National Performing Arts School

What National Performing Arts School does

The National Performing Arts School (NPAS) is a family-run performing arts school founded in Dublin in 1993 by Directors Jill Doyle and Eamon Farrell, registered as The National Performing Arts School Ltd. The school provides classes in Musical Theatre, Speech & Drama, Singing, Screen Acting, RAD Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary Dance, and Jazz to children and young people aged 2 to 20 across five Dublin venues — The Factory at Bolands Mills, Ringsend, Dún Laoghaire, Castleknock, and Dalkey. Curriculum is anchored by long-standing affiliations with the Royal Academy of Dancing (30 years of examination entries) and the Irish Board of Speech and Drama, with annual showcases at the 3Olympia Theatre. The school also operates the wholly-owned NPAS Agency, which represents young people across TV, Film, Advertising, Theatre, and Modelling.

Underlying operations combine in-person instruction by a Garda-vetted teaching faculty with a digital layer comprising the NPAS Payzone (Easy Payments Plus) booking platform, GDPR-compliant data processors (Mailchimp, Sendmode), and a multi-channel social media presence on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube. The school maintains Child Safeguarding compliance under Children First National Guidance and serves specialized cohorts including adults with Down Syndrome (via the Let's Go partnership) and students with additional support needs.

The revenue model is diversified across term-based class subscriptions (3 terms per academic year), RAD and Irish Board examination fees, summer camps and workshops, NPAS Agency representation, event tickets for the 3Olympia showcase, and merchandise. Pricing is low-ticket and consumer-oriented: €25 per subsequent hour-long class, €15 trial classes, €100 for 10 weeks at Dalkey, and RAD exams priced €52-€63 depending on grade. Distribution is direct-to-consumer via self-serve website booking, with a community-led and event-driven go-to-market that relies on word-of-mouth referrals, priority booking for current students, and major annual shows as both retention and acquisition events.

Name

National Performing Arts School

Legal name

The National Performing Arts School Ltd

Website

https://npas.ie

Company type

Private

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts Education

NAICS

Fine Arts Schools (61161), Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Theater & Drama Education (Acting, Improvisation, Musical Theater) (EDAMAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Theatre Education, Training & Conservatories (MPAGABAN), Performing Arts (Acting, Improv, Theater) (EDAAAGAE), Community & Amateur Theatre (MPAGABAD)

Keywords

• Performing arts education
• Children's dance classes
• Drama and speech training
• Youth musical theatre
• Talent agency representation

Headquarters

HQ city

Dublin

HQ country

Ireland

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Term Class Fees: Recurring term-based fees for performing arts classes across multiple disciplines including Musical Theatre, Drama, Singing, Dance styles. Enrolled per term (3 terms per academic year).
2. Examination Fees: Royal Academy of Dance exam fees ranging from €52-€63 for various grades. Irish Board of Speech and Drama examination fees. Extra practice classes for exams charged separately.
3. Summer Camps and Workshops: Summer camp programs (July/August), special workshops (e.g., Legally Blonde Musical Theatre Intensive, Ballroom Dance, Drama Day for Grown Ups), and theatre trips with post-show workshops.
4. Agency Representation: NPAS Agency represents young people in the industry for TV, Film, Advertising, Theatre, and Modelling. Revenue likely derived from commission or representation fees.
5. Event Tickets and Merchandise: Tickets to major shows at 3Olympia Theatre. Shop merchandise available via their merch store.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The National Performing Arts School provides term-based performing arts education to children and young people aged 2 to 20 across multiple Dublin venues, covering Musical Theatre, Speech & Drama, Singing, Screen Acting, RAD Ballet, Hip Hop, Tap, Contemporary and Jazz dance. Beyond classes, the school produces an annual showcase at the 3Olympia Theatre, runs Summer Camps and Saturday workshops, and operates the NPAS Agency which represents young performers for TV, film, advertising, theatre and modelling work.

Product overview

The National Performing Arts School (NPAS) is a family-run performing arts school established in 1993, offering a comprehensive portfolio of performing arts education for children and young people aged 2-20. The school operates as a unified platform of interconnected programmes including RAD Ballet, Musical Theatre, Speech & Drama, Singing, and multiple Dance styles (Contemporary, Tap, Hip-Hop, Jazz), supplemented by specialized offerings such as Screen Acting, Sunday Intro classes, and Little Ones Song & Dance for toddlers. The school also operates the NPAS Agency for industry representation, organizes annual showcases at the 3Olympia Theatre, runs seasonal Summer Camps and Summer Saturday programmes, and maintains a Scholarship Programme with the annual Conal Kearney Award. Classes are delivered across multiple Dublin venues including The Factory at Bolands Mills, Ringsend, Dún Laoghaire, and Castleknock.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• NPAS Agency: Represents young people in the industry across TV, Film, Advertising, Theatre, Modelling and more

