The Marie Mullen Bursary
The Marie Mullen Bursary is an annual award for women working on the island of Ireland as theatre artists in the fields of design, directing and dramaturgy.
Applications for the 2025 Marie Mullen Bursary have now closed. The deadline for applications was Monday 18 November 2024 at 5pm. Shortlisting and interviews will be conducted through the winter 2024. We will contact all applicants with an update on their application by the end of the year.
Named in honour of actor and Druid co-founder, Marie Mullen, the bursary is intended to address a historic imbalance and to support the professional development of women in Irish theatre.
The 2024 recipient of the bursary is sound designer Martha Knight. Read more about Martha here.
The bursary is open to women working as designers, directors and dramaturgs who have a proven commitment to Irish theatre and are currently residing on the island of Ireland.
This bursary provides the chosen theatre artist with the time, physical resources and mentoring necessary to support their work.
Bursary winners often continue to work with Druid following the completion of their bursary years. In 2024, three bursary winners formed part of the creative team for The House. In 2023, four bursary winners formed part of the creative team for DruidO'Casey.
What does the bursary winner receive?
- A residency with Druid on a upcoming mainstage production in 2025
- 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?
- Women working on the island of Ireland as theatre artists in the fields of design, directing and dramaturgy
How do I apply?
- Applications for the 2024 bursary have now closed
- The deadline for applications was Monday 18 November at 5pm
- If you have any questions about the application process, please email info@druid.ie
- A selection panel of industry professionals will determine a shortlist of applicants for interviews
- We will contact all applicants with an update on their application by late December 2024
Bursary Winners
Martha Knight
Sound Designer, 2024
"The Marie Mullen Bursary was an incredibly valuable experience for me as a designer. It provided me with the time and space to learn by doing, asking questions, and building practical skills. Working with expert mentors, I was part of the development of a sound and music concept which was brought to life in a large-scale production. Through the bursary, I connected with Druid’s core team, ensemble, and extensive network, which has been an invaluable support throughout the year. I highly recommend this bursary to artists who want to gain experience working on this scale, refine their practical skills, and deepen their artistic sensibilities." - Martha Knight
Suzie Cummins
Lighting Designer, 2023
"The Marie Mullen Bursary was an extraordinary experience for me. It came at a pivotal point in my career, and allowed me to be fully immersed in design through learning and doing over the past year. I had the opportunity to work with some of the best creatives, performers and crew. I observed the processes Druid go through from concept, to staging the production, touring Ireland and then to the United States. This bursary is perfect for someone looking to grow personally and professionally while working with one of the best theatre companies in the world." - Suzie Cummins
Katie O'Halloran
Director, 2022
"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
Director, 2020-2021
"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
Director, 2020-2021
"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
Costume Designer, 2019-2020
"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
Dramaturg, 2018-2019
"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.
Main image: Sarah Baxter (2020-2021 Bursary Winner), Katie O'Halloran (2022 Bursary Winner), Clíodhna Hallissey (2019-2020 Bursary Winner), Suzie Cummins (2023 Bursary Winner); photo by Ste Murray.