The application for the programme must be submitted through the specific form available through the Trinity College Dublin website. The online form includes sections where applicants can submit:

a) Résumé/CV: a stage design CV, clearly listing education, experience in theatre and theatre design

b) References: two reference/testimonials; one from those familiar with your work and one from third level education. It is a good idea to reach out and ensure that those uploading your references are aware of your application and have received the notification to upload their testimonial from Trinity College Dublin

c) Personal Statement (max. 500 words): In this section, you may include why you wish to attend The Lir Academy, and why you wish to pursue a masters degree. You may expand on this statement within your Statement of Purpose, or you may select to include this information on the former and indicate in the Personal Statement section that you will do so.

In addition to the information required on the online form submitted through Trinity College Dublin, you are also required to upload a copy of each of the following through the Additional Documents section on the application form:

a) Letter of Application: A letter that outlines your theatre education and highlights your stage design experience to date. This may also include experience in other areas of theatre. Please note, however, that applicants will require some stage design experience to be accepted on to the course

b) Statement of Purpose: A statement outlining your ambitions in terms of theatre design in your chosen field. In this you can include what theatre is to you, why you have chosen a career in stage design, the work you want to make, why you want to pursue a MFA in Stage Design and your future plans

c) A portfolio of your work . You can see guidance on this at at this link.

It would be extremely helpful if you could name the files according to the following format: NameLastnameEducation, NameLastnamePersonalStatement, NameLastnameCV etc.

Next Intake: September 2026

This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

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.