Applications Now Open: Drama Facilitation Training Course 2026/27

Fingal Arts Office is offering up to three bursary places for Fingal-based participants to undertake the Drama Facilitation Training Course 2026/27, delivered by Youth Theatre Ireland at Maynooth University.

Purpose 

The Bursary aims to strengthen youth drama facilitation practice within Fingal by supporting practitioners to develop skills in creative facilitation and youth theatre methodologies. 

Who is this Course For?

The course is designed for those interested in developing their skills in facilitating creative drama work with young people, including but not limited to:

• Youth workers
• Youth arts practitioners
• Youth leaders
• Teachers
• Actors
• Artists 
• Writers
• Filmmakers 
• Musicians 
• Youth theatre facilitators

Course Content 

Participants will learn a range of creative skills and facilitation methodologies used in youth theatre, connect with like-minded practitioners, expand their professional network, and explore innovative approaches to facilitation practice. 

Course Facilitators

Dave Kelly is the author of Laying the Foundations and Youth Theatre Ireland’s National Training Co-ordinator. He developed and delivered Artstrain, Youth Theatre Ireland's full-time Drama Facilitation QQI level 6 course, which ran from 1999 to 2017.

Barry Morgan is Youth Theatre Ireland's Special Projects Officer. He is a graduate of ArtsTrain and co-founder of Tailtiu Theatre. He is co-artistic director of Impact Youth Theatre, the only youth theatre operating in Direct Provision.

Course Location & Delivery 

• Located at Maynooth University 
• Part-time delivery, one weekend every month
• September 2026 to May 2027 

Qualification

The programme includes QQI Level 6 modules in:

• Leadership 
• Engaging with Drama

Fingal Bursary Award 

The standard course fee is €850. Through this initiative, Fingal Arts Office will fund three bursary places. This covers: 

• All workshops and support sessions
  • Mentor guidance sessions
  • QQI accreditation 
  • Two Level 6 Component Awards
  • Youth Theatre Ireland Certificate
  • Graduation Ceremony

To be eligible for Fingal’s Bursary, applicants must:

• Have lived, studied, currently reside, or work in the Fingal Administrative area
• Demonstrate an interest in working creatively with young people
• Commit to attending the full programme
• Demonstrate motivation for professional development
• Be over 18 years of age

Please note: By accepting the bursary, the successful applicant commits to attending all course dates and completing all required work. If a recipient withdraws or fails to complete the course without reasonable extenuating circumstances, they may be required to repay the full course fee.

Fingal County Council reserves the right not to allocate funding. The fund is limited, and all eligible applications will be evaluated on a competitive basis against the criteria set out in this document.

Closing Date for Applications: 

26th June 2026

How to Apply: 

To make an application, please visit: https://forms.office.com/e/ma9h8xUtSa

Contact for Queries

Further information is available at https://www.youththeatre.ie/programmes/for-leaders-practitioners/accredited-training 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Applications Open: Drama Facilitation Training Bursary 2026/27!

Are you a Fingal-based artist, youth worker, teacher, or creative?

Fingal Arts Office is offering up to three full bursaries (worth €850 each) for this part-time QQI Level 6 course delivered by Youth Theatre Ireland at Maynooth University.

Learn top-tier youth drama facilitation, build your network, and level up your skills one weekend per month from September 2026 to May 2027.

Deadline: 26th June 2026

How to apply: Click the link in our bio to fill out the application form and read the full course details!