SEEDS Apprenticeships

About SEEDS Apprenticeships

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 more than 55 SEEDS participants. Over 50% have been directly employed by Rough Magic and over 87% 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. Read profiles of our our 2021/2022 SEEDS apprentices here.

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

FAQ about the SEEDS Apprenticeships

I don’t live in Ireland, can I still apply?

The successful candidate(s) will need to be available to attend meetings and commitments in person in Dublin. For this reason we would be looking for Irish-based candidates with easy access to our Dublin City Centre office.

I’m in a full time third-level education programme, can I still apply?

Due to the nature of the placements and commitments in SEEDS, those in full time education would, unfortunately, not be suitable. However, those who are in Masters or part-time 3^rd Level education would be considered eligible.

Do I need prior experience to apply for SEEDS Apprenticeships?

As SEEDS is a professional development programme, we are looking for applicants who already have some experience of working in theatre, who are looking to progress their knowledge and gain experience as professionals, and who have demonstrated a passion for theatre-making.

Can I apply for two SEEDS Apprenticeship Strands?

Yes you can! But please be aware you can only be shortlisted for one strand.

What should be included in my Outline of Work?

For your application – we would be looking for a past production or a current work-in-progress. It is an opportunity to talk about the kind of work you are interested in as an artist and your process as a theatre maker (600 words max).

For the references, should I supply letters of reference or just contact details of my referees?