatre makers.

Students will take two core modules:
- Contemporary Theatre Practice: enables students to become conversant in the styles, forms, theories and practices that constitute contemporary theatre making in Ireland.

- Production Design: individual supervision of two placements as assistant to a professional designer, and realisation of a design for public viewing in one of The Lir studios.

Students will choose 2 elective modules, among the following: Set Design Workshop, Costume Design Workshop, Lighting Design Workshop, Dramaturgy for Stage Design.

Admission Requirements
In addition to the information required on the online form, you are also required to upload a copy of the following:

A letter that outlines the applicant’s theatre education and highlights the applicant’s stage design experience to date.
A ‘statement of purpose’ that refers to the applicants ambitions in terms of stage design.
A résumé (CV).
A portfolio of your work.
Two references / testimonials; one from those familiar with your work and one from third level education.

Closing Date 31st March 2024

1 Year Full-Time or 2 Years Part-Time

Next Intake: September 2024

Career Opportunities
This programme allows students to specialise in or combine stage design disciplines (set, costume, lighting design) and is tailored to provide talented individuals with the necessary skills to pursue a career in the professional theatre and related industries.