Music theatre college takes centre stage
CHILDREN and adults can now avail of a performing arts programme in Wexford with a view to establishing diploma and degree courses in the longer term.
The Irish college of Music Theatre based in Dublin, which is run by the Gorey soprano Deirdre Masterson, is opening a Wexford campus in the National Opera House from this September.
An introductory workshop and auditions were held in the Opera House for launch night, where anyone who has an interest was invited to go along and meet the tutors including Deirdre Masterson, Mary McDonagh, Aileen Donohoe, Noel Lennon and Peter McCamley.
Deirdre founded the college to provide training in Ireland for musical theatre students who would otherwise have to travel far to the likes of London or New York.
She feels strongly that Irish students should have the option of studying at home with expert tutors at affordable fees.
‘I am thrilled and very excited about bringing this national project to home territory and the icing on the cake is to have it in the Opera House,’ said Deirdre.
The Irish College of Music Theatre, Wexford, will feature a Junior School for children and young people aged six to 18 years offering classes in singing, acting and dancing, a performing arts programme for transition year students and an adults evening course, with the possibility of diploma course being offered at a later stage as the college develops and depending on demand.
The Irish College of Music Theatre was established in 2011 and formed a business partnership with the DIT Conservatory of Music and Drama in 2013 to provide the first diploma course in music theatre in Ireland. Last year the American College Dublin developed the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts modules at ACD where Deirdre is head of the performing arts programme.
Apply online at www.theirishcollegeofmusictheatre.com