Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Betty Ann Norton Theatre School?

We operate weekly speech and drama classes, and camps out of the following venues:

Cuisle Arts & Cultural Centre, St. Louis High School, Charleville Road, Rathmines, Dublin 6.

Presbyterian Church, York Road, Dun Laoghaire, South Dublin

Wesley House, Leeson Park, Ranelagh, Dublin 04 

Christ Church Taney, Taney Road, Dundrum, Dublin 14

Castleknock Parish Centre, Main Street, Castleknock, Dublin 15

How long is a term?

Each term is 10-15 weeks. There are three terms in an academic year with additional 1-2 week long courses during school breaks and during the summertime. 

Can you join in any term, or must you start in September?

You may start in any term.

How many students are in each class?

The number of students varies from class to class, 10-15 is an average number. (Class sizes reduced to approximately 5-8 students during Covid-19). Our Step 1 and Step 2 classes are usually smaller with only 6-10 children per class.

What age can you start in the school?

We provide speech and drama classes for adults, teenagers, children and preschoolers from age 3.5. We require students to be potty trained and comfortable interacting with other adults before coming to class so some children are better suited to start at age 4. If you are unsure of whether your preschooler is ready to start, get in touch and arrange a free trial class where our tutor will advise on the best option for your individual child.

Do students take part in productions?

Yes, the school presents three productions each year: A full length play at Christmas, a Mixed Bag of our student-devised work at the end of the year, and in Summer a promenade site-specific production at venues such as Dublin Castle, Rathfarnham Castle, Farmleigh House and Pearse Museum. We also have a variety of poetry and prose recitals throughout the year as well as film screenings for the film classes. 

Can I get a Degree and/or Diploma in performance?

Yes! We provide preparation classes for performance diplomas from Trinity College London. You must be at least 16 years of age at the time of the exam. You can find our more about the syllabus here: https://www.trinitycollege.com/resource/?id=5614

We can also prepare you for performance diplomas from other exam boards. We recommend TCL or UWL examinations because they are recognised internationally. 

How do I become a speech and drama teacher?

We provide preparation classes for teaching diplomas from London College of Music and Drama at University of West London. There are minimum age requirements and prerequisites that vary depending on the level of diploma. An associates diploma usually takes 1 year to complete (part time) and can be taken in conjunction with a performance diploma. The exam is in two parts; 1) a practical examination to demonstrate your performance and teaching skills, 2) a written essay on a topic of your choosing relevant to teaching speech and drama. You can view the syllabus for the teaching diplomas here or get in touch with us and we can talk you through the process.

We have group and private class options available so you can work in a group to help keep you motivated, or on your own where you can take the course at your own pace. Unlike some Irish teaching qualifications, these diplomas are recognised internationally and will qualify you to work in places like the UK and South East Asia.  

Does Betty Ann Norton Theatre School have Summer Camps?

Yes! We have a range of summer course options for children and teens age 4-19. You can find out more about our camps for children and summer productions for older children by visiting our summer courses page.

What Summer Camps are near me?

Betty Ann Norton Theatre School are running summer camps in Castleknock, Rathmines, Ranelagh, Dun Laoghaire and Dundrum so if you live in South Dublin, there is sure to be a camp near you!