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Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
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Melodrama, Gender and performance, Postmodern theatre and
Classical Asian theatre. Single honor students, in addition to all
of the courses above take courses in practical areas of theatre
(Introduction to performing, Introduction to theatre making and
Technical theatre). These practical courses run through both of
the Freshman years.
In the Junior Freshman (first) year these courses are
supplemented for all students by classes in study and writing
skills and multimedia technology. Senior Freshmen (second-year
students, both Single Honor and TSM) supplement their practical
experience of theatre in a full year-end ensemble production in
the Samuel Beckett Theatre.
The Sophister years
In the Junior and Senior Sophister (third and fourth) years,
the curriculum offers library-based courses in theatre and
performance history with more practical workshop-based
courses. There is a compulsory course entitled “Contemporary
Irish Theatre in Context” for all students. The remainder of the
curriculum is constructed by each student via selection from a
range of optional modules. TSM and Single honor students are
treated equally in the Junior Sophister (third) year (meaning there
is no prioritisation), with TSM students taking half the number
of courses required of Single honor students. In the Senior
Sophister (fourth) year, there is no difference in curriculum
between Single honor students and TSM students who major
in Drama.
The range of courses allows you to favour study in historical
and theoretical fields or in practical aspects of theatre, although
some balance is required. The range of options is vast and
includes courses in the theatre history of Ireland, Europe,
Asia, and the USA, stage, costume and lighting design,
devising, directing, theatre management, film theory and
history, performance studies, acting, and performance and
technology. In your final year, in addition to course options,
you will undertake an individual research project guided by
a member of staff and culminating in submission of a
dissertation.
Assessment
Assessment is by a combination of essays, journals, practical
assignments, class presentations, written and oral examination
and, in your final year, a dissertation.
Study abroad
You may apply to spend the Junior Sophister (third) year
at a European university as part of the Erasmus exchange
programme. Drama has exchange agreements with the
University of California, the University of Helsinki, the Université
de Paris-Nanterre (Paris X), the Freie Universität Berlin, the
National Kapodistrian University of Athens, the University of
Glasgow, Goldsmith’s College (University of London) and Royal
Holloway College (University of London).
Did you know?
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Since its establishment in 1592, Trinity College has
educated some of the greatest dramatists in world
theatre, from Congreve and Goldsmith to Synge
and Beckett.
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Drama at Trinity College is housed in the purpose-
built Samuel Beckett Centre. Within the centre is
the Samuel Beckett Theatre, a 208-seat black box
performance space, the Players Theatre (the studio
theatre of Trinity College’s student drama society),
a dance studio/rehearsal space, seminar rooms
and offices.
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Contemporary playwrights, directors, actors and
designers often visit Trinity College to discuss their
work and give workshops or courses. In recent
years, visitors have included Augusto Boal, Michael
Bogdanov, Gabriel Byrne, Sue-Ellen Case, Max
Stafford-Clark, Garry Hynes, Pamela Howard, Patrick
Mason, Harold Pinter, Fiona Shaw, Jim Sheridan, Gunilla
Palmstierna-Weiss, Yong Li Lan, and Phillip Zarrilli.
Career opportunities
Most graduates of both the single honor and the TSM course
seek employment in theatre or related professions. Many opt
to take further training or apprenticeships in specialist areas
of theatre, film, or television (such as directing, acting, design,
writing, management, community drama and teaching). A
number of recent graduates have formed their own theatre
companies, have won awards, or have active careers in
theatre, film, or television. Others have chosen research
careers beginning with further study at postgraduate level.
Further information
www.tcd.ie/Drama
Tel: +353 1 896 2266
Graduate Profile
Dominic West
Dominic plays lead detective Jimmy McNulty in the
critically acclaimed HBO series The Wire. He graduated
from Trinity College with a B.A. in Drama studies and
English in 1992, having played lead roles in Drama
department productions. Like many other Drama students
at Trinity College, Dominic went on to train professionally
as an actor after graduation. As well as many film and
television roles he has also performed at the Royal
National Theatre and several West End theatres in
London.