Theatre Royal Waterford has announced a new three-year artistic residency with Shakespeare Squared Collective, marking a significant investment in the long-term development of theatre-making in Waterford and the wider South East region.
Founded in 2022 by theatre-makers Deirdre Dwyer, Joe Meagher and Eimear Cheasty, Shakespeare Squared brings together professional actors, directors and creatives with a shared focus on creating ambitious, accessible work rooted in place and community. Since its formation, the collective has established a strong reputation for high-quality, innovative productions and meaningful engagement with local audiences and artists.
Running from 2026 to 2028, the residency will see Shakespeare Squared embedded within Theatre Royal as Artists-in-Residence, working in close collaboration with the venue team to grow a sustainable, professional ensemble of theatre-makers, expand opportunities for local artists, and deepen connections between theatre and community.
The partnership builds on an already successful collaboration, including the Collective’s 2023 promenade production of Twelfth Night through Waterford’s Viking Triangle, which was supported by the Arts Council through a Theatre Project Award. The residency, which is supported by the Arts Council and Waterford City & County Council, will provide the time, space and resources to develop this early momentum into a sustained and impactful programme of work.
Over the three years, activity will include ensemble residencies, mentorship, new work development and technical masterclasses, alongside inclusive public engagement initiatives, including work with young people and schools. Audiences can expect a range of inventive and accessible performances and city-based activations that respond to Waterford’s unique cultural life.
This initiative forms part of Theatre Royal’s wider ambition to strengthen the city’s arts infrastructure and contribute to a thriving, locally-rooted theatre ecology, supporting artists to live and work in the region while creating meaningful cultural experiences for the public.
“We’re so delighted to formally welcome Shakespeare Squared as Artists-in-Residence”, commented Theatre Royal director Mary Boland. “This partnership has grown organically over the past number of years, and it’s clear that we share a strong commitment to artists, audiences and the city itself. This residency allows us to invest in that relationship for the long term, supporting the development of a talented local ensemble, creating new opportunities for practitioners, and building a vibrant, sustainable theatre ecology in Waterford.”
“From the outset, there has been a real sense of shared purpose and openness in our relationship with the Theatre Royal team and that has made it an incredibly rewarding collaboration”, added Eimear Cheasty, Shakespeare Squared. “Having the time, space and support to grow our ensemble and develop new work in Waterford is hugely exciting for us, and we look forward to continuing to connect with artists, participants and audiences in the years ahead.”
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