Irish Theatre Institute

What Irish Theatre Institute does

Irish Theatre Institute (ITI) is a Dublin-based not-for-profit resource organisation, structured as a Company Limited by Guarantee and Registered Charity (CHY 20847), that nurtures, promotes and drives the ambition of Irish theatre makers and Irish theatre from grassroots development through to international presentation. Founded in 1993 by Siobhán Bourke as Theatre Shop (Ireland) and re-branded to its current name in July 2006, ITI serves independent theatre artists and companies (actors, writers, directors, designers, producers and company managers) across the island of Ireland. It is led by Director Niamh O'Donnell (appointed April 2022) and a Board chaired by Lorraine Maye, supported by a small core team of approximately eight staff with experience spanning production, touring, policy, research, financial management and artist development.

ITI's portfolio comprises two flagship searchable databases — PLAYOGRAPHYIreland (cataloguing new Irish plays produced professionally since 1904 in English and since 1901 in Irish) and IRISHTHEATRE.ie (a directory of 130+ companies, 100+ venues and networks, and 30+ festivals) — alongside a suite of artist development programmes including Six in the Attic (est. 2011), ACCELERATE, DUETS (with Fishamble and Dublin Fringe Festival), prime (with Age & Opportunity), and Gap Exchange (international residencies). The organisation also delivers the Safe to Create cross-artform dignity-at-work programme on behalf of the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media in partnership with Screen Ireland, publishes research and biographical collections, runs free Information Clinics, and rents workspace at 17 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, at tiered rates of €30-€200 per day for unfunded, funded and commercial customers.

ITI's revenue model is grant-driven rather than commercial. Annual core funding from the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon is the primary inflow, supplemented by project funding from Culture Ireland, Dublin City Council and Foras na Gaeilge (notably for Playography na Gaeilge), with additional support from the Douglas Elliott Family Fund. Room rentals at the Temple Bar headquarters generate modest transactional revenue on a sliding scale. All other services to artists — mentoring, training, Information Clinics, programmes and publications — are delivered free of charge, and pricing on the only commercial line is published exclusive of 23% VAT.

Name

Irish Theatre Institute

Legal name

Irish Theatre Institute

Website

https://irishtheatreinstitute.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Irish Theatre Institute is a Dublin-based not-for-profit resource organisation that nurtures and supports independent Irish theatre artists and companies through artist development programmes, comprehensive searchable databases of plays and venues, workspace provision, and the national Safe to Create dignity-at-work programme, primarily funded by the Arts Council of Ireland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Support Services

NAICS

Performing Arts Companies (7111), Other Performing Arts Companies (71119)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB)

Keywords

• Theatre resource services
• Artist development programmes
• Performing arts directory
• Theatre research databases
• Creative workspace rental

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Annual Arts Council Funding: Irish Theatre Institute receives annual core funding from Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaíon as its primary funding source.
2. Project Funding: Project-specific funding from Culture Ireland, Dublin City Council, and Foras na Gaeilge for various initiatives and programmes.
3. Private Support: Support from Douglas Elliott Family Fund and other private donors.
4. Room Rentals: Revenue from renting workspace rooms to theatre artists and commercial organisations at favourable rates. Sliding scale pricing based on funding status.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Irish Theatre Institute is a not-for-profit resource organisation that nurtures, promotes and supports professional Irish theatre makers and the Irish theatre sector. It delivers artist development programmes, mentorship, bursaries, workspace rentals, advocacy and public information through searchable databases (PLAYOGRAPHYIreland, IRISHTHEATRE.ie), the Safe to Create workplace-dignity initiative, and publications and reports on Irish theatre.

