Directors Group-Open Call

Calling Cork Directors

A space for directors to connect, reflect, and develop their practice is launching in October 2026.

Founded by Cork directors Al Dalton and Donal O'Keeffe in collaboration with Cork Theatre Collective, Directors Group is a six-part peer-support and upskilling programme for theatre directors that aims to bring together emerging and established directors for a series of bi-monthly sessions exploring the craft, the challenges, and the possibilities of directing for stage. 

The programme comprises of six sessions: three practical workshops focused on developing skills and process, alongside three masterclasses led by experienced practitioners, offering insight into artistic practice, leadership, and the evolving landscape of contemporary theatre. The programme sessions will be facilitated by theatre director and producer Julie Kelleher. 

Through conversation, shared experience, and practical exchange, the programme aims to foster artistic growth, strengthen professional networks, and support a vibrant community of directors in Cork.

Applications are now open.

Deadline: Monday 7th September @ 5pm

NOTES FOR APPLICANTS

CRAFT: Writers’ Group

We are thrilled to welcome these exciting writers: Luke Murphy, Katie Holly, John McCarthy and Gavin McEntee.

Luke Murphy is a writer, director and choreographer making work across the intersection of dance and theatre. Based in Cork and working internationally Luke's 2021 production Volcano was the winner of four Irish Times Theatre Awards including Best Production with a total of seven nominations. His most recent work Scorched Earth was co-produced by Galway International Arts Festival and Dublin Dance Festival. 

Katie Holly's first three plays 'Marion', 'Sharon' and 'Crowman' premiered at Cork Midsummer Festival and toured regionally/nationally.  Mentored by Enda Walsh, she is a New York Festivals Award winning playwright who was shortlisted for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize and supported by the Arts Council to develop her plays and practice.  Her most recent play 'Ambition' will be performed in the Barbican as part of 'Theatre for one', produced by Landmark Productions.

John McCarthy writes plays and musicals for audiences of all ages and performs. He's currently writing GULL in association with ALSA and in rehearsal for The House Must Win by Mick Flannery. 

Gavin McEntee is a freelance Director, Writer, Theatre Maker and a graduate of Drama and Theatre studies UCC (B.A). He is a founding member and Associate Director at Conflicted Theatre and one of the six Artistic Directors of BrokenCrow.

Over six months, from March to August, Zoe Ní Riordáin will facilitate a monthly three-hour meeting in Civic Trust House. Writers will be paid €150 for each session. The task is to read each other’s work prior to the meeting and engage in a peer-led discussion. The intention is to provide a gentle structure in which playwrights can move their work along and gain insights through critical discourse.

CRAFT

Unique, paid opportunities for arts workers to develop their practice through workshops, shadowing leading arts professionals and peer-led critical discourse.

Below - Chris Walley & Sara Joyce workshop on the Actor-Director Relationship. Zé Bateira

Simon Stephens workshop as part of Sounds From A Safe Harbour 2025 photo by Bríd Donovan

Past CRAFT Opportunities

  • Shadowing Adam Silverman

    In Autumn 2025 we launched an opportunity to shadow renowned lighting designer Adam Silverman for ‘The Only Tune’ - a new work of Michael Keegan Dolan in collaboration with Nico Muhly, Sam Amidon and the Britten Sinfonia.

  • Lighting Workshop with Aedín Cosgrove

    A two-day intensive workshop on lighting design for black box spaces from 23-24 October. This workshop was a hands-on exploration of concept and design, right through to practical application in the space.

  • Stage Management for Three Sisters at Dublin Theatre Festival

    An exciting paid shadowing opportunity for the October production of Three Sisters by Sugarglass Theatre Company and Once Off Productions, premiering at Dublin Theatre Festival.