Mac Anna Theatre Building
The Mac Anna Theatre at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) is a vibrant centre for performing arts on campus, supporting both academic and cultural life. Named after acclaimed Irish theatre director Tomás Mac Anna, the venue reflects a strong tradition of artistic excellence and creative expression.
Serving students in drama, music, and creative media, the theatre functions as a fully equipped performance space for productions, workshops, and showcases. It also acts as a cultural hub, hosting events that engage the wider community and celebrate the performing arts.
Facilities
Black-Box Theatre
The Black Box Theatre is a flexible, open performance space used for experimental theatre, rehearsals, and smaller productions. Its adaptable layout and professional setup make it ideal for creative exploration and intimate performances.
Theatre Stage
The main stage of the Mac Anna Theatre is a professional performance area used for large-scale student productions, showcases, and public events. With full backstage access and production support, it provides a real-world stage experience for aspiring performers and technicians.
Technical Production Facilities
Equipped with industry-standard lighting, sound, and AV systems, the Technical Production Facilities support all aspects of live event production. Students gain hands-on experience in stage management, lighting design, sound engineering, and multimedia integration.
Audience Seating
The Mac Anna Theatre offers tiered audience seating designed for comfort and optimal viewing. With a capacity to host live performances, showcases, and student productions, it provides an immersive theatrical experience for all attendees.
Mac Anna Theatre History
Originally known as the Black Box Theatre, this purpose-built performance space opened in 2007 as part of a €7.8 million capital development that also included a new campus restaurant. Designed by Van Dijk Architects, the theatre was envisioned as a central space for creative expression, student performance, and campus community life.
The building was conceived not just as a performance venue but as a flexible, multipurpose hub for the Department of Creative Arts, Media and Music. Its black-box design allows for versatile staging, accommodating a wide range of theatrical formats, musical events, film screenings, and student-led showcases.
The theatre was later renamed Mac Anna Theatre in honour of Tomás Mac Anna, an influential Irish theatre director and playwright who made significant contributions to modern Irish drama and the Abbey Theatre. The renaming reflects DKIT’s commitment to celebrating Ireland’s cultural legacy while nurturing the next generation of creative talent.
