Dr Ulrich Leicht-Deobald, Trinity Business School, has been announced as the new Academic Director of The Lir Academy, taking up his role in September 2025.
The Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (AHSS), Professor Carmel O’Sullivan, thanked Ulrich for his enthusiasm and commitment in undertaking the role, and expressed her appreciation to his School, Trinity Business School, and its Head of School, Professor Laurent Muzellec, for their support in enabling him to take on this important responsibility. This collaboration reflects the goodwill and growing connections between the Faculty, the College and The Lir Academy. The new link between The Lir and the School of Business, supported by the Faculty of AHSS, paves the way for fresh collaborations and opportunities in the future.
The Dean expressed her enormous gratitude to Professor Brian Singleton, School of Creative Arts, the outgoing Academic Director, for his dedication, commitment and support for The Lir Academy for many years. The Lir Academy held a farewell reception for Professor Singleton to thank him for his amazing service.
Dr Ulrich Leicht-Deobald, Academic Director of the Lir Academy, said 'It is my pleasure, and a privilege, to continue Brian's important work and to serve the Lir Academy and the College in this role. It feels like coming full circle with my prior (professional) life as an actor.'
Image: Dr Ulrich Leicht-Deobald
Professor Laurent Muzellec, Head of Trinity Business School, said 'We are immensely proud that our colleague, Dr Ulrich Leicht-Deobald has been appointed as Academic Director of The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art. This appointment highlights the breadth of talent across Trinity and the strong synergies between business, the arts, and society. I have no doubt that his expertise will further strengthen The Lir’s reputation as a centre of excellence in the dramatic arts.'
Gemma Bodinetz, Director and CEO of the Lir Academy, said 'It was no easy challenge to find a replacement for Professor Brian Singleton when he announced his retirement from Trinity and consequently his role as Academic Director of The Lir, National Academy of Dramatic Art. Brian had been instrumental in the creation of The Lir Academy and had remained our bridge between the life of the conservatoire and the academic aegis of Trinity. His knowledge of us and of Trinity cannot be overstated, but it was with huge relief and excitement that we came to know Ulrich and that we now welcome him to The Lir Academy as our Academic Director. His background in acting, passion for theatre and the wealth of knowledge he has of Trinity, business and ethics promise so much for our burgeoning relationship with Trinity and the flourishing of The Lir Academy. We can’t wait to work with him and for him to become part of our family here.'
Dr Justin MacGregor, Head of School of Creative Arts, said 'the School of Creative Arts is delighted that Professor Ulrich Leicht-Deobald is the new Academic Director of The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art. The collaboration between our School and the Lir inspires all our students and staff and offers endless possibilities going forward.'
Image from Professor Brian Singleton's Farewell night. Left to right: Nona Shepherd, Danielle Ryan, Professor Brian Singleton, Loughlin Deegan, and Gemma Bodinetz.
Further information on The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Art is available on their website at https://www.thelir.ie/.