Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts (Acting)

Course Summary

This programme is designed to provide graduates with the skills to work as actors in theatre, film and television. Coursework includes skills classes, workshops, masterclasses from industry professionals and performances in the universities's Black Box theatre.

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

Throughout the three years, students are introduced to the main acting genres and given a range of approaches to acting. In addition to vocal and movement skills, students learn how to create characterisation. Although we will want to see students develop as creative individuals, they will also learn to be part of an ensemble.

Whilst the training is essentially practical, it is important that an actor learns how to intellectually engage with the text and become an informed actor. To this end, Cultural and Performance Studies engage students with cultural and historical backgrounds and explore a range from textual analysis to performance art.

In addition to an experienced staff, students work with other industry professionals in masterclasses and workshops to extend their range of approaches to self, text and audience.

With a programme which has been endorsed by the industry, students are choosing to study on a degree which is committed to their future employment, which will let them work closely with other would-be developing professionals and which will give them the skills needed for their future in the industry.

YEAR 1

This foundation year introduces students to the collaborative disciplines essential to making theatre and performance, including acting, theatre design, directing and performance/cultural studies.

YEAR 2

The second year in Acting focuses on a variety of acting skills assessed through performance. Students are exposed to a range of dramatic genres, acting styles and plays, from the classics through modern to contemporary works; and they explore a range of approaches to acting.

Performance Studies introduce students to a variety of visual, literacy and critical faculties from a range of cultural and historical backgrounds. Plays, film, productions and live performance are considered from practical and academic contexts.

YEAR 3

The focus of the Acting modules shifts to considering the relationship between the actor and audience. Students engage in a variety of performance contexts and spaces outside of the university.

Performance Studies: Students critically engage in theoretical and practical learning across a range of areas including postmodernism, gender theory, post-dramatic performance and post-colonialism.

YAADA Showcase 2024

NEW CREATIVE TEACHING HUB IN ATU SLIGO

A new €17million creative teaching hub with state of the art performance facilities will open at ATU Sligo in 2023. These include two large black box theatres/studios, production design studios, costume design studios, computer aided design and fabrication studios and dance/rehearsal spaces. The facilities will make studying Performing Arts at the Yeats Academy of Arts, Design and Architecture an especially rewarding experience leading to great employment prospects in the expanding film, TV and theatre creative industries.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:

• Download Entry requirements for just Level 7 programmes
• Download Entry requirements for all programmes

Mathematics is not an entry requirment to study this degree.

Garda vetting
All entrants to this programme will be required to undergo vetting by An Garda Síochána. If you have a criminal conviction in Ireland or elsewhere, this may adversely impact on your ability to undertake a professional placement or to secure employment in the field of Performing Arts.

Career Opportunities

There is a strong demand for qualified practitioners in the TV, film and theatre industries. Graduates will be qualified to work either as an actor in film and TV, or alternatively in a range of areas across the performing arts, teaching, or careers in the broader cultural context (e.g. graduates have founded new theatre companies, written plays, etc.)

Ireland’s screen production sector has more than doubled in the last decade, with major streaming giants using Ireland for productions. Globally, the screen industry is transforming at an unprecedented rate as on-demand streaming has increased significantly. Companies such as Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV continue to escalate production schedules to respond to the public appetite for home entertainment.

Further Study

Graduates may progress to the final year of our Level 8 BA (Hons) in Performing Arts.

AU931 BA (Hons) in Performing Arts

Upon completion of the Level 8 degree, graduates may continue to a Higher Diploma in Education, Master of Arts, Professional Masters of Education (PME), MPhil in Theatre and Performance, or embark on a PhD. Graduates may also study the Master of Arts in Creative Practice here at ATU Sligo.

Master of Arts in Creative Practice

Testimonials

“My qualification has given me the opportunity to build great connections with many other people working in the Arts. I gained priceless skills which I have used to build and maintain my theatre company.” 

Treasa Nealon, BA (Hons) in Performing Arts graduate and Theatre Maker/Actor at Rabbit’s Riot Theatre Company 

"The programme is brilliant! It was everything I expected and more. Class sizes are small so you get to know your classmates and lecturers. The lecturers are amazing and always there to provide support and encouragement. Everyone studies a common first year, which is great for people who are a little unsure if they prefer acting or theatre design. You make great connections and get opportunities to work with top professionals from the industry"

Caoimhe Cassidy, BA (Hons) in Performing Arts

“The best thing about this programme is you learn so much both academically and personally. The modules in first year are very varied, no two days are the same. It is a different style of learning, something you cannot learn from any textbook. The programme is challenging but very rewarding. The lecturers are a huge support. Performing Arts in ATU Sligo will increase your confidence without you realising it, all whilst you learn skills that are transferrable for many work places.”

Stacey Flaherty, BA (Hons) in Performing Arts

Did you know?

We also offer Performing Arts at Level 8 - AU931 BA (Hons) in Performing Arts and a Level 7 degree in Theatre Design - AU824 BA in Performing Arts (Theatre Design)

This programme has partnered with Debrecen University in Hungary where our acting students may go for two weeks of masterclasses in voice, movement and acting.

A common first year gives students an overview of all areas of the performing arts. In Year 2, students choose to specialise in either Acting or Theatre Design. This flexibility to change direction allows students to figure out where their passion lies.

Coursework takes full advantage of ATU Sligo's close ties with Sligo’s arts community, including the Blue Raincoat Theatre Company, Model Arts Centre and the Hawk’s Well Theatre.

Ireland’s screen production sector has more than doubled in the last decade, with major streaming giants using Ireland for productions. Globally, the screen industry is transforming at an unprecedented rate as on-demand streaming has increased significantly. Companies such as Netflix, Amazon, and Apple TV continue to escalate production schedules to respond to the public appetite for home entertainment.

Final year YAADA students take part in a creative showcase each year. Check out the Yeats Academy of Arts, Design and Architecture Yearbook to see their work.

Mathematics is not a requirement to study this programme.

Alumni

"I’ve worked on shows such as Riverdance, Hamilton (when it was off Broadway at The Public Theater) and Be More Chill (Broadway and The West End). I then moved into TV and film working on shows such as Orange Is The New Black, The OA, Krypton, Dublin Murders and The Queens Gambit. I now live in Berlin and work for Lionsgate."

Darren Mc Granaghan, BA (Hons) in Performing Arts graduate and currently working for Lionsgate, Berlin

Course Format

Semester 1

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Semester 5

Semester 6