We would like to welcome you to the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland website. Our mission is to champion the transformative power of performance, supporting a nationwide network of teachers who empower individuals to find their voice in education, theatre, and the modern workplace
It is my great pleasure as Chairperson, to welcome you to our professional community. Our organisation brings together dedicated educators from across the country who share a commitment to excellence in speech and drama, communication and performance training. Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland continues to grow as a vibrant, supportive network of qualified professionals.
Whether you are a long-standing member or newly exploring our organisation, I encourage you to engage with our events, resources and community. Together we strengthen our profession and ensure that speech and drama education continues to thrive across Ireland. Thank you for being part of our journey.
- June Allison
We are committed to providing high-caliber, ongoing professional development that transcends the stage.
Our goal is to refine presentation and performance skills across four key pillars: enriching personal confidence in life, fostering excellence in education, maintaining the highest standards in theatre, and equipping professionals for the demands of the changing workplace.
Through our specialised training, we empower individuals to communicate with clarity, presence, and impact in every arena.
Speech and Drama Teachers Of Ireland was founded in 1982
Professional membership organisation for qualified and trainee teachers of Speech and Drama
Run by a voluntary board
Formed to encourage and promote the highest standards of teaching within the Speech and Drama field
Connects teachers of communication, performance and life skills and to act as a voice of the profession
Discover what people say about us
"SDTOI......always a valuable connection past, present and future"
"Workshops are very well organised most engaging. I had a very enjoyable day. I came away feeling really enthusiastic after the most recent workshop on physical theatre"
"Being a member of SDTOI is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect & upskill"
"I find the training very beneficial & I also loved learning from and meeting other teachers"
"We look forward to the Annual Hybrid Feis. It's one of the highlights for our students and their families"
As a non-for-profit organisation, run by a dedicated voluntary board, we were formed to encourage and promote the highest standards of teaching within the Speech and Drama field, to connect teachers of communication, performance and life skills and to act as a voice for the profession.
Chairperson
June holds a BA in Counselling and also a Higher Diploma in Drama Education with a Licentiate Teaching Qualification in Speech and Drama. She has been running her own drama school, Mayo Performance Academy, since 2011 and has vast experience in working with children and young people through drama and performing arts.
As well as teaching drama, June is a qualified Mental Health & Wellbeing Coach. She is delighted to be associated with the Speech & Drama Teachers of Ireland and looks forward to serving as a board member
Vice Chairperson and Membership Co-ordinator.
Mairéad holds a Bachelor of Religion and Music Education from Dublin City University, a Diploma in Community Music from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, and both Associate and Licentiate diplomas from UASD. With over twenty years experience teaching music and drama, she currently teaches at St. Louis Secondary School, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan. In 2023, she founded Encore School of Music, Speech and Drama. She looks forward to working with and being part of the Board of the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland.
Secretary
Pearl holds a BMus, Licentiate and Associated Teaching Diplomas in Singing, Music and Drama. She is a music, vocal and drama examiner with Leinster School of Music and Drama in Griffith College.
She established Kilshanna Music, Arts & Drama Studio, Mitchelstown in 1998.
Treasurer
Geraldine holds her licentiate Teaching qualification in Speech & Drama from Leinster School, Dublin and Trinity Guildhall with additional qualifications in Applied Cultural Studies. Geraldine has worked in drama education for sixteen years working with both primary and secondary schools on creative Drama projects. She manages GSD School of Drama a performing arts school based in Louth.
Social Media
Carla holds a BBS Bachelor of Business degree in Business & Management, as well as a Higher Diploma in Drama Education, Licentiate & Associate Teaching Diplomas with the Leinster School of Music & Drama. She opened her own Academy of Speech & Drama, Speech Symphony, in 2024 and facilitates drama programs in many schools across Co. Dublin and Co. Monaghan.
Events/ Workshop coordinator.
Speech and Drama Teacher based in Westport Co Mayo. Aoife has been teaching Drama since 2002. She opened her own School sixteen years ago which began small and has grown over the years. Aoife holds a licentiate with The Irish Board of Speech and Drama and a Associate Diploma with The Royal Irish Academy. Aoife has specialised in Mime, Comedia delArte and The Stanislavski method of acting. Aoife gently encourages students to be creative and to freely use their imagination in a safe environment while they enjoy learning their stage craft.
Grants and Funding Officer
Mairead holds an associate teaching diploma and a licentiate diploma with the Irish board. She has her own drama school, Blossoming Stars and teaches at primary and secondary school level, and thoroughly enjoys working with young people. She also works part time as a credit controller for a business close to home.
Committee Member
Susan holds her Fellowship, Licentiate and Associate Teaching Diplomas with London College of Music (University of West London). She also holds a QQI Diploma in Further Education & Training and is a qualified TEFL teacher. She has been teaching Speech & Drama for over twenty years and is director of Theatre Tricks Drama & Communications.
Committee Member
Méadhbh holds a BA in Nua-Ghaeilge and French, is a Certified Insurance Practitioner, and has a Higher Diploma in Drama Education from the Leinster School of Music and Drama and Griffith College. She is Director of Ríoga School of Speech and Drama. Méadhbh works as Office Manager and Insurance Administrator with Western Forestry Coop and teaches drama to both adults and children during evenings and weekends.
She has experience in onstage / television productions and competitions from her own personal performance background, which she looks forward to passing on to both the adults and children she teaches. She is delighted to be associated with the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland.
