Tatum McBride ’26 is a theatre major and history minor currently studying abroad in Ireland, participating in an acting intensive at the National Theatre School of Ireland’s Gaiety School of Acting, and the West End House School of Arts.

For the last few weeks, I have been lucky enough to spend my summer in Ireland studying theater. My journey began with a memorable experience in Killarney at The West End House, an arts school founded by Michael Fassbender. My time there was nothing short of eye-opening and full of new challenges.

Our group took a screenwriting course, workshopped a new show, and learned important aspects of Irish history. However, the main focus for the two weeks was our scenes and monologues, which we rehearsed in some unconventional ways. I was lucky to work on an excerpt from a show based on the book, A Girl Is a Half-Formed Thing by Eimear McBride, that challenged me to get out of my comfort zone. Something super interesting we did was go out to different locations and do “immersive theater,” like once we recited our pieces at a table in a coffee shop.

On the most notable trip, we rode a boat out to an island called Innisfallen in Killarney National Park. We stood in front of the ruins of an Abbey and performed our monologues in nature. There was something about being in the silence of an island with so much history that was truly beautiful. It was a moment for us to breathe and not worry about expectations; we just had to be present.

I will always be grateful for the wisdom given to me by some of the most talented tutors I’ve ever worked with. Seeing the passion of the Irish Theater scene reminded me why I love performing, and helped me find a new appreciation for it.

Overall, my favorite part of this experience has been seeing the difference in what art means to the people of Ireland, and how no topic of discussion is too uncomfortable for the stage if it can make a difference.

For anyone who may be interested in studying abroad, I advise you to take the chance at it. Research programs (and scholarships), and see what you might feel passionate about—there is so much more to see out there. Education is important, and new places offer different perspectives! And if you are going abroad, I say bring a journal, find a solid coffee shop, and don’t be afraid to try new things. If you have the opportunity, take it! Sláinte!