Ulster Academy of Speech & Drama

08/08/2026

ENDORSEMENT FROM LAUREN

Lauren has just completed the combined Junior and Senior Associate Course.

Course Review

Completing the Junior and Senior Associate Diploma in Speech & Drama with Pauline McKenna and the Ulster Academy of Speech & Drama has been a journey filled with creativity, challenge and personal growth.

The course challenged me to step outside my comfort zone while building my confidence as both a performer and a teacher. It was thoughtfully structured, combining practical workshops with the theory behind speech and drama, allowing me to develop skills that I can use every day in my classroom.

Pauline’s passion for speech and drama is evident in every class. She created a supportive and encouraging environment where everyone felt comfortable to learn, ask questions and grow. Her guidance, expertise and genuine belief in each student made the experience even more enjoyable.

Having previously completed all ten grades in Speech and Drama, returning to formal training was incredibly rewarding. The course reignited my passion for drama. It has given me practical techniques and renewed confidence that I know will benefit both my career in teaching and my future work in speech and drama.

I would highly recommend the Ulster Academy of Speech & Drama to anyone considering training in speech and drama. It is an inspiring, supportive and thoroughly worthwhile experience.

Thank you, Pauline, for your encouragement, expertise and dedication throughout the course. It has been a fantastic journey, and I’m excited to continue building on everything I’ve learned.

If anyone reading this is considering a change in career direction please email [email protected] for further information.

31/07/2026

2026/2027 INTAKE CONTINUES

Hello! My name is Anne Marie Gill and I’m a Primary School Teacher from Mayo.

I spent many years attending Speech and Drama classes, completing all of my grades in both Speech and Drama and Public Speaking. I really enjoyed the experience, and it helped me grow in confidence and develop skills that I still value today.

As a teacher, I see every day how important confidence and communication are for children. My own experience of attending Speech and Drama classes, and seeing first-hand the benefits they bring to children, has encouraged me to begin a Teaching Diploma in Speech and Drama.

I’m excited to get started and, in time, to offer Speech and Drama classes to children in my local area, helping them develop confidence and find their voice.

09/07/2026

SPEECH AND DRAMA TEACHER TRAINING

30/06/2026

25/06/2026

Email:[email protected] for further details.

20/06/2026

Sophia Cosgrave
Congratulations to Sophia on achieving a distinction in the Junior Associate Teaching Diploma. Sophia has certainly made the most out of Transition Year, she has been involved in productions including The Pl***oy of the Western World, and her school musical among others. She is now in a position to teach 5yrs-12yrs our UASD syllabus. If you or your son/daughter is interested in drama & is about to start TY please contact Pauline at 0861583337 for information.

12/06/2026

2026/2027 Intake Continued

Welcome Holly to our UASD teaching team.

Hello! I'm Holly, a freelance drama facilitator from Yorkshire living in Co.Tyrone. I have a background in theatre having studied BA Hons in Drama and English and a Masters in Arts Management from QUB. I adore all things theatre, watching productions, directing and stage managing productions and my favourite of all is teaching Drama within the community & with local theatre groups.

I am looking forward to being able to teach the grades of Speech and Drama and offer more opportunities for the local community. Thank you to Pauline Mc Kenna at Ulster Academy of Speech & Drama. Very excited to get started!!

More recently Holly stage managed and co-directed Enniskillen Light Operatic's 2023 production of School of Rock the musical, co-directed 2 productions with Fermanagh BrightStarz (2023 & 2024) and is Choreographer for Skyzdalimit Omagh 2026 show.

26/05/2026

An interesting piece in the Irish Times:

One expert says when children are playing pretend or acting, they are learning to trust themselves – ‘and that builds confidence and self-esteem’

21/04/2026

An Endorsement from Shauna

I’ve just completed my Speech & Drama Teacher Training course with Pauline Mckenna and Ulster Academy of Speech & Drama and I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

From start to finish, the experience has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The course was well structured, balancing practical teaching skills with a deep understanding of the theoretical side of drama.

Having completed the course, I feel not only confident as a teacher (thanks to the teaching practice I gained) but also more connected to the art of speech and drama itself.

Pauline was exceptional — supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about helping each student grow. Her encouragement and constructive feedback throughout made such a difference. I took on this course at an extremely busy time in my life, juggling a demanding full time job and balancing a young family at home. Pauline's understanding and flexibility throughout really helped me through the challenging periods!

I have loved meeting new friends along the way as well. Everyone on the course shared the same enthusiasm, and it created such a positive and motivating environment to learn in.

I’m leaving this course with new skills, friendships, and a real excitement for what comes next.

If you’re considering training in speech and drama, this course is an amazing place to start.

Thank you Shauna Fox, if you’re reading this and considering doing the course please email [email protected] for further information.

www.ulsterspeechanddrama.com

21/03/2026

2026/2027 Intake Cont.
Lamia Mohan
Lamia has enrolled in the Combined Junior/Senior Associate Diploma. If you are reading this &think that teaching speech & drama may be something that you would consider, email: [email protected] for information.
This is Lamia’s bio:

​"I’m Lamia Mohan, a Virginia resident and mother of two with a lifelong love for the arts. While you’re more likely to find me supporting a production from the sidelines than performing on stage, my true passion lies in teaching and watching others grow in confidence.
​I am currently working towards my Speech and Drama Teaching Diploma to better serve the young people in our community. Through my involvement with the local Parents’ Association, I’ve seen firsthand how important creative expression is for children. I look forward to helping our local students explore their creativity and discover the joy of the written and spoken word."
Wishing you every success Lamia & looking forward to meeting you in person.