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SEEDS
Applications for the 2025 SEEDS programme will open later this year. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the announcement.
About SEEDS
Since 2001 Rough Magic has been the pioneer of artist development in Irish theatre, through its SEEDS programme for emerging artists – based on mentoring, research and creative engagement. SEEDS has been Ireland’s premiere development programme for the past twenty-one years; an impressive number of graduates of the programme have gone on to make a significant contribution to the professional theatre sector and many continue to work with Rough Magic. So far there have been 58 SEEDS participants. 55% have been directly employed by Rough Magic and over 91% are currently working as full-time theatre professionals. Participants will be given access to desk space with the company, offered mentorship from the Rough Magic artistic team, support for their own independent projects and employment as fully paid apprentices on at least one Rough Magic production.
To read more about the history of the programme and the alumni, click this link.
Read profiles of our 2021/2022 SEEDS apprentices here.
Current SEEDS
SEEDS 2023/2024
HK Ní Shioradáin
Sound Designer HK Ní Shioradáin is a multidisciplinary artist from Dublin. They compose, sound design, and music direct for film and theatre, and are a bilingual spoken word poet, performing in Irish and English. They have a BA in English Literature and Film from Trinity College Dublin, and a Certificate in Music Composition for Games from Griffith College Dublin.
Joy Nesbitt
Joy Nesbitt is a theatrical director, writer, and neo-soul artist originally from Dallas, Texas. In her art, Joy is inspired and motivated by stories of Black Femininity and the destruction of oppression in today’s society. Joy is a recent graduate of the Theatre Directing MFA at The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts. She attended Harvard University with a dual degree in Social Anthropology and Music, as well as a secondary in Theatre, Dance and Media.
Toni Bailey
Toni Bailey is a Costume Designer who studied at the Inchicore College of Further Education. She recently completed a Masters in Dramaturgy and Costume Design at The Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts. Toni has a background in Makeup and Special Effect for film and TV.
SEEDS 2021/2022 Testimonials
“SEEDS provided me with a bedrock of experience in a professional theatre setting. My time on the programme included assistant-directing All The Angels, collaborating on the development of The Tempest, and getting the chance to stage my own work at Project Arts Centre. I came away from each of these opportunities with lessons learned and horizons expanded. SEEDS also allowed me to immerse myself in the running of Rough Magic, and observing how this dynamic company operates on a daily basis was illuminating and instructional. Overall, SEEDS equipped me with a confidence in my directing ability that I had not known before, and I am very grateful for that.”
– Dominic O’Brien, Director SEED 2021-2022
“The SEEDS program was life-changing for me. I worked on Tonic and All the Angels, doing scenic painting and assisting, working alongside amazing designers and learning from them. I also learned how the whole company works, communicates and creates. Every team member was super kind and really willing to help. The SEEDS program is like a bridge from college to real work life. It taught me lots of practical things for working professionally. I used to think being a designer is a solo career path, but being a SEED changed that. It showed me that making theatre is about community, communication, helping and supporting each other”. – Pai Rathaya, Set Design SEED 2021-2022
“SEEDS completely transformed my career, not only through practical experience but with the networking opportunities and connections I have built across the sector. Being from the North there is often a divide between the two jurisdictions of this island that permeates into our arts sectors. SEEDS has given me the chance to observe and participate within the behemoth that is the southern theatre sector. In February 2022 I was asked to design for the Abbey for a rehearsed reading of Bloody Sunday: Scenes from the Saville Inquiry directed by Lynne Parker. To say this programme has changed the trajectory of my career is an understatement.
During SEEDS I was the video designer on All The Angels and Rough Weekend. The programme taught me quite a lot about video hardware, working with projectors, video formats and frame rates, and how your knowledge of hardware is equally as important as your knowledge of software. SEEDS is a truly life changing and career-defining experience. I will be forever indebted to the wonderful people at Rough Magic.” – Eoin Robinson, Video Design SEED 2021-2022