Drama and Theatre Arts (Level 5) - Cork College of FET

INTRODUCTION:

Course Code: 5M5163

The Theatre Performance course provides a training in core performance skills. Classes and performances are centred in the college’s unique amphitheatre, and well equipped studio. The teaching practise in Kinsale is underpinned by belief in an ensemble approach to theatre. Classes are taught through practical workshop supported by discussion and reflection.

Students who successfully complete Drama Level 5 and level 6 in Kinsale Campus can progress to Sunderland University (UK) and take a further one year course to achieve a BA honours degree.

This unique and long-established course has a reputation for being very different from other forms of theatre training. Whilst it provides a complete actor’s training, covering script work, improvisation, characterisation, physical theatre and devising skills, there is a strong emphasis on personal and artistic growth, alongside others, in an ensemble group experience.

The training is mostly practical. An accumulation of theatre skills, explored in friendly, non-judgemental workshops, lead to public performances that are renowned for their originality and extraordinary dramatic vitality. The drama course also integrates other strands of the arts to complement theatre experiences, so students who wish to develop visual, musical, dance or other artistic skills are particularly well-suited to this training.

Classes and performances take place in the college’s unique amphitheatre and well equipped studio as well as in outside theatres and site specific venues.

Kinsale Campus, Drama and Theatre Arts (Level 5)

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Leaving Certificate or equivalent. For mature applicants appropriate experience will be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
All applicants will be required to attend an interview.
An offer of a place on this course means the applicant has met the minimum entry requirements set out here and satisfactory presentation at interview.

DURATION:

This is a one-year course. Timetables vary from year to year please contact the college directly for detailed timetable information.

CERTIFICATION:

QQI Level 5 in Drama and Theatre Arts (5M5163).

COURSE CONTENT:

Students will be examined in 8 subject areas. The following subjects may be offered:

Acting Skills & Techniques - 5N5055

Theatre Performance - 5N4568

Performance Craft - 5N4567

Theatre Studies - 5N4571

Communications - 5N0690

Work Experience - 5N1356

Mime and Movement - 5N16074

Improvisation - 6N3552

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I think it should be compulsory that everyone in every line of work should study drama, and studying Drama in the Kinsale Campus is the icing on the cake. Ian and Belinda have pretty much laid the groundwork for my love and enthusiasm for life and nursed a passion for performance that has helped me in EVERY endeavour. Since completion of the course I’ve had the privilege to work with great directors in all the mediums of theatre, television and film. The craft of playing has brought me from the windy willows of Macroom to the plasticy places of Hollywood. Embarking on the course with Ian and Belinda with the underlying goal; “to soak up the craft like a fun sponge”, will not only guarantee a very interesting rest of life… but also guarantee the fusing of new friendships that will stay with you forever.

Sebastian Thommen, Played Michael Collins, in RTE’s Rebellion series 2016

HOW TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE:

Applications for all our courses will be available on the website and in the college from in January 2025 for all courses commencing in September 2025.

Interviews will be held for all courses throughout the college year. To apply, simply click HERE. Alternatively you can ring (021) 4772 275 for assistance with your application.

EDUCATION PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES:

Students who successfully complete the QQI Level 5 Award will be eligible to apply for the QQI Level 6 Award but also has a large choice of Diploma and Degree course options through the CAO System.

CCPS (Cork Colleges Progression Scheme):

MTU Cork: CR700 Theatre & Drama Studies L7.
MTU Cork: CR121 Music.
MTU Cork: CR125-9 Popular Music.

CAO System:

UCC: Drama & Theatre Studies (CK112)
UCC: Arts (CK101)
UCC: Music (CK104/5)
UCC: English (CK109)
Mary I: Contemporary & Applied Theatre Studies (MI001).

Other Relevant:

The Lir Academy Trinity College Dublin.
The Gaiety School of Acting Professional Actor Training 2YR.
Salford University Manchester UCAS W440 Theatre & Performance Practice.

PROGRESSION LINKS:

Students who successfully complete the QQI Level 5 Award in Theatre Performance and the QQI Level 6 Award in Drama will have the opportunity to advance to YR 3 in the following course subjects at the University of Sunderland, UK through the UCAS scheme.

Students who progress to Sunderland can achieve a Level 8 B.A. Hons degree in one further year of study.

The progression link includes the following 2 courses at The University of Sunderland:

BA (Hons) Performing Arts Stage 3
BA (Hons) Screen Performance Stage

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Graduates may pursue careers in:

Acting
Theatre Production
Arts Administration
Community Arts
Workshop Facilitation
Teaching
Theatre Writing

WORK EXPERIENCE:

Participants are required to undertake a minimum 10 days of work experience in a suitable environment. All participants will take place in a fully rehearsed public performance at the end of the year to fulfil this requirement.

OTHER INFORMATION:

The Theatre Performance course is taught by professional theatre artists working both in Cork and nationally. The course is designed to offer students the opportunity to explore and develop their creative expression within a group environment that is safe, supportive and fun. As well as promoting physical, imaginative and vocal development, drama improves self-confidence, communication, and group skills.

Kinsale College has a unique, specially designed and purpose built amphitheatre providing drama students with a perfect space for rehearsal and public performance. Students also perform, on occasion, in venues outside kinsale. In addition there are often opportunities to take productions on tour. Links are maintained with the professional theatre, both through the permanent staff and by master classes, offered by visiting theatre professionals and course alumni in their areas of expertise.

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I decided to do the drama course with Belinda Wild because I wanted to add to my skills as a circus performer by learning the craft of acting. My two years on the drama course were spent in a whirlwind of creativity and exploration that were far beyond my expectations! I am now based in Italy and working as a professional performer, creating my own work which is a mixture of circus and theatre and putting all of the invaluable skills I learned to use on a daily basis.

Cathal Carroll

Cathal went on to become a professional actor, improviser and clown, performing professionally in festivals all over the world with his own devised shows that combine elements of theatre, circus and clowning. Cathal moved to Tuscany and since then he works all over Italy and Europe performing his shows for young people and in festivals.

TESTIMONIALS & HIGHLIGHTS:

Amphitheatre

Kinsale Campus, Cork College of FET

Student Testimonials