Testimonials

 

Please read some of the reviews we have received about our theatre school below and why many families and individual’s believe that Betty Ann Norton Theatre School is the best Speech and Drama School in Dublin! 

“Studying drama at the Betty Ann Norton Theatre School for four years in my teens was the single more useful thing I ever did for my career. In all my work as a playwright for stage and radio as well as screenwriting – even in writing my fiction – I draw on what I learned about the beating heart of human drama from Betty Ann. And every time I need to address an audience (from a book club of a
dozen, to a school assembly of seven hundred), the confidence with which I open my mouth is a skill I acquired in those weekly classes when we learned never to be afraid to improvise.”

Emma Donoghue, Author

“My daughter has been attending Betty Ann Norton Theatre School since she was four. The impact that the classes had on her is indescribable and it has improved her confidence significantly. The staff is wonderful and I will be forever grateful to them for teaching my daughter not only how to sing and recite poems but they also taught her some lifelong lessons. My daughter was really excited to have the opportunity to do an audition for a professional job which the staff kindly assisted with.
Classes didn’t disappoint even when they had to be moved online due to COVID restrictions. Despite not being able to see friends, my daughter still enjoyed the classes very much as the staff tried within their power to be as engaging as possible. All I heard was laughter and complete joy over my laptop screen! My daughter even made some new friends. 
Overall, we have had a very pleasant experience at Betty Ann Norton Theatre School and I recommend it to absolutely anyone. “
Parent of a 7 year old, 2022

“My son has been attending Betty Ann Norton Theatre school for approx 5 years and has loved and still loves every minute of it. His confidence continues to grow and he has built some very strong friendships along the way. All of his teachers are truly dedicated and incredible at what they do and they all go above and beyond for their students. His favourite part at the moment is film class he’s really enjoying learning all that creating a film involves. He loves being both behind and in front the camera and I’m so grateful to all at Betty Ann Norton Theatre School and would highly recommend for all ages.“
Lucy, Google Review May 2022

“COVID was a challenge for the Arts but Betty Ann had surrounded herself with great support in the school. She had welcomed others in and trained them well which meant firstly that online classes kicked off very quickly. The tutors arranged zoom calls and did one to one sessions as they continued to prepare the students for their exams. After a while, when it became apparent that this COVID situation was set to continue for a bit, group classes commenced on zoom and it was really astonishing how much could be achieved. This became a lifeline for children like Seána who suddenly found themselves housebound after a lifetime of constantly being busy. We even had some small productions, done on zoom with backgrounds and costumes! It was another blow for all when Betty Ann passed away but the tutors were very kind and supportive to the students who were so very upset. Betty Ann continues today with the wonderful legacy of the school. She would be so very proud of how the school has continued and maintained the very high standards she set. Once it was possible to meet in person classes were first held outdoors and then moved indoors when allowed. The staff have always upheld the highest standards in relation to the COVID guidelines and safety has remained a priority. As a parent, I have always felt that the school was a safe place. It is an inclusive and warm environment where they manage to achieve excellent results whilst boosting the confidence of their students through positivity and fun!“
Christine, Google Review March 2022

“I cannot recommend Betty Ann Norton Theatre School highly enough. My oldest child started on-line classes during lock down. The classes were excellent, and had a hugely positive impact on her confidence. My two children now attend classes together. They love the class and look forward to going every week. The teachers are professional, energetic and skilled. The school is highly organised. The Betty Ann Norton Theatre School has improved my children’s communication skills and confidence greatly, while also being enjoyable for them. The excellent results of the Betty-Ann Norton students at the recent Feis is testament to the quality of the teaching at the school.“
Maeve, Google Review April 2022

“For over 50 years, Betty Ann has been a pioneer of speech and drama classes for generations of children and adults in Dublin.  I have many happy memories of my time at her school, both as a student, when I was a child, and a tutor.  Drama and theatre have the ability to play such a pivotal role in the development of our personalities, helping children and young people to gain confidence, learn how to work with others, and grow as people.  Betty Ann has so much experience and expertise doing this; I wish her and her school all the best in continuing their great work into the future.”

Jim Culleton, Artistic Director of Fishamble: The New Play Company

“I studied Speech in Drama in my youth in Co.Clare, moved to Dublin to go to college, travelled & joined some large corporations along the way.

When I reached my 30’s I decided to return to drama & was anxious to complete a teaching diploma. I was referred by a friend to Betty Ann Norton & her theatre school.
From the moment I met her, I knew her standard was one to be revered.
I was successful in being awarded my associate teaching diploma & very much enjoyed the years I spent as a tutor at the school.

My time spent learning deeply about literature, mime, drama, acting & elocution has served me well. This indeed complemented my corporate job & helped with delivering quality presentations & interacting with senior executives around the world. It was priceless really.

