The Uncharted Territory of Acting in Northern Ireland
Young performers from Northern Ireland are facing a daunting reality: the lack of drama school training and financial support is forcing them to leave their homes in search of opportunities.
A Gap in the Market
Currently, there are no full-time, degree-level national drama schools in Northern Ireland, despite the region’s thriving screen sector, which has produced hit shows like Game of Thrones, Hope Street, and Blue Lights. This gap in the market is leaving young actors with limited options, and many are being forced to leave their homes to pursue their dreams elsewhere.
- Mya Jansen Van Rensburg, 18, from Belfast, will soon join the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London, a decision she feels is necessary due to the limited opportunities available in Northern Ireland.
- James Hutchinson, 18, from Aghagallon, is a student at the Alfie Boe James Huish Academy of Theatre Arts in Belfast, which does not offer a three-year degree course.
- Both students are seeking practical experience and financial support to pursue their passion for acting.
A Call for Action
The lack of drama school training and financial support is not only affecting young actors but also the broader creative industry. Game of Thrones and Derry Girls actor Ian McElhinney has called for the establishment of a national drama school, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and affordability.
“The greatest value of having a drama school here is probably controlling the costs. Drama schools are becoming so expensive that a lot of people don’t know how to afford it and are bypassing it… if there were a drama school on the doorstep, that might just make it more feasible,” said McElhinney.
A Need for Practical Experience
Universities in Northern Ireland offer a degree in drama, but many students are seeking the practical experience they need to become an actor. McElhinney highlighted the importance of performance over written work, stating that universities are “obsessed with the degree” and neglecting the need for students to develop their acting skills.
- James Huish, who runs the Huish/Boe Academy, emphasized that too many students are being left behind due to the lack of practical training.
- He argued that the demand for training far outweighs the capacity of current institutions, and that serious investment is needed to support the creative economy.
- “Children here are losing out in a big way,” he said.
A Vocal Advocate for the Arts“I’ve worked with so many people from here who are so talented,” he said.
“Funding the arts is essentially what needs to happen here.”
A Statement from the Department for the Economy
In a statement, the Department for the Economy acknowledged that universities in Northern Ireland offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in drama, film, and television. However, they also emphasized that the policies determining eligibility for financial support are determined by Student Finance NI.
| Programs Offered | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate and postgraduate programs in drama, film, and television | Determined by Student Finance NI |
A Future of Uncertainty
The lack of drama school training and financial support has left young actors with limited options and uncertain futures. However, Finnian Garbutt remains hopeful about the future of the arts in Northern Ireland, stating that he has been able to make a career there despite the challenges. “I’ve been able to make a career here, so I definitely think there are opportunities, just not enough,” he said. “I’ve worked with so many people from here who are so talented,”
“Funding the arts is essentially what needs to happen here.”
A Call to Action
The lack of drama school training and financial support is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. We urge the Department for the Economy and the Education Authority to take action and provide support for young actors and the creative industry.
