Dublin is the centre of Ireland’s professional acting industry. It’s home to major theatres, most of the country’s casting directors and agents, and the bulk of film and TV production work. For actors living in or around Dublin, the city offers more frequent opportunities, better access to training, and stronger networking potential than anywhere else in Ireland.
But Dublin isn’t the only place actors work, and being based there doesn’t guarantee success. This guide explains what makes Dublin a hub for actors, what opportunities exist, and how to make the most of the city’s resources while understanding its limitations.
Why Dublin is a hub for actors in Ireland
Dublin’s concentration of industry infrastructure makes it the natural centre for professional acting work in Ireland. Key factors include:
- Major theatres: The Abbey Theatre, Gate Theatre, Gaiety Theatre, Olympia and numerous smaller venues and fringe spaces
- Production companies: Most Irish film and TV production companies are based in or around Dublin
- Casting directors and agents: The majority of Ireland’s professional agents and casting directors operate from Dublin
- Broadcasting: RTÉ and other broadcasters are based in Dublin, providing ongoing TV and radio work
- Training facilities: Most established drama schools and acting coaches are in the city
- Networking opportunities: Industry events, first nights, festivals and informal meetups happen frequently in Dublin
This doesn’t mean all acting happens in Dublin, but it does mean that actors based in the city have more consistent access to professional opportunities, training and industry connections.
Theatre and indie film in Dublin
Theatre scene
Dublin’s theatre scene is diverse, ranging from large-scale commercial productions to experimental fringe work.
Major venues include:
- Abbey Theatre: Ireland’s national theatre, known for new Irish writing and classic revivals
- Gate Theatre: Focuses on international classics and contemporary work
- Gaiety Theatre and Olympia Theatre: Host touring productions, musicals and commercial shows
- Smock Alley Theatre: Historic venue with contemporary programming
- Project Arts Centre: Experimental and cutting-edge work
Beyond the main stages, Dublin has a thriving fringe scene with smaller venues, pop-up spaces and festivals like Tiger Dublin Fringe and Dublin Theatre Festival. Many actors get their start in fringe theatre, which offers more accessible entry points than major houses.
Theatre auditions in Dublin are often open calls or by agent submission. Building relationships with directors, producers and fellow actors significantly increases your chances of being seen for roles.
Independent film and student projects
Dublin has an active independent film scene. Opportunities include:
- Short films: Constant demand for actors in low-budget and no-budget shorts
- Film school projects: Students from IADT, TU Dublin and other colleges regularly cast actors
- Web series and online content: Growing area with regular casting calls
- Indie features: Occasional low-budget feature films shot in Dublin
While these projects rarely pay well (or at all), they provide crucial experience, showreel footage and networking opportunities. Many working actors maintain connections with the indie scene throughout their careers.
Finding these opportunities usually involves:
- Following Irish filmmakers and casting groups on social media
- Joining Facebook groups for actors and filmmakers in Ireland
- Building relationships with film students and emerging directors
- Attending film festivals and industry screenings
Acting classes and workshops in Dublin (overview)
Dublin offers a wide range of acting training, from full-time drama schools to drop-in workshops.
Types of training available
- Full-time drama schools: Multi-year programs offering degrees or diplomas in acting
- Part-time courses: Evening or weekend classes, often term-based
- Workshops and intensives: Short-term focused training (e.g., screen acting, voice, movement)
- Private coaching: One-on-one sessions with experienced actors or directors
- Youth theatre and drama groups: Structured programs for under-25s
Choosing training
When evaluating classes or courses, consider:
- Teacher credentials: Do they have real professional experience? Can you verify their credits?
- Course content: Is it structured and clear, or vague and generic?
- Reputation: Do working actors recommend this training? Check reviews and ask around.
- Cost: Is it transparent and reasonable, or do they pressure you into expensive packages?
- Fit: Does the teaching style and methodology suit your learning style and goals?
Avoid any training provider that guarantees you’ll get an agent, book work or become famous. Good training focuses on craft, not promises.
Training is ongoing for most actors. Even experienced performers take workshops, attend intensives and work with coaches throughout their careers.
Casting and networking in the city
How casting works in Dublin
Most professional casting in Dublin goes through agents, but there are other routes:
- Agent submissions: For TV, film and commercial work, agents typically submit actors directly to casting directors
- Open auditions: Some theatre companies and independent projects hold open calls
- Casting websites and groups: Online platforms occasionally post calls (though many are low-budget or unpaid)
- Direct contact: Directors and producers sometimes reach out directly to actors they’ve worked with or heard about
Building a reputation as a reliable, professional actor is the single best way to increase casting opportunities. Word spreads quickly in Dublin’s small industry.
Networking
Networking in Dublin doesn’t mean schmoozing at industry parties (though they happen). It means:
- Showing up to industry events, screenings and theatre openings
- Being professional, pleasant and memorable when working on projects
- Supporting other actors’ work by attending shows and films
- Staying connected on social media without being spammy
- Following up with people you’ve worked with in a genuine, non-transactional way
The Irish industry is friendly and informal, but reputation matters. People remember actors who are easy to work with, prepared and committed. They also remember actors who are unprofessional, unreliable or difficult.
Networking is a long game. Genuine relationships built over years of consistent, professional work lead to more opportunities than aggressive self-promotion.
Balancing Dublin opportunities with life elsewhere
Dublin offers the most opportunities for actors in Ireland, but it’s expensive, and competition is high. Many actors live outside Dublin and travel in for auditions and work, or split time between the city and other locations.
Living outside Dublin
If you’re based outside Dublin:
- Be prepared to travel for auditions, often on short notice
- Self-taping skills become even more important
- Regional theatre and film work may be more accessible
- You’ll likely make fewer industry connections, but this can be offset by strong work and professionalism
Many successful Irish actors started outside Dublin and only moved to the city once their careers reached a certain level. Others maintain a base outside Dublin and travel as needed.
Should you move to Dublin?
It depends on your goals and circumstances. Consider moving if:
- You’re serious about professional screen or theatre work
- You can afford the cost of living
- You’re ready to compete in a concentrated market
- You want consistent access to auditions, training and networking
Don’t move if:
- You’re just starting out and haven’t trained or built materials yet
- You can’t afford it without significant financial stress
- You’re happy with regional opportunities and don’t need constant access to Dublin-based casting
For many actors, Dublin becomes necessary at a certain stage, but it’s not essential from day one.
Final thoughts: making the most of Dublin
Dublin offers more opportunities for actors in Ireland than any other location, but those opportunities still require hard work, professionalism and resilience. The city provides access to better training, more casting and stronger networking, but it doesn’t guarantee success.
If you’re in Dublin, take advantage of what the city offers:
- Attend theatre regularly
- Build relationships with other actors and creatives
- Take classes and workshops from reputable teachers
- Submit professionally to agents when you’re ready
- Support the indie scene and build experience however you can
And remember that the Irish industry is small. What you do in Dublin affects your reputation across the country. Stay professional, keep learning, and treat every project and audition as a chance to prove you’re worth working with again.