Drama at Queen’s combines history, theory and practice in an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, to discover why and how theatre works. Performance workshops and productions enable students to draw upon their reading of literary, cultural, historical and sociological studies to inform their practical understanding of performance. Students are also required to attend professional performances, and benefit from our exceptional links with the theatre sector in Northern Ireland and beyond. Visiting professionals lead workshops in specialist areas.
Student Experience
Extracurricular performance opportunities are offered by the Tyrone Guthrie Society and the student Drama Society, which have taken productions to student festivals in Ireland and the UK. Productions have also been taken to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and to festivals in Belgium and Italy.
Drama at Queen’s has unparalleled links with the professional theatre sector and collaborates extensively with leading arts organisations and theatre companies, such as the Lyric Theatre, Prime Cut Productions, Kabosh, Tinderbox and Bruiser, as well as with the Belfast Festival and the Linen Hall Library. Students also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based learning module in Year 3.
Students can access a range of international opportunities during their degree programme – both as year-long international exchanges and shorter learning opportunities and visits.
Lots of teaching happens in the Brian Friel Theatre, which is one of the best-equipped theatres in Belfast with a 120-seat studio theatre, rehearsal room, dressing rooms, green room and workshop all housed in the Drama and Film Centre which also includes the Queen’s Film Theatre.
Our staff expertise encompasses both professional and scholarly aspects of drama and theatre practice, with many of our team acknowledged internationally as experts in their fields. You will learn from experts in Irish and British theatre, Shakespearean and Restoration theatre, applied theatre practices, global and intercultural theatre, dance and movement, writing and directing.
Further study, including Master’s programmes, is also an option; see the School website for further information.
Our programme of work for primary age audiences is as varied as they are.
From one-man interactive musicals, to time-honoured theatrical extravaganzas, to outdoor family shows – our aim is always to entertain, give children an experience to remember and open their eyes to the wonders of their own imaginations.
Connecting with Teenage Audiences. Our audiences aged 12-18 are our big thinkers.
Figuring out who they are, what they believe and their place in the world. We want to figure it out with them. Theatre is a great way to explore ideas and hear other people’s perspectives and we bring teenagers shows which start conversations, stretch their horizons, and hopefully inspire their own creativity and aspirations.
Through RADA Connect we aim to support applicants currently underrepresented at RADA, in higher education and in the industry. We also aim to reduce financial barriers to applying; help applicants feel prepared for their interview or audition process; build community and connection and help create a sense of belonging.
We want you to feel creative, inspired and like you belong here.
RADA Connect supports applicants to our BA (Hons) in Acting and Foundation Degree in Technical Theatre and Stage Management with a free application, online and in-person workshops, advice and support for eligible applicants.
The Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA) is Northern Ireland’s leading theatre School for 6-19 year olds and strives to deliver the highest level of training possible to every individual student.
As well as providing an exceptionally high standard of theatre tuition we endeavour to offer our students many unforgettable experiences. We have unique contacts with WestEnd & Broadway Performers, TV & theatre casting agencies (including our own in-house casting agency) and theatre professionals. Through these opportunities, our students gain experience and learn more about performance and communicating with others.
Under the guidance of our Artistic Director, Peter Corry, we focus on helping our students grow in confidence so they can excel within the performing arts world and develop their social skills along the way. There is a strong emphasis on fun while we learn and we have a positive, creative, happy environment where our students develop friendships for life.
Every Saturday Morning from 10am – 1pm
We know that applying to drama schools can be daunting. Especially when there is so much choice! The Stage’s How to Choose Your Drama School edition is full of expert industry advice to help you navigate your next steps.
Whether you're interested in acting, technical theatre, or other performance pathways, this essential guide will give you a clearer picture of your options and what to consider when applying.
This year’s special edition comes out October 16 and this year, you can access the digital edition for free!
Simply sign up via the link, and a free digital edition will land in your inbox on October 16, packed-full with drama school advice.
Work alongside industry specialists as you develop your skills and abilities through the three essential disciplines: Acting, Dance and Singing. Collaborate, create and gain performance experience from full scale musicals to a graduate showcase.
With this musical theatre course you’ll become a confident, creative and self-motivated individual, ready to break into the industry.
This September, The Quay Theatre is re-launching its Youth Theatre groups, providing weekly drama workshops for young people aged seven to 15 years.
The new groups provide an exciting opportunity for local young people to engage with the craft of theatre in a professional space, with a focus on all manner of acting skills, as well as collaboration and creative communication.
The aim is to give young people somewhere they can feel safe to explore their creative expression - and have plenty of fun too!
Attendees will also have the opportunity to perform in The Quay Theatre itself, taking full advantage of its extensive professional facilities. Their termly showcase will be fully kitted out with lights, sound, costumes and more – a great experience for budding creatives.
Mortal Fools Youth Theatre is open to young people aged 5–19 years. We run weekly Youth Theatre groups, split by age in Ashington.
At Mortal Fools, we focus on supporting children and young people’s creativity, wellbeing, and self-belief, using the medium of drama. We believe youth theatre can be a brilliant a vehicle to help young people to build their confidence and skills, support their mental heath, and to make sense of the world around them.
There are no auditions, no drama experience necessary, and no fees (although donations are welcome!). All we ask for is a willingness to give things a go, passion for performing, and lots of curious creativity.
Apply your passion and complete your training at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire – we offer drama school level training to mould you into a versatile actor and help you launch your career.
Our BA (Hons) Acting is designed to develop you practically, personally and professionally and prepare you for this challenging industry. We have carefully designed a contemporary course that will train you for a creative career in front of a stage, screen or radio audience. You will receive specialist training in voice, movement and singing, graduating with the skill and aptitude to take on the exciting and dynamic world of the dramatic arts.
This course equips you with the skills you need to become a professional actor; continually stretching and challenging you to reach new levels of personal achievement and self-discovery. As a vocational actor training course, full commitment and attendance would be expected.
