Inspired to action by the abolishment of both the BBC Performing Arts Fund and Northern Ireland’s only Higher Level Performing Arts course, ‘Theatre Masterclass NI’ has been launched in Northern Ireland aiming to provide professional tuition to young performers here.
TMNI is a new performance workshop company offering monthly classes for young performers aged 14-24 who wish to establish a career in the Musical Theatre & Performing Arts industry.
Some of the tutors currently lined up to teach at TMNI include Northern Ireland film & theatre actor CIARAN HINDS (Road to Perdition, Harry Potter, The Woman in Black, Game of Thrones), Belfast actor and director DAN GORDON, Irish Musical Theatre star KILLIAN DONNELLY (Kinky Boots, Memphis, The Commitments) and Film and TV casting director CARLA STRONGE (Emmy Award Winner for Game of Thrones, HBO).
Theatre Masterclass NI was founded by West End and film actor Fra Fee. “I have taught workshops for young actors in Northern Ireland for several years and have always been astounded at the wealth of raw talent around. The idea of establishing a Masterclass programme to give these actors an opportunity to work with some of the best in the business was one I’ve had for a while, but I felt as though I had to launch the project when I learned of the abolishment of Northern Ireland’s only Higher Level Performing Arts course. Young performers deserve an opportunity to develop and hone their skills in preparation for drama school auditions and life in the industry. As a recipient of the now defunct BBC Performing Arts Fund, it is important to me that fees are kept to a minimum to make this service accessible for all”.
TMNI’s first masterclass will be held in Belfast on Sunday 15th November and will continue monthly. Participants can reserve their spot by getting in touch via the website www.theatremasterclassni.com or emailing theatremasterclassni@gmail.com. The fee for each masterclass is £35 / month or alternatively, you can choose to sign up for 6 months at a discounted price of £180.