If you’re an actor in Ireland — or thinking about becoming one — understanding how the industry actually works is your starting point. The Irish acting landscape is small enough to feel manageable, but diverse enough to offer real opportunities across theatre, film, TV and commercials.
This guide breaks down the different types of acting work available to actors living in Ireland, what a typical career path looks like, and where this site fits into your journey.
The Irish acting scene at a glance
Ireland has a compact but active acting industry. Most professional work centres around Dublin, but there are regional theatres, production hubs and opportunities throughout the country, including Cork, Galway, Limerick and Belfast.
Actors from Ireland work across several areas:
- Theatre: A strong tradition, from major houses to fringe venues and touring companies
- Film and TV: Growing sector with both Irish productions and international shoots
- Commercials and corporate work: Steady income source for many working actors
- Voiceover and radio: Regular opportunities, especially in Dublin
- Short films and student projects: Common starting points for new actors
The industry is relationship-driven. Many actors build careers by working consistently across multiple types of projects, building a reputation with casting directors, directors and fellow performers.
Theatre, film, TV and commercials in Ireland
Theatre
Theatre remains central to the Irish acting scene. Major venues include the Abbey Theatre, the Gate Theatre, and regional theatres like Cork Opera House and the Town Hall Theatre in Galway. Fringe festivals and independent companies provide additional opportunities, especially in Dublin and during festival seasons.
Theatre work can range from unpaid profit-share productions to full Equity contracts. Many actors start in community theatre or drama groups, then move into semi-professional and professional work as they gain experience and build connections.
Film and TV
Ireland’s film and TV sector has grown significantly. Long-running shows like Fair City and Red Rock provide steady employment for Irish actors, while streaming platforms and international co-productions have increased opportunities.
Productions shot in Ireland often hire local actors for supporting roles, day player work and background. Irish actors also work abroad, particularly in the UK and US, though this typically requires strong representation and existing credits.
Commercials
Commercial work is a reliable income stream. Irish commercials typically cast through agencies, and rates can be decent for broadcast work. Many actors supplement theatre or film work with regular commercial bookings.
Commercials usually require strong natural performance skills, the ability to take direction quickly, and sometimes specific looks or demographics.
Voiceover and corporate
Voiceover work includes radio ads, documentaries, e-learning and corporate videos. This work is often based in Dublin, though remote recording has become more common.
Building a voiceover career usually means investing in home recording equipment and working with agents who specialise in voice talent.
Amateur vs professional acting work
Not all acting work is paid, and understanding the difference between amateur, semi-professional and professional work helps set realistic expectations.
Amateur
Amateur work typically means unpaid community theatre, local drama groups or hobby-based performance. This is where many actors start, especially outside Dublin. Amateur doesn’t mean low quality — many community groups produce excellent work — but it’s not a source of income.
Semi-professional
Semi-professional usually means profit-share theatre, low-budget short films or small-scale productions where participants receive expenses or a small honorarium, but not a living wage. This can be a stepping stone between amateur and professional work.
Professional
Professional work means you’re paid properly, often under union terms, and treated as a working performer. This includes contracted theatre work, TV roles, commercials with broadcast fees, and film work with industry-standard rates.
Moving from amateur to professional is a gradual process that involves training, building materials (headshots, CV, showreel), gaining experience and eventually securing representation or direct casting.
Typical career paths for actors in Ireland
There’s no single route to becoming a working actor in Ireland, but common patterns emerge:
- Local experience: Many start in school plays, youth theatre or community drama groups
- Training: Formal drama school, part-time classes or workshops help develop skills
- Building materials: Investing in professional headshots, creating a CV and gathering showreel footage
- Early work: Short films, student films, fringe theatre, small roles
- Representation: Approaching agents once you have solid materials and some experience
- Professional work: Securing paid roles in TV, film, theatre or commercials
- Career maintenance: Ongoing training, networking, self-taping, auditioning
Many actors combine acting with other work, especially early in their careers. It’s common to work in hospitality, teaching, corporate jobs or freelance work while building an acting career.
Where Actors.ie fits in
Actors.ie doesn’t offer casting calls, represent actors or run auditions. This site is purely informational.
The goal is to help you understand:
- How the Irish industry actually works
- What steps to take if you’re starting out
- How to approach agents, training and self-presentation
- What to expect from different types of acting work
Think of Actors.ie as a reference point — a place to check the basics, get clarity on common questions, and make better decisions as you build your career.
For actual casting opportunities, you’ll need to work with agents, casting directors, follow industry social media, or use legitimate casting platforms. For training, you’ll want to research drama schools and acting coaches directly. For union information, check official union websites.
Actors.ie is here to help you ask the right questions and understand the landscape. The rest is up to you.