Artistic Policy

The Focus Theatre was founded in 1963 by the late Deirdre O'Connell. At the centre of our work is the Stanislavski Studio; where actors and directors train in theatrical theory and techniques of Constantin Stanislavski. We also have a commitment to exploring contemporary international theatre practice.

The Company's artistic policy is to present the best of contemporary world drama, to develop new plays, to produce world classics and to bring our work to as wide an audience as possible. We have a particular emphasis on theatre that explores the human condition through the craft of the actor.

Forthcoming Productions

Over the past five years Focus Theatre has built on its established reputation by producing a body of high standard productions of World and Irish premieres that have been critically acclaimed and successful with audiences both in Dublin and around the country.
•Picasso’s Women (2007) by Brian McAvera (Northern Ireland - Irish Premiere)
•Mother Teresa is Dead (2006) by Helen Edmundson (UK - Irish Premiere)
•Two Rooms (2006) by Lee Blessing (USA- Irish Premiere)
•Stop The Tempo (2005) Gianina Carbunariu (Romania- Irish Premiere and English Language Debut)
•Ladybird (2005) by Vassily Sigarev (Russia - Irish Premiere)
•Jesus Hopped the A-Train (2004) by Stephen Adly Guirgus (USA - Irish Premiere)
•Very Heaven (2004) by Ann Lambert (Canada- Irish Premiere)
•Proof (2003-2004) by David Auburn (USA - Irish Premiere)
•Tilsonburg (2003) by Malachy McKenna (Ireland - World Premiere)

Focus Theatre and The Mill Theatre Touring Partnership

Focus Theatre is developing a business relationship with The Mill Theatre in Dundrum. This is a 200 seat state of the art venue in a prime commercial location. We will continue to generate new work and productions at the Focus Theatre but, where there is the potential to generate income through reaching a larger audience, we will go into co-production with the Mill Theatre both in their space and on national tours. This will create revenue to allow us to continue our arthouse work in the Focus Theatre.

Focus Theatre Stanislavski Studio

Focus Theatre’s Stanislavski Studio, led by OBIE award winning actor ,Tim McDonnell, offers a system of training for the actor, director, designer and writer to help the artist develop his/her body and imagination at a mythical level. Over a period of time, the artist can create a depth of feeling and an intimate understanding of the performer’s instrument in a dramatic context.

Professional Development Studios

Focus Theatre offers other Professional training opportunities to compliment the core Stanislavski Studio. These include classes in Lecoq training for the Physical Actor, Shakespearean/Classical Acting, Singing and Voice for the Performer and Anne Bogart’s Viewpointing. We also invite international artists to lead specialist training opportunities for the Irish theatre community.

Focus Theatre also houses an Experimental Laboratory with a group of practitioners aiming towards developing a new Irish vocabulary to create work based on Irish Myths drawing on the principles of the Stanislavski Studio and the Professional Development training.

Creative Partnership Scheme

Creative Partnership scheme was set up to help develop a professional support and training network for developing artists in Ireland. Recent successes include

•Simon Toal’s ‘Friends of Jack Cairo’ which has toured internationally and was nominated for Best Actor at the Dublin Fringe Festival Awards
•Making Strange Theatre Company’s award-winning production of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ premiered at the Focus Theatre and their 2006 production of ‘Revisions’ won the Jayne Snow Award
•Purple Heart Theatre Company’s World Premiere of ‘Shooters’ by Jack Gilhooley
•The award-winning Fallen Angels Alternative Cabaret.