Course Summary
This course in creative writing for stage is designed to encourage, nurture and promote the individual voice of the developing writer. The theatrical landscape is constantly being moulded by theatre makers who are presenting original works or reimagining classics. Critical to this process is new creative writing for stage and adaptations. On the Master in Fine Art degree in Playwriting at The Lir Academy, we offer every student the opportunity to develop and hone their unique creative writing skills so that each play written is the best it can be.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
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 professional theatre CV, clearly listing education, experience in theatre and playwriting
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, the specific postgraduate course you are applying for, 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 creative writing experience to date. This may also include experience in other areas of theatre. Please note, however, that applicants will require some playwriting experience to be accepted on to the course
b) Statement of Purpose: A statement outlining your ambitions in terms of theatre writing. In this you can include what theatre is to you, why you have chosen a career in playwriting, the work you want to make, why you want to pursue a MFA in Playwriting and your future plans. You should also explore your ambitions in terms of creative writing style, form and medium.
c) a sample of writing in the form of a play (minimum 45 minutes reading time)
(Please note that writing samples will not be returned under any circumstance and that The Lir Academy does not provide critiques of writing samples).
Application Details
Next Intake: September 2026
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
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.
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 Progression
This course is designed to equip students of exceptional talent with the skills necessary to pursue a career in theatre and related industries through the development of skills, professional practices and creative approaches to writing for performance.
Duration
2 years Part Time