Fall Break in Ireland: Dublin Fringe Festival
The Dublin Fringe program is open to ALL students (priority to EAM majors) interested in experiencing one of the world’s most highly regarded Fringe festivals. Fringe is a fully curated (unlike most fringes), multi-disciplinary festival and year-round organization focusing on fresh and innovative approaches to the arts from Irish and international makers. The event includes more than 500 performances of every genre by up to 80 artists and companies from more than a dozen countries at 36 venues around the city. Followed by fans and first timers alike, Dublin Fringe Festival draws more than 30,000 spectators for 16 days and nights each September, transforming Dublin into an exposé of great creative talent from around the globe. The scale and environment of the festival broadens arts participation, introducing artists and audiences and playing a pivotal role in the fabric of Dublin and Irish Cultural life. This trip is designed so that all students can attend post summer classes and co-ops. This program returns to the USA on Sunday, September 15th so that students have a full week before classes begin on Monday, September 23, 2024..
In this intensive program, students will attend lectures and workshops by a variety of experienced professionals both in administration and production, tour a variety of venues, attend multiple performing and visual art shows, and network with industry professionals from around the world. Coursework will include a pre-departure class session, assignments, and readings, as well as lab hours that include volunteering for the Festival and matching students with artists working directly on the Festival. Students will get hands-on learning opportunities to work in a variety of venues throughout the city. Students can work within their areas of interest including press and publicity, technical production, marketing and content creation, fundraising, or front of house management/audience services.
Students will:
- Identify, understand, and articulate the various departments and activities necessary to project manage multiple venue festival production;
- explore the promotion and communication components of events and exhibitions as well as institutional branding in the entertainment and arts industries;
- demonstrate an understanding of: the roles of all personnel and correct terminology, budget creation and management, artist relations, audience development, fundraising, technical production, and scheduling;
- explore the promotion and communication components of large-scale festivals;
- effectively use human relations knowledge and skills to coordinate with artists, crew, vendors and sponsors;
- demonstrate understanding of branding in relation to the arts as well as the mandate of mission and vision statements; work effectively in teams and have a general understanding of how production and administration teams function.
This program is open to students of all majors, with priority given to upperclass EAM majors. Students must receive approval approval from their co-op to leave a few weeks early to attend this program.
Check out videos of the Dublin Fringe from previous years!
https://youtu.be/HVcWr4nLiJY
https://youtu.be/o-hn2fTGadk
REMOTE INFO SESSION: Thursday, March 13 at 6pm
Zoom: https://drexel.zoom.us/j/8290446444
All welcome no RSVP necessary.
IN PERSON INFO SESSION: Tuesday, April 8 at 5pm
URBN Center, 3501 Market Street, Room TBC
RSVP: https://drexel.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_07ACfbTShBFplrM
Credit/Registration
This course is taught as a hybrid: online and in Dublin, with follow-on assignments. Students will receive credit for EAMT380: International Production and Festival Management, 3 credits which will be registered as part of fall term course load. There are class hours and lab hours to fulfill in Dublin during the Festival.
Instructor
Shannon Lacek, Assistant Teaching Professor, Entertainment & Arts Management
Arrival Date: Sept 2, 2025 (depart US on Sept 1)
Departure Date: September 14, 2025
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.
Tentative Itinerary Overview
August - date TBD - First online class meeting/orientation
Monday, September 1 + 1 day
Depart US (arrange own flights) – September 1
You will arrive on September 2 (flight arrival is +1 day)
Tuesday, September 2 (arrival day)
Hotel check-in and walking tour of Dublin
Dinner with Dublin Fringe leadership
Wednesday, September 3
Meetings with local arts leaders, continued tours of Dublin venues
Thursday, September 4
7 am – 7 pm Day trip to Irish Historic or Cultural site.
Friday, September 5
Volunteer assignments
Opening night performance at Dublin Fringe Festival
Saturday, September 6-Saturday, September 13
Daily Group Check-ins, Coursework, Performances, Meetings with International Arts Leaders
Volunteer shifts at Dublin Fringe
Sunday, September 14
Depart for U.S.
Friday, November 14
Final Reflection Essay Due
Included in the schedule are daily Lab Hours with Local and International Artists. Students will be assigned responsibilities based on the needs of the Dublin Fringe team, artist needs and the student’s personal interests. This may include production, front of house, box office, marketing and development or artistic support.
Due May 1st - $500 Advanced Payment + $25 application fee
Due July 1st - $3290 - Final Payment
*All payments are non-refundable unless declined admission or program cancels for unforeseen reasons.
Included in Program Fee:
- Accommodations
- Entrance fees
- Event tickets
- Guided tours
- Day trips to famous sites in Ireland
- Program activities and visits
- On Call Emergency Assistance Insurance
Not Included in Program Fee (estimated):
- Airfare ($1000)
- Meals not included in fee ($400)
- Passport ($165)
- Spending money ($250)
- Airport transfer ($50)
ICA Financial Aid: Students may request an Adjusted Cost of Attendance by submitting the ICA program fee and estimated out of pocket expenses listed above to Drexel Central (via askdrexel). Doing so could make students’ eligible for additional financial aid. Students may also be eligible to apply for Drexel's
ICA Scholarships.
- US citizens do not need a visa for entry to Ireland. Other nationalities should confirm visa requirements on the Ireland embassy website.
- A recommended flight itinerary will be provided. Students are responsible for booking their own airfare.
