Dublin, Ireland

Summer - Intensive Acting

Study Abroad
Length:
Summer

At a Glance

Housing:

Private Residence, Shared Housing

Credits:

6 per Summer

Language of Instruction:

English

Language Prerequisites:

None

Visa Required:

Maybe

About the Program

Designed for theatre students seeking an intensive, practical approach to performance, this is an immersive, conservatory-style acting program. Your first two weeks of the program will take place in Killarney, hosted by the West End House, School of the Arts. The school, founded by Michael Fassbender, provides an intimate setting for students to learn from some of the country's top tutors and to experience this culturally rich city in county Kerry. The remaining 4 weeks of the program will then continue in Dublin at the National Theatre School of Ireland (The Gaiety School of Acting) for a total of 6 credits.

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Learn From the Best

Take classes from two top theater programs in Ireland.

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Experience Killarney

Find creative inspiration from the Irish countryside.

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Explore Dublin Neighborhoods

Walk along the River Liffey and meander through the city.

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Dublin Will Be Your Classroom

Take in an Irish play at The Abbey Theatre and explore Dublin Castle.

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

May 28 - July 12

Application Deadline:

Estimated Cost:

$
8,516

Program Advisor

Macey Schondel headshot

Macey Schondel

Once you’ve applied for a program, I’ll be your direct point of contact. From housing to course registration and everything in between, I’m here to help you prepare to study abroad. Once you’re accepted to your program, you’ll find even more detailed information about what you need to know before you depart in your Predeparture Guide. Let’s get started!

📱 800.995.2300 ✉️ study@IESabroad.org

About the Destination

a street in Temple Bar lined with green and orange flags

Why Dublin and Killarney?

Irish Theatre has a global reputation for its heritage and excellence. Dublin, as a UNESCO City of Literature is at the heart of this living tradition, and Killarney, located in County Kerry, boasts stunning scenery and lively summer festivals. Your program will help you take advantage of the all that Dublin and Killarney's theatrical community has to offer.

Learn More About Dublin

Get to Know Your New City

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Take a Day Trip

Explore and hike along the coast just a short train ride from the city.

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Catch a Live Performance

Venture to the theatre, or enjoy live music at your local pub.

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Taste the Local Food

Sink your teeth into the various fresh and delicious foods of Dublin.

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Visit the Book of Kells

See this lavishly illuminated manuscript in the Library of Trinity College.

The Student Experience

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Housing

A clean apartment kitchen and living space, with sleek counters, dark cabinets, and modern appliances.
  • Private Residence
  • Shared Housing

Private Residence

While in Dublin, you will live in a private student residence with up to seven other IES Abroad students each having your own bedroom and bathroom within the apartment. No meals are provided, but you'll share a fully equipped kitchen, plus a living area. Mixed-gender and single-gender apartments are available. 

The private student residence is completely furnished and has WiFi along with other amenities, including on-site laundry facilities and 24-hour reception and security. The residence hall is within walking distance or a short bus ride to the IES Abroad Center and a short walk from the Gaiety School of Acting. Residents are invited to attend a range of social events such as mindfulness workshops, movie nights, volunteer days, and more. 

Academics

Our mission is simple: to provide you with the best study abroad program possible—which includes the highest quality academic and cultural experiences.

Courses

Your program will begin with a 2-week, 2-credit workshop in Killarney, Ireland, hosted by the West End House - School of Arts, founded by Michael Fassbender in 2021. You will receive an introduction to contemporary theatre-making, taught by the director of West End House, and attend a number of cultural events in Killarney.

Learn more about your two weeks in Killarney.

For the remaining 4 weeks, you will enroll in the following modules at the National Theatre School of Ireland (The Gaiety School of Acting) for a total of 4 credits: 

  • Acting: Establish a strong personal technique in an organic, intelligent, and imaginative engagement with text and process. 
  • Voice: Develop an intellectual and bodied understanding of the vocal instrument, cultivating tension-free support, control, articulation, resonance, range, and variation of tone—as well as unblocked access to the emotional apparatus. 
  • Irish Writers Seminar: Discover the historical and sociopolitical contexts of works by authors like Beckett, Yeats, and more through acting sessions and seminar/discussion class formats. 

A core value espoused by the National Theatre School of Ireland (The Gaiety School of Acting) is ensemble. This program is physically and emotionally demanding, and all students participate fully in all aspects of the training process. At the end of the program, students participate in a showcase, where they present a selection of ensemble scenes rehearsed throughout the summer. 