Products and services

• RAD Ballet Classes Classical ballet instruction affiliated with the Royal Academy of Dancing, offering examination preparation and technique training from Pre-Primary through Grade 5 and above, for children and young people.
• Musical Theatre Classes Classes combining music, songs, dance, and spoken dialogue, focusing on pieces from Broadway and West-End musicals such as Wicked, Hamilton, Matilda, SIX and The Lion King.
• Speech & Drama Classes Drama and acting instruction including dramatic play, story enactment, imagination journeys, improvisation, theatre games, music and dance, with optional examinations through The Irish Board of Speech and Drama.
• Singing Classes Vocal training developing voice, musicality, self-confidence, creativity and imagination using contemporary chart songs and musical theatre pieces.
• Contemporary Dance Dance instruction exposing students to multiple contemporary techniques for versatility, focusing on the performing and choreographic process and the relationship between mind and body.
• Tap Dance Classes Rhythmic tap dance instruction with modern techniques incorporating hip hop and street style arm movements, taught as an essential part of professional dancers' repertoire.
• Hip-Hop Classes Dance classes combining rhythm and self-expression with the latest dance styles and moves, set to pop, R'n'B, Funk and Hip Hop music.
• Jazz Dance Classes Essential musical theatre choreography training in jazz technique, recognized as the backbone of professional dance and required for auditions in the US and UK.
• Screen Acting Course Introduction to creating film and video content covering sound, filming, editing, script writing and choosing a soundtrack, using iMovie and mobile device platforms.
• Little Ones Song & Dance Fun hour-long classes for toddlers aged 2+ introducing song and dance through musical theatre elements, fun storytelling, music, movement and singing.
• Intro 2 NPAS Sunday Classes Sunday performing arts classes directed by Jill Doyle and Eamon Farrell covering Drama, Singing, Musical Theatre and various Dance forms. Designed for students new to NPAS or those with Saturday scheduling conflicts; non-show classes.
• NPAS Performance Company Advanced performance class for students aged 15+ who have attended NPAS for 2+ years, offering workshops in Theatre, improv, Musical Theatre, Acting through Song, and other performance techniques.
• Choreography Skills & Performance Class Class exploring choreography creation techniques with contemporary performance practices, solo and group work, and tools to develop unique dance compositions.
• NPAS 3Olympia Show Annual showcase production held at the 3Olympia Theatre featuring all NPAS classes in performance, with auditions for lead roles and ensemble company; 'Born To Be Brave' scheduled for January 23-24, 2027.
• NPAS Agency Talent agency representing young people in the performing arts industry across TV, Film, Advertising, Theatre, and Modelling sectors.
• Summer Camps Full-day performing arts camps during July and August offering NPAS Performing Arts, Make a Movie, and Musical Theatre intensives for ages 4-12 and teens aged 12-18.
• Summer Saturdays Saturday classes running in June offering condensed versions of popular NPAS classes for current students and new enrollees to experience the school before September.
• Workshops Specialized workshop series featuring industry professionals such as casting agents and dance captains from West End productions, offering skill development opportunities; examples include Legally Blonde Musical Theatre Intensive, Ballroom Dance workshops (€15), and Kids Disco events.

Quantifiable outcome

• 33+ years of continuous operation and thousands of students educated
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bord Gáis Energy TheatreminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026NPAS students invited to open rehearsal of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. Partnership for educational theatre experiences.
• Royal Academy of Dancing (RAD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNPAS is affiliated with The Royal Academy of Dancing, one of the largest and most influential dance education and training organisations globally. The school has been entering students for RAD examinations for 30 years. RAD provides the examination framework and curriculum standards for ballet instruction.
• Irish Board of Speech and DramacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAn independent body providing objective assessment of achievement in communication skills and dramatic arts. NPAS enters Drama and Musical Theatre students for their examinations annually.
• Let's Go (Social Enterprise)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerA social enterprise focused on empowering adults with Down Syndrome through a tailored training program aimed at securing employment. NPAS provides monthly visits and performing arts classes at The Factory.
• 3Olympia TheatrecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual NPAS shows performed at the 3Olympia Theatre. Major annual showcase event for all NPAS students, with the 2027 show 'Born To Be Brave' scheduled for January 23-24, 2027.
• Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre (RICC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity centre partnership for Junior School classes and summer camps in Ringsend. Long-standing association with the RICC team.
• Dance World (Ranelagh & Parnell)minorOthersAuthorised retailer for RAD ballet uniform, required for examination candidates. Stores located in Ranelagh and Parnell Street, Dublin.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Billie Barry Stage School: Dublin-based performing arts school offering dance, drama, and singing classes for children and young people. Closest direct competitor to NPAS in the Dublin market, with a similar multi-venue model and showcase-driven approach.
• Stagecoach Performing Arts: UK-origin franchise offering weekend performing arts classes for children aged 4-18 across dance, drama, and singing. Operates in Ireland and competes for the same parent demographic seeking supplementary arts education.
• Hammond School (UK): UK weekend performing arts school for children and teens with comparable curriculum breadth (dance, drama, musical theatre) and showcase-driven model. Useful benchmark for UK peer valuations.
• The Gaiety School of Acting: Dublin-based drama school offering part-time and full-time actor training programs for young people and adults. Overlaps with NPAS on drama curriculum and youth performance pathways.
• Scream Theatre School: Dublin-based performing arts school for children and teens offering drama, dance, and singing classes. Direct competitor in the Dublin youth enrichment market with similar term-based model.
• Zoomdance Performing Arts: Dublin-based children's performing arts school offering dance, drama, and singing classes. Competes for similar age range (2-20) and parent segment within the Dublin market.

Broad incumbents

• Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts: Long-established UK performing arts school with weekend and holiday programmes for children alongside full-time professional training. Comparable scope of disciplines and showcase culture to NPAS.

Others

• Royal Academy of Dance (RAD): Global dance examination and accreditation body with which NPAS holds a 30-year affiliation. Not a competitor but a structural partner whose curriculum underpins NPAS's ballet offering.

Regional players

• Anne James School of Dance: Dublin-based dance school offering RAD ballet, tap, and jazz with a long-established reputation. Overlaps with NPAS on classical dance disciplines and the same target demographic.
• The Lir Academy: Dublin-based conservatory linked to Trinity College Dublin, offering professional acting and theatre training. Competes for serious young performers who might otherwise progress through NPAS's Performance Company.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@TheNpas
• Facebookfacebook.com/NPASthefactory
• Instagraminstagram.com/npas_dublin
• TikToktiktok.com/@npas_dublin
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/national-performing-arts-school

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Subsidiaries1 record

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 National Performing Arts School