Gradfest 2026 – Celebrating Emerging Talent at The Lir Academy
The full programme for Gradfest 2026 has been announced, marking a vibrant three-week showcase at The Lir Academy, part of Trinity College Dublin. The festival represents the culmination of a year of intensive, practice-based professional training undertaken by the institution’s MFA directors, designers, and producers. Emphasizing collaboration across disciplines, the productions are realized with the support of undergraduate students, who contribute both performance and technical expertise. The programme features four ambitious productions, offering audiences an opportunity to experience the work of emerging theatre professionals and gain insight into the future of the performing arts industry.
We are delighted to announce our full programme of shows as part of Gradfest 2026. Four shows, staged by our MFA directors, designers and producers, performed and crewed by our undergraduate students with over three weeks.
Gradfest is a collaboration of productions at The Lir Academy at Trinity College Dublin. These plays are a culmination of an intensive year of hands-on training by our MFA students in directing, producing, set design, lighting design and costume design. Learn more below!
Our final Gradfest show, The Moors, will be performed as part of this year’s Summer Party Fundraiser – see more below and for details on upcoming events and courses.
The Lir Summer Party!
On Thursday 9th July, we’re throwing a sizzling Summer Party where you can enjoy a ticket to The Moors, drinks, food, and entertainment by our amazingly talented students and alumn!
This fundraiser is raising money towards a student bursary, with your generosity providing vital access to arts education. Tickets are priced at €100 euro and all proceeds are going towards supporting our students in need. You can pay in installments with Klarna here.
Gradfest 2026
Marble by Marina Carr
23rd – 25th June: Book here
When two married couples become consumed by a series of shared dreams, the boundaries between fantasy and reality begin to collapse. As desire, jealousy, and buried longing seep into their waking lives, the emotional architecture of their marriages starts to fracture.
Far Away by Caryl Churchill
24th – 26th June: Book here
On a farm in the middle of nowhere, sisters Becky and Anna try to hold their family together after the death of their mother. When they discover a stranger wandering across their land, the three establish an unlikely partnership in their determination to survive.
Penelope by Enda Walsh
6th – 8th July: Book here
At the bottom of a drained swimming pool, Penelope’s four remaining suitors eke out a ridiculous existence. While her husband is away fighting the Trojans, her home has become the stage for a pathetic contest of manhood, with each suitor vainly attempting to win her favour.
The Moors by Jen Silverman
7th – 9th July: Book here
At the bottom of a drained swimming pool, Penelope’s four remaining suitors eke out a ridiculous existence. While her husband is away fighting the Trojans, her home has become the stage for a pathetic contest of manhood, with each suitor vainly attempting to win her favour.
MFA Application Deadlines
Applications close this Sunday, May 31st 2026, for our MFA in Theatre Producing and MFA in Playwriting programmes.
Join us this September 2026 for our distinctive, practice-based, one-year postgraduate programme (two-year part-time), led by esteemed theatre professionals.
Young Actors’ Programme
This course is perfect for students thinking of applying to The Lir Academy or a similar drama academy or have an interest in theatre and who would like to explore the craft of acting further.For younger performers, we have week-long Summer Camps in early and late July. These are one-week courses are designed for young actors who are studying Junior Cycle (aged 12-15) who have a passionate interest in performing.
Short Courses
The Clown Within Workshop
Course: 6th & 7th June
Duration: 10am – 5pm, Weekend
Step into the world of play and self-discovery in this immersive two-day workshop. Whether you’re a performer, artist, or someone simply looking to reconnect with your playful side, this workshop invites you to explore this transformative art.
Acting Level 1: Summer School
Course Begins: 13th July
Duration: 1 week, 10am – 5pm
This course is perfect for those who are both inquisitive about a future career in acting and those who simply want to challenge themselves by stretching their creative muscles. Led by core Lir Academy tutors.
Acting Level 2: Summer School
Course Begins: 20th July
Duration: 1 week, 10am – 5pm
This week-long course, a continuation from the Acting Level 1 course, will concentrate on working with a director on the study of characters and individual scenes from a number of contemporary plays.
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