The Team
Who We Are
Therese Maher
Principal
Therese holds a B.A. in Music (Mary Immaculate College), a diploma in Event Management (Limerick Business School), and a post-graduate in Stage Management and Technical Theatre (Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama). In 2018 she graduated with a M.F.A in Performance through American College Dublin, and is currently a PhD candidate in Drama and Theatre Studies in Mary Immaculate college. For 15 years Therese has run Dwan Academy Performing Arts School in Thurles, providing music, drama, dance and art classes and lessons, as well as outreach programmes in schools.
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Her directing & choreography credits include; Miss Saigon (2013), West Side Story (2014), Beauty and the Beast (2014), Les Miserable (2016), Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (2018), High School Musical (2019), The Little Mermaid (2021), In the Willows (2022), Footloose (2023), The Addams Family (2024).
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As a Production Manager she has worked all over the world, including at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Adelaide Fringe Festival, and at the Royal Albert Hall. Her credits include; Only the Brave (World Premier, Edinburgh 2010), Austentatious, (British Premier, 2011), Totem, Cirque du Soleil (2011), The Barge Project, Olympics Arts Festival (2012), Jordan Productions Pantomime (2011, 2012, 2013), East End Film Festival, (2013, 2014), Pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2012 – 2016).
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In 2023, Therese set up Limelight Theatricals, a youth musical theatre group. With an ethos of kindness and inclusion, they provide performance opportunities for 14-19 year olds.
Linda Ryan
Vocal Teacher
Linda Ryan is a highly skilled and passionate vocal coach. Specialising in a range of genres, from Musical Theatre to Classical, Linda has helped countless students refine their vocal technique, develop their unique sound and build confidence in their performances. Linda is a qualified Vocal Habilitation Professional and is currently studying to be a Vocal Rehabilitation Specialist with VHE UK. This training has provided her with a deep understanding of vocal health, vocal anatomy and a personalised, person-centred approach to teaching.
As a musical theatre performer Linda has played many roles including Lucille Frank (Parade), Mother (Ragtime), Lucy Harris (Jekyll & Hyde), Barbara Castle (Made In Dagenham), Buttercup (HMS Pinafore), Sylvia (All Shook Up), Svetlana (Chess), Player 3/Delia (Michael Collins The Musical), Deloris Van Cartier (Sister Act), Mary Magdalene (Jesus Christ Superstar). Linda brings her wealth of performance experience and stage craft to each lesson and is dedicated to nurturing each student’s talent, ensuring they reach their full potential.
Stephen O'Riain
Acting Teacher
Stephen is from Co. Limerick and trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
Recent theatre credits include: For the Lack of Laura (Town Hall Theatre, Galway), Aladdin (Lime Tree Theatre), The Commitments (UK/Ireland Tour) and Jersey Boys (UK/Ireland Tour). Other credits include: Lead vocalist The Wild Atlantic (Guest Ents), Jersey Boys (Norwegian Cruise Line), Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Dartfod Theatre, London), Lead vocalist and production performer (P&O Cruises), Hansel and Gretel (Brentwood Theatre), Ushers: The Front of House Musical (Soho Theatre), Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens (The Space, London) and Maxina Todd NVQ (Edinburgh Fringe Festival).
Film/TV appearances: Good Morning Britain (ITV), Philomena (Lost Child Productions). Cast recordings: For the Lack of Laura (Morgan Brothers).
TBC
Dance Teacher
If you are interested in the position of Dance Teacher, please email a copy of your CV to hello@firstact.ie.
You must have relevant qualification, and at least 5 years professional experience.
