Find out about training and classes with the National Folk Theatre of Ireland.
Training with the National Folk Theatre
The strength of Siamsa Tíre’s performing company lies in the extended Community Cast who have trained and performed with the company over more than fifty years. Most members of the 100 strong cast have been specifically trained from childhood, to perform on stage with the company in the unique Siamsa idiom.
Ireland’s culture, heritage, language, stories, dance, and music are at the heart of Siamsa Tíre’s theatre company. Along with sharing Ireland’s rich tradition and folklore with widespread audiences, Siamsa Tíre is passionate about fostering new talent through the Siamsa Tíre National Folk Theatre Training Academy. It is here that students’ talents are trained in the unique Siamsa Tíre style for three years, after which they receive the opportunity to train further to become a member of the performing company. For any student with an interest in the traditional arts, theatre, music, singing or dancing, auditioning for Siamsa Tíre is a golden opportunity.
Students who have completed the training offered by Siamsa Tíre have gone on to achieve national and international success as performers, including John Fitzgerald, Sarah Jane Drummey, Justin Walsh, Paula Murrihy, David Geaney.
Our Community Cast of performers have successfully completed National Folk Theatre Training and then auditioned to complete performance preparation leading to performing on stage as part of the National Folk Theatre.
2023 Auditions
Every year, the National Folk Theatre holds auditions to attract the best of traditional young talent (age 7-12).
We are delighted to announce that our 2023 auditions will take place from 15th to 17th June and will take place in person as follows:
- Thurs 15th June @6pm-8pm in Tithe Siamsa in Finuge.
- Fri 16th June @6pm-8pm in Carraig.
- Sat 17th June @10am-5pm in Siamsa Tíre Theatre, Tralee.
These auditions are by appointment only and candidates (aged 7 to 12) must have an Irish dance step and a song prepared and or music (bring along your own instrument).
Contact Box Office on 066 7123055 to arrange your appointment.
Training Schemes for Children (7-12 Years)
We offer a three-year formal educational training programme where children are trained in Irish dancing, traditional singing and drama with a view to becoming a member of the performing company and perform with the National Folk Theatre in the annual Festival of Folk summer seasons. Classes take place weekly from September to June with fees due on registration. A minimum of three years of training is completed with the company before going on to an advanced training class as part of their performance preparation before becoming a member of the Community Cast.
Schools Auditions Support
We love meeting students and sharing the excitement of our annual auditions with them and we are delighted to announce that school auditions will take place in May and June 2022.
If your school would like to give their students the opportunity to audition for the National Folk Theatre Training Academy, please contact our Training and Development Officer Anne O’Donnell on email at [email protected].