NOTE: This is a list of planned course offerings. After you are accepted, you will see a list of final course offerings in your MyIESabroad account. Additionally, IES Abroad reserves the right to cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment or circumstances beyond our control.

IES Abroad Courses

Disciplines (1)

Theatre Arts (1)

Course name Term Language Credits
TH 394 - Theater Workshop Summer English 2
PRO-TIP

Apply for your passport today!

Getting your passport is a crucial step for studying abroad. With processing times taking longer than usual, consider this a gentle reminder to not procrastinate on getting or renewing your passport.

Learn More
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Field Trips

Even though your adventure starts in Dublin, our field trips take you beyond the city to discover the culture and traditions of your host country. All trips are included in the program fee unless otherwise noted with ($).

NOTE: IES Abroad field trip destinations, activities, and lengths of stay may vary according to term and availability. 

Program Cost

Consider these prices as a starting point. We encourage you to contact your current college or university to determine the actual cost to you when factoring in financial aid, scholarships, your school's policies, and other factors.

Summer 2025

Tuition
$
6,538
Housing
$
1,843
Insurance
$
135
Total
$
8,516

Use Our Budget Worksheet to Calculate Your Costs

See the Worksheet
APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

$7 Million in Scholarships & Aid

We firmly believe that financial limitations should not prevent a qualified student from studying abroad. This is why we commit millions of dollars to our study abroad scholarships and aid.

Learn More
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About the IES Abroad Dublin Center

The Center is where our highly trained local staff provide on-the-ground support throughout your time abroad. 

The IES Abroad Dublin Center is a fully renovated red-brick Victorian building that used to serve as a post office. Located just south of Dublin’s city Center, our building is walking distance from Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College Dublin. The Center is your study abroad hub.  

 

Orientation

Start at Home
Our Comprehensive Orientation & Re-Entry Experience (CORE™) begins at home with our virtual orientation to meet the IES Abroad Center staff, fellow students, and the city.
Arrive in Dublin
Orientation continues when you arrive onsite with activities focusing on adjusting to Dublin. Detailed information about other important topics is also covered.
Get to Know the City
Beyond orientation sessions, you will have opportunities to explore Dublin and Ireland before classes start to help you feel at home in your new environment.
Prepare to Learn
Feel prepared to begin classes with practical lessons, activities designed to help you learn your way around the area, and support from our dedicated student staff.
Settle In
Orientation continues throughout the semester with field trips allowing you to both further sample elements of Irish culture and get to know the other students.

Health & Safety

With 70 years of experience, we are proud to set the standard for health and safety in study abroad. Our Chicago-based and on-site staff are all highly trained and experienced in the matters of health, safety, and crisis management. We are here for you from predeparture to your return, and are ready to support you—no matter which time zone you’re in. We plan for "what ifs" so that you don’t have to. From international health insurance included in the cost of your program to highly-trained local staff who can connect you to English-speaking healthcare providers, we are working around the clock to ensure your health and safety while abroad.

Support You Can Expect to Receive on Our Programs

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CISI International Health Insurance

In the case you need to see a doctor or mental health professional.

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24/7 Emergency Support

Whether you encounter an issue while traveling or in your host city.

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Mandatory Cell Phone Policy

Receive any emergency updates from IES Abroad staff via call or text.

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Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information presented at orientation by on-site staff.

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TripTracker System

Allowing you to share independent travel plans.

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Crisis Drills

So that you feel prepared to respond to an emergency should one arise.

Program Dates

Summer 2025

Program Dates:

May 28 - July 12

Application Deadline:

Requirements

  • Eligibility Requirements
  • Application Requirements
  • Passport & Visa Requirements

Eligibility Requirements

  • 18 years of age 
  • In good standing at your home school 
  • Applicants must be a major or minor in Theater Arts/Drama or have EXTENSIVE theater experience 
  • 2.5 GPA or better on a 4.0 scale (GPAs under 2.5 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact a Previous Student

Student Ambassadors

No one knows the IES Abroad experience better than a student who has lived it! From budget tips to housing experiences, our volunteer Ambassadors are here to share it all.

Contact an Ambassador
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The Student Experience

How will study abroad redefine your world? We can’t wait to find out.

Apply Now
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