Product overview

Irish Theatre Institute is a resource organisation for the professional Irish theatre sector, not a typical technology company. Its offerings comprise a portfolio of support programmes, searchable databases, and publications. The core products include PLAYOGRAPHYIreland (a searchable database of Irish plays since 1904), IRISHTHEATRE.ie (a comprehensive directory of Irish theatre), artist development programmes (Six in the Attic, ACCELERATE, prime, Gap Exchange), funding initiatives (Phelim Donlon Bursary), the Safe to Create dignity-at-work programme, and room rental services. ITI also publishes research reports, the Irish Theatre Handbook, and biographical collections. The organisation functions as a membership-based arts body supported by the Arts Council, Culture Ireland, and Dublin City Council.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Six in the Attic: Key artist development programme providing artists with space and resources to create and develop work
• Gap Exchange
• ACCELERATE
• prime
• DUETS
• Show in a Bag
• ELEVATOR
• PLAYOGRAPHYIreland
• IRISHTHEATRE.ie
• Safe to Create
• Gap Exchange

Products and services

• PLAYOGRAPHYIreland Fully searchable databases of new Irish plays written in both English and Irish, cataloguing professionally produced plays since 1904 (English) and 1901 (Irish language); includes Irish Playography and Playography na Gaeilge. Targeted at researchers, producers, dramaturgs and theatre professionals seeking repertoire and rights information.
• IRISHTHEATRE.ie Comprehensive multimedia directory of professional drama, dance and opera in Ireland, North and South, containing information on 130+ theatre companies, 100+ venues and networks, and 30+ festivals. Targeted at the general public, arts enthusiasts, venues and companies seeking a central Irish theatre directory.
• Six in the Attic ITI's key artist development programme established in 2011, providing independent theatre artists with space and resources to create and develop work, including artist gatherings, professional development workshops, mentoring, and access to workspace. Targeted at independent playwrights and theatre makers in Ireland.
• Gap Exchange – International Residency Initiatives Scheme International arts practice exchange programme for contemporary artists with a performance practice, designed to be informal, egalitarian and thoughtful with a focus on sharing local knowledge and developing international networks. Targeted at established Ireland-based theatre/performance practitioners.
• Phelim Donlon Playwright's Bursary & Residency A writer's bursary of €2,000 and two weeks' fully resourced residency in Annaghmakerrig, supporting playwright development. Targeted at playwrights in Ireland.
• ACCELERATE Programme comprising information sessions, workshops, masterclasses, mentoring and training aimed at addressing issues encountered by independent theatre artists and offering professional development opportunities. Targeted at independent theatre artists at all career stages.
• DUETS Artist support initiative made with combined expertise of ITI, Fishamble: The New Play Company and Dublin Fringe Festival, championing professional artists working in pairs to tell one-of-a-kind stories. Targeted at professional Irish theatre artists.
• prime Programme run in partnership with Age & Opportunity providing career supports and training opportunities for theatre actors/artists aged 50+, including professional development programmes and networking. Targeted at theatre actors/artists aged 50 and over.
• Safe to Create Programme Collaborative programme of supports transforming workplace culture and practices, providing safe and respectful working conditions for those working in the arts and creative sectors. Targeted at arts and creative-sector employers, workers and organisations across Ireland.
• Room Rentals City-centre workspace rental at 17 Eustace Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, offering rehearsal rooms, meeting spaces and dedicated desk space for non-Dublin based artists on a sliding scale. Prices range from €30 (unfunded theatre org, half day) to €200 (commercial hire, full day), exclusive of 23% VAT. Targeted at theatre artists, theatre organisations and commercial tenants.
• Information Clinics One-to-one meetings with ITI's Team to discuss specific queries, free of charge and on an on-demand basis, covering networking, touring, funding and strategic planning. Available Tuesday mornings and Wednesday afternoons. Targeted at independent theatre artists and companies.
• Pathways to Production New artist development initiative from Irish Theatre Institute supporting production pathways for theatre artists. Targeted at Irish theatre makers seeking support to move work into production.

