Summer School

Develop your skills. Build your confidence. Discover your potential.

The Bruiser Summer School is a 10-day professional development programme for young actors aged 13–18 in Northern Ireland.

Taking place at The MAC, Belfast, from 19th–29th July 2027, the Summer School offers young performers the opportunity to develop their acting skills, build confidence and explore Bruiser’s distinctive approach to theatre-making.

Working with the Bruiser team and industry professionals, participants will explore visual, rhythmic, choral and choreographic performance, working towards showcase performances.

Summer School at a glance

Who: Young actors aged 13–18

Dates: 19th–29th July 2027

Duration: 10 days

Venue: The MAC, Belfast

Cost: £275

The programme welcomes young actors who are just beginning their performance journey, as well as those with more experience. Participants will be grouped by age and ability to ensure they are appropriately challenged, supported and encouraged.

How to apply

There are four stages to the application process.

1. Complete the application form

Complete the Bruiser Arts Academy Summer School 2027 application form online.

Applying does not guarantee a place on the Summer School.

2. Application review

The Bruiser team will review your application and respond within two weeks, confirming the relevant next steps.

3. Audition or recall workshop

Your next step will depend on your recent participation in Bruiser activities.

- If you have attended A Day with Bruiser or another Bruiser workshop within the past 12 months

You may be invited to an in-person, one-to-one audition in January 2027. Auditions will be scheduled alongside A Day With Bruiser on 25th–28th January and 1st February.

- If you have not attended a Bruiser workshop within the past 12 months

You may be invited to a group recall workshop on Saturday 13th February 2027.

The Bruiser team will confirm the appropriate next step directly with applicants. January audition slots are limited, and an application does not guarantee an audition or a place on the Summer School.

Preparing for your one-to-one audition

If you are invited to a January one-to-one audition, your audition will last five minutes. Please prepare either a classical or contemporary monologue of your choice, lasting 2–3 minutes.

An audition booking link will be made available and sent directly to invited applicants.

Please note that audition slots cannot be offered on the day itself. Students must have completed the application process and obtained parental consent to remain at the venue after their school group departs.

4. Offer and enrolment

Successful applicants will receive an offer and instructions for securing their place, including information about the holding deposit, Terms and Conditions, letter of offer and enrolment paperwork.

Important information

The programme includes active, physical work. Participants should be prepared to take part in physically demanding activities.

Full attendance is required.

Places are non-refundable and non-transferable.

There are no course activities on Sundays.

Ready to apply?

Complete the application form to begin your Bruiser Arts Academy Summer School journey.

Apply for the Summer School 2027

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee a place. The Bruiser team will review your application and advise you on the next stage.

Participants must audition to gain entry to the Summer School, and it is on this basis of ability and experience that they are offered a place. 

Please note: Summer School 2026 sold out in record time. Don't miss out for 2027 - book early to secure your young person's place.

Photo credit: Jorja McCabe @mccabe.photography