At The Little Duke, we believe that drama training - and theatre skills - develop vital skills for life, such as observation, reflection, focus, and communication.

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FOUNDING & TEAM

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The Little Duke Theatre was founded in 1997 by Brenda Gogan, and each year several hundred students come to the school for classes in drama, dance and singing. 
 

With a dedicated and highly trained team in dance, drama, singing, film, and dramatherapy, The Little Duke Theatre and The Drogheda School of Performing Arts have been engaged in training young and adult actors in Drogheda for almost thirty years.  ​

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RIAM SPEECH AND COMMUNICATION 

 

The school has been a centre of examinations in Speech and Drama for the RIAM (Royal Irish Academy of Music), an Associate College of Trinity College, for twenty-five years. The RIAM offers junior, pre-college, undergraduate and postgraduate training of the highest standards and assess and support the learning and development of drama students including those with additional learning requirements.

In 2025, Brenda Gogan Harrington was awarded a RIAM Spotlight Certificate of Recognition for teaching, and numerous students received Spotlight Awards to perform in the annual RIAM Regional Spotlight Concerts.

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COMMUNITY FOCUS 

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The Little Duke Theatre has a longstanding commitment to theatre-based social inclusion, including drama for young people and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, through collaborations with community organisations in Drogheda including:

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• The Red Door Project

• John of Gods

• The Order of Malta

• The Irish Wheelchair Association

• Louth Local Development Company

• Ablevision

• Fighting Words

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The Little Duke have also worked with training organisations including LLDC, DIFE, FETAC, LMETB and the HSE to deliver workshops and programmes  in drama, acting skills and performance, and dramatherapy.

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CASTING OPPORTUNITIES

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The Little Duke Theatre has established relationships with many well known production companies and casting directors across Ireland and the UK. Our students are frequently invited to audition for professional work in the world of film and theatre.

Brenda Gogan

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MA - Dramatherapy

BA - Theatre Studies

Licentiate Diploma - Speech and Drama

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Brenda Gogan, founder of The Little Duke Theatre, has worked as an actor, director and producer in theatre and as an actor in television, film and theatre in Dublin, Copenhagen and London, and has a deep appreciation of the needs of the performer.

Brenda is also a drama therapist and facilitator in the areas of actor training, education and intellectual disability.
 

Keri Ann Rowan

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Keri Ann Rowan is one of Ireland's top female vocalists and is in constant demand, nationally and internationally. Keri started singing at the age of 5 and has won singing competitions throughout Ireland and Europe. She has played in some of Ireland's finest venues including: The Point, The Helix, Vicar Street, Croke Park, The Gaiety, and the Olympia, (Born Star– Jim Bartley).