Fall Break in Ireland: Dublin Fringe Festival

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Program Overview

The Dublin Fringe program is open to ALL students 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 if students wish, they could attend both the Edinburgh and Dublin ICAs, going directly from one to the next.  This program returns to the USA on Sunday, September 18^th the day before the Fall Quarter begins. Students should be prepared to return and begin the quarter immediately.
 
In this three-week intensive, 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 lab hours that match students with board members, staff and 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:

1. Identify, understand, and articulate the various departments and activities necessary to project manage multiple venue festival production; 
2. explore the promotion and communication components of events and exhibitions as well as institutional branding in the entertainment and arts industries;
3. 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;
4. explore the promotion and communication components of large-scale festivals;
5. Effectively use human relations knowledge and skills to coordinate with artists, crew, vendors and sponsors;
6. 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
 

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Academics

Credit/Registration
This course is taught as a hybrid: online and in Dublin, with follow-on assignments. Students will receive credit for EAMT380: ST Management of Performing Arts Festivals, 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

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Program Calendar 2022

Arrival Date: August 29, 2022 (depart US on August 28)
Departure Date: September 18, 2022
*Students may extend their travel independently before or after program dates.

Tentative Itinerary Overview

Monday, August 29
Arrival in Dublin; Welcome Orientation at Irish Theatre Institute; Welcome Dinner
 
Tuesday, August 30
Meet with Ruth McGowan, Festival Director and staff at Dublin Fringe offices,
Team introductions, volunteer sign-up, willing workers list sign-up; Box Office Venue Load in
Walking tour of Dublin including several of the following: Christchurch, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Trinity College, Book of Kells, Long Room, Marsh Library, Stephen’s Green, etc.
 
Wednesday August 31
Dublin Fringe Festival Box Office Opening setup and assist
Group meeting with Irish Theatre Institute staff; Group meeting for assignments, scheduling and teams with Dublin Fringe
 
Thursday, September 1
Day trip to one of Ireland’s major cultural sites to gain understanding of the history and current culture of the country outside of Dublin.
 
Friday, September 2
Project Arts Centre tour and meeting with staff
Meetings with Fringe artists and Festival managers to begin assignments
 
Saturday, September 3
Video discussion with LIFT Festival director Kris Nelson from London
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments
 
Sunday, September 4
Day trip to one of Ireland’s major cultural sites to gain understanding of the history and current culture of the country outside of Dublin.
 
Monday, September 5
Smock Alley, 1662 tour and meeting with administrative staff
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments
 
Tuesday, September 6
Tour of The Abbey Theatre (Ireland’s National Theatre) and meeting with staff 
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments
 
Wednesday, September 7
Tour Board Gais Energy Theatre and meet with staff
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments
 
Thursday, September 8
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments
 
Friday, September 9
DUBLIN FRINGE FESTIVAL OPENS
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend Dublin Fringe performance as a group
 
Saturday, September 10
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend performances day and evening
 
Sunday, September 11
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend performances day and evening
 
Monday, September 12
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend performances day and evening
Final Group Dinner
 
Tuesday, September 13
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend performances day and evening
 
Wednesday, September 14
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend performances day and evening
 
Thursday, September 15
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend performances day and evening
 
Friday, September 16
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend performances day and evening
 
Saturday, September 17
Dublin Fringe group and individual work assignments; Attend performances day and evening

Sunday, September 18
Depart

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. 
 

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Program Fee - $2,485

Due May 2nd - $500 Advanced Payment + $25 application fee
Due July 1st - $1,985 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
• Two 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)
• 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.

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More Information

• 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.