For those interested in a career on the screen or stage, the Gaiety School of Acting should be the location this summer as next week sees the return of its annual summer school. The summer sessions offer tons of options in both developing their acting skills and understanding how the business works.

There are several new courses on offer this year, including ‘Career Preparation’ (From 8th -24th July, Tuesday & Thursday evenings), which focuses on both sides of acting, the art and the income. The class is presented by two veterans of the Irish acting scene Thyrza Ging, Associate Casting Director at Louise Kiely Casting and Donal Courtney, GSA tutor and former teacher of Oscar nominated Irish actor, Micheal Fassbender.

For those who are looking to get into the writing aspect of filmmaking, the school will be hosting a ‘Screenwriting Hothouse’ on July 19, taught by award winning screenwriter Michelle Manahan, a writer for Fair City whose work as a writer/director in film has been screened internationally at festivals and on television.

For those seeking to be the next great Irish comedian, Sharon Mannion is back at the school this week for ‘Stand Up Comedy’, but there is still time to attend for those who missed the opening sessions. Mannion gained recognition as a stand-up, comedy improviser and sketch writer, winning the Best Stand Up award at the Fr. Ted Festival in 2007, and gaining finalist spots in the UK and Ireland’s Funny Women Competition and the Bulmers International Comedy Festival for Best Newcomer.

Other short courses for Adults at The Gaiety School of Acting this summer include 'The Clear & Confident Voice' with Russel Smith (Saturday 5th July), ‘TV Presentation’ with Alan Shortt (Saturday 12th July), ‘Radio Presentation’ with Tinpot productions MD, Daryl Moorhouse (Saturday 16th August) and ‘The Confidence Edge’ with Donal Courtney (Saturday 16th August).

The younger audience have not been forgotten as the Summer Drama Camp, Musical Theatre, Make a Movie and Triple Threat Bootcamp among other workshops will be on offer for the aspiring youth actors.

For more information or to order a summer brochure please call the Gaiety School at 01 6799277 or visit the website www.gaietyschool.com