In a first for Balbriggan, a prestigious third-level degree and masters is to be offered in the town.
The locally based Irish Institute of Music and Song (IIMS) and Lark Concert Hall is to host a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and Performance.
It will be offered by the Dublin City centre-based American College Dublin (ACD), a private, not-for-profit institute internationally recognised on both sides of the Atlantic.
According to Michael T Dawson, CEO of the also non-profit IIMS educational campus, which has created 100 jobs, and since 2023 is the site of the €12m, 400-seater Lark Concert Hall, the development is a dream come true.
“Our goal when building these facilities was always to eventually have prestigious third level courses on offer.
“The major expansion of the student body at the Irish Institute of Music and Song will have a major positive impact on Balbriggan’s economy.”
The qualifications have institutional accreditation from the US-based Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the same accrediting body for Princeton University, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, and the renowned Juilliard School.
The courses will open next September and intending degree students can apply at acd.iamu.edu/
They were the first accredited third‑level musical theatre degrees in Ireland, offering aspiring performers a world‑class conservatory education without having to leave the country.
Graduates have gone on to perform on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including acclaimed West End productions such as Les Misérables, Close Up – The Twiggy Musical, The Buddy Holly Show, The Witches of EastwickandK‑Pop All Stars.
The programmes were developed under the leadership of Dr Deirdre Masterson, Performing Arts Dean at ACD. A Wexford native, Dr Masterson is an acclaimed soprano, vocal coach, producer and one of Ireland’s most respected performing arts educators.
Her appointment as Performing Arts Dean at ACD in 2016 paved the way for the creation of Ireland’s first Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Musical Theatre and Performance.
“We are delighted to marry our stellar educational programming with the award‑winning facilities at the Irish Institute of Music and Song and Lark Concert Hall,” said Dr Masterson.
“The Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and Performance were established so Irish people would not have to emigrate to develop their skills.
“The costs of education in musical theatre in the UK and US are prohibitive, but as a non‑profit organisation we are able to make education accessible, while also investing in teachers, productions and activities.”
ACD President Joe Rooney said the Irish Institute of Music and Song and Lark Theatre are a perfect fit for the programmes.
“The opportunity for our students to work in such outstanding facilities will not only embellish academic experience, but will advance career prospects.”
Balbriggan is currently the site of a €60million economic, infrastructural and social plan, ‘Our Balbriggan’ led by Fingal County Council.
It was launched – following a community engagement in which 25% of the town’s population took part – seven years ago.
According to Mr Dawson, the move is an ‘incredible’ boost tor Balbriggan.
“This is a wonderful development for the Irish Institute of Music Song, The Lark Concert Hall and the town of Balbriggan.”