When I had children I knew there was really only one drama school I wanted to send them to & that was Betty Ann Norton Theatre School.

It is so comforting to know that all the present tutors are students of Betty Ann’s. Her legacy is very much alive & when you are around them you very much feel her presence & her teaching style come through.

As a former student, tutor & parent, I have no hesitation in recommending one of the best theatre schools I have had the pleasure of being a part of. It’s training for life, a gift to your child ( or as a mature student ….to you) that will stand to them forever as they navigate the world.For over 50 years, Betty Ann has been a pioneer of speech and drama classes for generations of children and adults in Dublin.  I have many happy memories of my time at her school, both as a student, when I was a child, and a tutor.  Drama and theatre have the ability to play such a pivotal role in the development of our personalities, helping children and young people to gain confidence, learn how to work with others, and grow as people.  Betty Ann has so much experience and expertise doing this; I wish her and her school all the best in continuing their great work into the future.”

Grace, taken from Facebook Reviews 2022

“Dear Betty Ann,

Thank you so much for all your help, support and encouragement throughout the year.

I had a marvellous time and I owe it all to you.

Kind regards.”

Leesha

“I learned so much about all different aspects of drama from acting itself to stage production, costume design, lighting, script writing, audition techniques, improvisation, mime and film production. The school’s annual plays, films and competitions always pushed us as students to challenge ourselves but were, most importantly, always extremely enjoyable“

Genevieve, taken from Google Reviews 2022

“My son Gavin joined The Betty Ann Norton Theatre school at the age of 5 and he is now 17 and just about to complete his teaching diploma. It remains a huge part of his life and he has a lifelong love for theatre, poetry ( which he now teaches) and Shakespeare . He was so blessed to have the very best mentor and friend in Betty Ann and the entire team at the school are like a second family. Ciara and Grace continue to run the theatre school in the most professional and efficient way. Highly recommended.”

Jane, taken from Google Reviews 2022

My daughter Emily and son Robert both attend the Betty Ann Norton Theatre School for the last couple of years and love it. I also went to the school as a child and reflecting back I really value the ethos of the school in nurturing every child. I was very shy but Betty Ann still created a space for everyone to engage and participate and to build your confidence. My son has had a similar experience with Grace (his teacher) who explores all sorts of different opportunities for each child such as when he recently participated in being a newsreader for a podcast. The teachers are so sensitive to each child and scaffold their development in such a gentle way. Highly recommend.”

Louise, taken from Google Reviews 2022

“Thanks so much for teaching the girls. They have such a wonderful time with you.

Hope you have a great summer !”

Martha and Kevin

I attended Betty Ann Norton’s from 12 -18 and the school holds some of my fondest memories and friends. The school took me all the way through my grades with great results as well as a Teaching Speech and Drama Diploma. There is so much I have found value in learning here. The staff are incredibly kind and all of the teachers are amazing. It’s the best for a reason!

Arianna, taken from Google Reviews 2022

My daughter attended the Betty Ann Norton Theatre School for 10 years completing all grades and her teaching diploma leading to a degree in the Lir academy and a career in theatre and the arts. Without the wonderful training she received at this school she would not have been able to achieve her dream. It is great to see that Betty Anns legacy of excellent teaching continues in the safe hands of her past pupils. I would highly recommend this school for all ages.

Fiona, taken from Google Reviews 2022

“Dear Bettyann,

I have just taken a few moments to peruse the wonderful website of Bettyann Norton and seeing your profile brought back many very happy memories of when I was taught in Loreto College St. Stephen’s Green as a young Girl.

I remember being in awe of your ever present poise and grace.

I have proudly moved through my adult life carrying with me all that I learnt from you. Although I didn’t pursue an acting career I have been met with numerous situations where my Speech Training (Elocution Classes) has given me tremendous confidence and for that I am extremely grateful. I have always been complimented on how I speak and this is solely down to my Elocution Classes.

I may not have managed any of the leading roles in the wonderful and memorable Loreto School plays but I certainly have great memories of the enthusiasm and excitement leading up to our performances. Everyone spoke of the professionalism of each and every production the attention to detail and the obvious enjoyment the students got from performing. Yes, we wouldn’t have been out of place on the Stage of either the Gaiety or the Abbey ……!!!

It is also with great pleasure that I see my Cousin’s son is a member of the Tutors in the Bettyann Norton School. What a privilege it must be to work alongside Ireland’s greatest in the field of Speech and Drama.

Thank you Bettyann Norton for all your hard work and dedication.

Sincerely yours,“

Madeleine Scally

Thank you for taking the time to read why so many people think that Betty Ann Norton Theatre school is the Best Drama School in Dublin! You can find more recent reviews on our Google business page. If you would like to add your experience of Betty Ann Norton Theatre School to this page, please get in touch!

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