Board Member Spotlight: Jill Doyle
Meet Jill Doyle, a member of the Remarkable Women Project Global Advisory
Committee.
The RW Project is a New York State based non-profit educational organization. Our mission is to conduct research and share stories about remarkable women whose accomplishments have not been fully recognized.
Born in Ireland, Jill Doyle is a well-known Irish actress, teacher, producer and casting director. In 1994, Doyle and Eamon Farrell, co-founded the National Performing Arts School. (NPAS).
NPAS is Ireland’s most prestigious drama school for children and young adults. Many NPAS students go on to work professionally locally and around the world.
“While many of our past pupils have gone on to successful careers in music, theatre, film, and television, our greatest pride lies in something far deeper,” says Jill.
“At NPAS, inclusion has always been at the heart of what we do. Every young person is welcomed with respect, kindness, and acceptance. Our long-standing motto, “Be Who U Want 2 Be,” is not just a slogan—it’s a value we live by. NPAS isn’t just about training singers, dancers, or actors—it’s about using the arts to build confidence, self-esteem, and creativity, while nurturing a lifelong love for theatre, music, and the performing arts.”
NPAS graduates include actors including: Colin Farrell, Mary Murray, Devon Murray, Eve Hewson, Jack Reynor, Gemma Leah Deveraux, Tara Lee, Danielle Galligan, Sadhbh Malin, India Mullen, Darren Dixon, Thomas Kane Byrne and Jade Jordan.
Here’s my interview with Jill Doyle.
Background: Jill and I were introduced by a British director when I was casting the proof-of-concept film for the Remarkable Women hybrid documentary series. Last year, Jill served as the lead producer on the first Global Remarkable Women Project Summit held in Dublin in March 2025. Thanks to her personal and professional contacts and endless energy, the daylong celebration was a huge success. More than 100 women from around Ireland and elsewhere spent a full day together at the Ringsend Community Centre, celebrating the talents and achievements of Irish women.
Jane Applegate, (JA): First, a heartfelt thanks for strongly supporting our ambitious efforts to share inspiring stories about hundreds of remarkable women whose accomplishments have not been properly recognized.
When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor? Where did you get your training? What was your first acting experience like? What films and plays have you appeared in?
JD: For me it began when an amazing woman came to teach us at school. The Remarkable Woman, after my mother, was Miss Audrey Meredith. Oh my, was my mind blown at such a young age, I think I was five years old. I felt her Drama Class was so exciting and fun. I joined her local school where putting plays and showcases were done all year round. I got my first professional contracts there. I trained at her school for many years, as an actress and then as a drama teacher.
My films included Night in Tunisia by Neil Jordan, The Country Girls by Edna O’ Brien. I played lead roles during 18 years of film work, including: Da by Hugh Leornard with Martin Sheen, The Van by Roddy Doyle. I was also in plays at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin like Shadow of a Gunman by Sean O’ Casey and plays by Bernard Farrell at The Olympia Theatre. I also appeared in a musical, Blood Brothers by Willy Russell which ran for over 200 performances.
JA: Tell us what inspired you and Eamon Farrell to establish the National Performing Arts School? What is your mission and how many students have you trained throughout the years? I know you recently moved back into The Factory. Why is that space in Dublin so special?
JD: We both wanted a place where you could do different classes and have fun on Saturdays… I guess we wanted to create a place where we would have loved to be when we were younger. It has been 32 years since The National Performing Arts School opened its doors at The Factory on Barrow Street in Dublin’s Docklands.
During that time we have been fortunate enough to see so many students enjoy the benefit of attending a school like ours. Our aim was always to provide a selection of classes in the performing arts under one roof. No longer would parents have to go to one school for Ballet, another for Singing and yet another for Drama. All of these classes would be available in one Centre where a set timetable would mean students could move from one class to another with no restrictions on what class they wanted to take. There were to be no auditions and the school was to be open to children of all ages and of all abilities – and so NPAS opened on Saturday 17th September 1994.
The Factory became an important part of Dublin’s cultural landscape. Over the years, an eclectic group of international artists rehearsed in the building, with The National Performing Arts School setting up there in 1993.
From David Bowie to the Bolshoi Ballet, Riverdance, and U2 to Britney Spears, the rooms and studios of The Factory have seen many artists experience its unique energy and artistic buzz. The school remained in the building until it was due for redevelopment in 2017. As part of Google’s Boland’s Mills, the NPAS will be a cornerstone in The Factory’s next chapter. Along with the wider community, the school will work to help fulfil the building’s new purpose as an artistic and cultural hub for the community.
JA: For parents reading this interview, what advice do you have, if and when, their children express an interest in the performing arts? Should a child be a certain age before beginning professional training?
JD: Encourage young children to go to and stay in performing arts classes-- it’s never an overnight journey to becoming an actor. Join drama clubs to learn to improvise and dance—these experiences will all stand to them later in life.
JA: I know your daughters, Ruby and Molly. are both involved in the arts and are now working with you and Eamon at NPAS. Were you happy when they expressed interest in following in your footsteps? Do they plan to step in and manage the school after you retire in about 20 years?
JD: Yes, I’m delighted they both studied abroad Edinburgh and Bath with First Class degrees in Dance and Drama. They brought back to the School a wealth of experience. They direct and choregraph our big shows now with over 200 young performers per show in main theatres here in Dublin.
JA: You are one of the busiest women I know. Why did you agree to join our Advisory Board and become part of our global team of remarkable women?
JD: When I met you, you inspired me and shared stories about Remarkable Women from so many places. I really wanted to help be a voice for Irish Remarkable Women like civil rights activists and revolutionary politicians, Constance Markievicz and Mary Robinson, our first female President of Ireland and peace activist, Mairead Corrigan. I also want to share stories about actresses like Siobhan Mc Kenna, Maureen O’Hara, Jessie Buckley, Saoirse Ronan, Sheila Flitton (93 years old and still working), and singers like Sinead O Connor and Dolores O’ Riordan. And it’s been incredible meeting so many fabulous women on the Global Advisory Board.
JA: What advice do you have for women who often feel under appreciated by their peers and families?
JD: Surround yourself with like-minded, confident people who bring you joy and make you feel visible. Always value your worth and never underestimate a chat or call to share your feelings and build up your confidence
JA: Anything else about your creative work that you would like to share with our fans and followers?
JD: A simple chat or conversation can lead to wonderful adventures-- say “hi” to strangers and listen or ask them: What’s your story?