The Marie Mullen Bursary

The Marie Mullen Bursary is an annual award for female theatre artists working in Ireland in the fields of design, directing and dramaturgy.

Named in honour of actor and Druid co-founder, Marie Mullen, the bursary is intended to address the historic imbalance of female representation in theatre and to support the professional development of women in Irish theatre.

The bursary is open to female designers, directors and dramaturgs who have a proven commitment to Irish theatre and are currently residing on the island of Ireland.

This bursary provides a female theatre artist with the time, physical resources and mentoring necessary to support their work.

The current recipient of the Marie Mullen Bursary is Suzie Cummins.


What does the bursary winner win?

  • A residency with Druid on a upcoming mainstage production
  • A one-to-one session with Marie Mullen on working in the theatre industry
  • Mentoring opportunities with theatre professionals
  • For directors and dramaturgs, a contract to act as dramaturg or director for a Druid Debut
  • Opportunities to engage with the Druid Ensemble Opportunities to attend FUEL and Druid Academy workshops and events
  • A bursary award of €2,000

Who can apply?

  • Female artists who currently reside on the island of Ireland

How do I apply?

  • Applications for the 2023 bursary are closed, the deadline was Friday 14 October 2022
  • The 2023 bursary recipient will be announced in December 2022
  • Applications for the 2024 bursary will open in the second half of 2023

Bursary Winners

Suzie Cummins The Marie Mullen Bursary 2023 Square

Suzie Cummins

Lighting Designer, 2023

Katie Ohalloran Square

Katie O'Halloran

Director, 2022

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"The Marie Mullen Bursary provided me with a year of substantial growth in terms of knowledge, experience, and connections within this ensemble company and beyond. Observing the work of the leading theatre practitioners at Druid allowed me to develop my own creativity and directorial process. The collaborative, welcoming spirit of Druid's ensemble, the treasured relationships I've established, and the unparalleled opportunity for artistic expansion are just a few of the reasons I enthusiastically encourage applying for the bursary." - Katie O'Halloran

Sarah Baxter Square

Sarah Baxter

Director, 2020-2021

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"The Marie Mullen Bursary was a lifeline for me during the past year. As a freelancer it was wonderful to be connected with a company that I could call on for advice or encouragement. The work I got to undertake during the bursary brought me into conversation and collaboration with some of the finest talents around. It was an enriching experience that established strong relationships and skills development that I'm sure will continue to grow for years to come." - Sarah Baxter

Emily Foran Square

Emily Foran

Director, 2020-2021

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"The Marie Mullen Bursary has been an invaluable benefit to my career and craft as a director. It has enabled me to collaborate and learn from leading Irish theatre practitioners as well as be part of an incredibly warm and welcoming company. I am truly grateful to have been given this opportunity, one of which is unique within the industry on the island of Ireland and I would encourage any female theatre artists to apply." - Emily Foran

Clíodhna Hallissey Square

Clíodhna Hallissey

Costume Designer, 2019-2020

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"The Marie Mullen Bursary has been an incredibly unique experience that has given me the chance to work with a ground-breaking company and designers that I admire, in a warm and encouraging environment. It’s been an important stepping stone in my career, one that I would highly encourage others to take." - Clíodhna Hallissey

Eleanor White Square

Eleanor White

Dramaturg, 2018-2019

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"The Marie Mullen Bursary has been a vital, formative experience that has been invaluable to my career. It has afforded me a wealth of opportunities to really develop my practice and to learn from, and collaborate with, some of Ireland’s leading theatre practitioners. I would heartily encourage anyone to apply for the bursary - there are very few schemes like this in the Irish theatre sector, and the support and mentorship you receive throughout are unparalleled." - Eleanor White


The Marie Mullen Bursary is supported by Thomas Campbell Jackson & Penny Jackson.

Image: Clíodhna Hallissey (2019-2020 Bursary Winner), Marie Mullen and Garry Hynes