Holding the Room - Drama & Communication Workshop 2027
Bringing the RIAM Drama & Communication syllabus to life
Description
Designed for Drama & Communication teachers at all stages of their teaching journey, this professional development workshop offers practical guidance, fresh perspectives, and valuable syllabus support for those preparing students for RIAM examinations.
Following the success of RIAM's long-running exam support and teacher development events across other disciplines, this new workshop brings the same supportive and practice-based approach to Drama & Communication. Led by RIAM Chief Examiner Ailbhe Murphy and Liz Daly, Director of Pygmalion Drama School and RIAM Examiner, the day will explore the current Drama & Communication syllabus through demonstration, discussion, and collaborative learning, with special focus on areas such as:
Curriculum Clinic
Understand the syllabus and support your students. Explore expectations at different grades, teaching approaches and common challenges in exam preparation. Gain a clearer understanding of what examiners look for across Drama, Solo Acting and Communication grades, with practical guidance on preparing students and connecting communication skills with learning in the school classroom.
Repertoire Shelf
Find material that brings out individual strengths. Choosing the right text can help a student’s personality and abilities shine through. Discover repertoire suggestions and guidance on approaching texts, developing analytical skills and encouraging thoughtful performance choices.
The Creative Lab
Bring fresh approaches into your teaching. Explore ways of developing skills such as movement, improvisation, mime, acting through song and devising. Take away practical ideas to encourage students to experiment, interpret and express themselves.
Resources to take away
All participants will receive a comprehensive workshop handbook containing syllabus texts and practical teaching materials that can be used throughout the academic year.
Whether you are new to teaching Drama & Communication or an experienced practitioner looking to refresh your approach, this workshop offers a valuable opportunity to develop your skills, deepen your understanding of the syllabus, and gain practical resources to support your students' success, together with plenty of opportunities for discussion, networking, and the exchange of ideas with Drama & Communication teachers from across Ireland.
Workshop Schedule
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9:30am – Registration & Welcome
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10:00am – Morning Session (with Tea/Coffee break)
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1:00pm – Lunch Break (no lunch provided)
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2:00pm – Afternoon Session
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4:30pm – Close
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Develop a stronger understanding of the RIAM Drama & Communication syllabus and examiner expectations across all grade levels.
- Explore practical approaches to preparing students for Drama, Solo Acting, and Communication examinations.
- Discover effective repertoire choices, including drama, prose, and poetry texts that support student success.
- Build confidence in teaching creative skills such as movement, improvisation, mime, acting through song, and devising.
- Analyse sample performances and examination scenarios to identify effective performance and communication strategies.
- Gain access to valuable teaching resources, examiner insights, and a comprehensive handbook to support their practice throughout the year.
Course Venue/Time:
RIAM, Westland Row 36-38, Dublin 2
Time: 10:00 AM - ca. 4:30 PM (see above schedule)
Tutors
Ailbhe Murphy (RIAM’s Chief Examiner in Drama & Communication)
Ailbhe Murphy is an experienced speech and drama educator, examiner, adjudicator, and theatre practitioner. As Chief Examiner for Speech & Drama at the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM), she has played a leading role in the development of RIAM's Drama & Communication syllabus and assessment programmes.
A graduate of University College Dublin and holder of the RIAM Licentiate Teaching Diploma (LRIAM) in Speech & Drama, Ailbhe has taught at RIAM for over twenty years and brings a wealth of experience working with students from beginner level through to diploma standard. Her international experience includes working with the Young Actors Programme at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York.
Alongside her educational work, Ailbhe is an active adjudicator, professional vocal coach, and theatre practitioner, having worked as an actor, director, stage manager, and designer. She has undertaken extensive specialist training in voice and movement, including study with renowned voice coach Patsy Rodenburg, work at the Roy Hart Centre in France, and advanced training in mime and physical theatre.
A passionate advocate for excellence in drama education, Ailbhe is dedicated to helping teachers and students develop confidence, creativity, communication skills, and a deeper understanding of performance practice. Through her teaching, examining, and professional development work, she continues to support speech and drama educators across Ireland.
Liz Daly (Director of Pygmalion Drama School and RIAM Examiner)
Liz Daly (B.A., A.R.I.A.M.) is an experienced drama educator, examiner, adjudicator, and communications specialist with over twenty five years' experience in speech and drama education. She is the founder and Director of Pygmalion Drama School, where she has built a reputation for helping students develop confidence, communication skills, creativity, and a strong sense of personal expression.
A graduate of UCD (BA English & History) and of The Royal Irish Academy of Music, Liz holds the Associate Diploma (A.R.I.A.M.) in Speech & Drama and has worked extensively with students of all ages and abilities. Her teaching places a particular emphasis on public speaking, effective communication, presentation skills, and performance, equipping students with skills that extend far beyond the stage and into their academic and professional lives.
Liz is an examiner for the Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) and was a key contributor to the development of RIAM's current Drama & Communication syllabus. Through her examining work, she has gained extensive insight into assessment standards, student development, and best practice in speech and drama education.
An accomplished adjudicator, Liz is regularly invited to assess speech and drama competitions and festivals throughout Ireland, including Feis Maitiu and North Kildare Feis. She has also been instrumental in reviving Feis Maitiu Dublin after its demise during Covid and continues to manage the Feis every year.
Drawing on her extensive experience as a teacher, examiner, and curriculum developer, Liz brings a practical, engaging, and highly supportive approach to professional development, helping teachers build confidence in delivering high-quality Drama & Communication education.
Prerequisites
Participants must be 18+ years of age.