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SPRING Performing Arts Festival (Utrecht, Netherlands)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025International partner for Gap Exchange 2025. Provides residency opportunities and artistic exchange for Irish artists.
• Arts Centre Viernulvier (Ghent, Belgium)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025International partner for Gap Exchange 2025. Hosts Irish artists for international exchange.
• Bluecoat (Liverpool, England)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025International partner for Gap Exchange 2025. Facilitates cultural exchange between Irish and UK artists.
• Irish Classical Theatre Company (Buffalo, U.S.)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025International partner for Gap Exchange 2025. Hosts Irish artists for transatlantic artistic exchange.
• The Lime Tree, Backstage Arts Centre, Theatre Royal, Briery Gap, Cork Theatre CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025National partners supporting Gap Exchange 2025 by hosting artist visits in regional locations outside capital cities.
• Mermaid Arts CentrecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Local partner for Gap Exchange and originator of Gap Day programme (since 2016) which influenced Gap Exchange concept.
• Fishamble: The New Play CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term collaborator on artist development initiatives including DUETS programme and Irish Playography project (2002). Provides dramaturgy and development support.
• Dublin Fringe FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner on DUETS and Show in a Bag initiatives. Dublin Fringe Festival provides creative platform for supported artists.
• CoisCéim Dance TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Off-Site @ CoisCéim residencies for theatre-makers with interest in movement and physical theatre. ITI supports their artistic programme.
• Age and Opportunity / Bealayne FestivalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for prime programme supporting theatre artists aged 50+.
• Tyrone Guthrie CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner facilitating development of the sector and generating opportunities for theatre artists.
• National Campaign for the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerITI supports this advocacy organisation for the arts sector in Ireland.
• #WakingTheFeministsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerITI supports this advocacy movement for gender equality in Irish theatre.
• Town Hall Theatre GalwaycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerELEVATOR programme partner (2017-2019) providing mentoring and training for emerging producers in Galway.
• Screen IrelandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Safe to Create programme providing dignity at work resources for arts and creative sectors.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Theatre Communications Group (TCG): US national theatre service organisation providing programmes, research, and advocacy for the not-for-profit theatre field. Highly comparable as a national theatre resource body that curates databases, runs artist development programmes, and convenes the sector on policy issues.
• Fishamble: The New Play Company: Ireland's leading new play company and ITI's long-term collaborator on DUETS and Irish Playography. Closely comparable as an Ireland-based organisation supporting playwright development and new play production, with overlapping artist development programming.
• Theatre Forum Ireland: National umbrella organisation for the professional theatre sector in Ireland. Closely comparable as both are national, publicly funded bodies serving Irish theatre makers with policy, advocacy, and resource-provision roles, and both are referenced as sector peers in Irish arts policy discussions.
• Irish Writers Centre: National resource organisation for writers in Ireland offering courses, residencies, and mentoring. Comparable structurally as a publicly funded national resource body supporting individual practitioners (writers vs theatre makers) with programmes, workspace, and information services.
• Create (Irish National Theatre Conference) / Theatre Forum events: Theatre Forum Ireland runs Create and similar national convening events for the Irish theatre sector. Comparable as a peer convening body whose conferences and showcase events overlap with ITI's networking and showcasing remit.

Broad incumbents

• Creative Ireland Programme: Irish government-led cultural initiative supporting creativity across all art forms nationally. Comparable as a publicly funded body enabling artist and community access to resources, but operating as a government programme with broader arts scope rather than theatre-specific focus.

Regional players

• Canadian Theatre Association / Associated Designers of Canada: Canadian national associations supporting theatre makers and designers through resources, training, and sector advocacy. Comparable as a publicly supported national body curating information and development programmes for theatre practitioners, though serving a different national market.
• Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC): International service organisation supporting stage directors and choreographers with resources, advocacy, and training. Comparable in mission (resource body for theatre practitioners) and in delivery of development programmes, though serving directors rather than the broad Irish theatre ecosystem.
• Theatre Nova Scotia: Canadian regional theatre service organisation providing resources, training, and advocacy for theatre makers. Comparable as a smaller national/regional theatre resource body delivering development programmes and sector information, though serving Nova Scotia rather than Ireland.
• Independent Theatre Council (UK): UK membership body supporting independent theatre makers and small-scale companies with advice, resources, and advocacy. Comparable in mission (supporting independent theatre practitioners) but UK-focused rather than Ireland-focused, and structured as a membership/advocacy body.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/IrTheatreInstitute
• Facebookfacebook.com/IrishTheatreInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/irishtheatreinstitute
• Instagraminstagram.com/irish_theatre_institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Irish Theatre Institute