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Interviews

Photograph of Ciara Nolan at a theatre event

Name: Ciara Nolan

Ciara Nolan has recently completed a Professional Diploma in Stage Management and Technical Theatre in The Lir, Ireland's National Academy of Dramatic Art at Trinity College Dublin.

How did you get into theatre?
I have always adored the theatre. Growing up I was involved in many theatre groups such as The Gaiety School of Acting, Billie Barry and Betty Ann Norton to name a few. I think the escapism, the ability to express yourself and the live aspect of such a large team of individuals working towards one goal were what really drew me to the theatre. I believe that the theatre is in my blood from my grandparents. They ran an amateur dramatic group in their community in Derry and my mother was always surrounded by theatre as she grew up.  Even when I was young if it was a special occasion I would more than likely choose to go to the theatre. I remember being quite young and sitting in the back row of The Gate Theatre watching Lady Windermere’s Fan and absolutely adoring it.

Describe a typical day of work for you?
One of the most wonderful things about working in the theatre is that no day is typical and no job is the same as the last. Working as an assistant stage manager is unpredictable and challenging. It sounds like a cliché but every day you learn something new. It is like we are always being taught by playwrights, creatives, cast and directors. The most typical time in the life of the show is when the show is up and running and all props and furniture are sourced and this can be surprising too as you never know what is going to happen on the stage and what props may need to be re-made, re-sourced or touched up.

What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I love most about working in the theatre is how freeing it is. It is quite a contrast to my employment history and it was a gamble to go back to college in my thirties. I am lucky to be working in a field I love, one that challenges, teaches and inspires me almost every day.

Tell us about your recent role as assistant stage manager for Borstal Boy at the Gaiety.
As this was my first job after finishing college I was very aware of doing my best. I really enjoyed the experience and was very happy when I wasn’t too surprised or thrown by anything that came up, which is a testament to the training I received in The Lir. The cast, crew and creatives were wonderful to work with and it was a very collaborative experience which made all the difference.

Do you have any little quirks that you think help you as a stage manager?
I have always been interested in arts and crafts so I am in my element when it comes to making props. I have dabbled in costume and clothes making so if there are any small costume alterations I am able to do them. However, one of the most important skills or quirks that a stage manager needs to have is good organisational skills.  

What is the most useful piece of advice you've ever received?
The most powerful piece of advice that was ever given to me was from my Granny and that was “Do everything”. The message was do not limit yourself, do not hold yourself back and do not allow anyone to limit you. Try everything in life and see if you like it. I have lived that and taken that advice and it has stood to me.

Name: Rhys Dunlop

Rhys Dunlop is part of the first graduating class of The Lir's B.A. in Acting.

Why did you become an actor?
I don’t really know, it’s all I have ever wanted to do. While the uncertain and spontaneous nature of the career may frighten some people, it’s what appeals to me, I thrive on it. I love getting to be other people for a living.

Tell us about your theatre education.
I studied drama in school and in a youth group outside of school. After my A-Levels I went to study acting at The Lir, TCD.

What do you enjoy most about acting?
The fun of it. Playing, making mistakes, getting it wrong and getting it right. It’s a complete paradox, which is what I love. You get it right by getting it wrong and wrong by getting it right. It’s mental and hard to define but that’s what I love.

You were recently cast as the lead role in Simon Stephens’ Punk Rock, tell us more about that.
I’m from Belfast so it was amazing to go back home for my first job. I was very lucky to be able to play such an interesting character in a great play, in a great theatre, with a great cast and director. The whole experience was brilliant. We had such a young cast and for most of us it was a first job. It involved a lot of hard work but a lot of fun too, the candle was well and truly burnt at both ends and I’m wrecked now, but I wouldn’t change a minute of it.

When you get a new role in a production, what are the first things that you do?
Every job is different and subsequently requires a different and specific process. Speaking generally though, I just read the play a lot, and focus on what my character says and does. I usually like to get on top of the lines pretty quickly as well so that I can stop worrying about learning them as early as possible. Everyone has a different approach though.

What do you consider most challenging about acting?
Perfection is unattainable, in my opinion. I’ve never know anyone to come off from a job and say that they did a perfect job. There is always room for improvement. Often the best ideas about a character come two weeks after you’ve wrapped the project and you’re stuck in traffic. But I guess in many ways that is the beauty of acting. That you’re never finished with a  role.

What would be your dream role?
My dream is to just keep bringing interesting characters to life.

For further information on undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses at The Lir, please visit www.thelir.ie