Through an intensive, conservatory-style experience, students develop the imagination, discipline, technical skill and creative confidence required for today’s performance industry.

Working closely with leading Australian and international practitioners, students undertake a rigorous program grounded in contemporary actor training. The course introduces in depth a diverse range of influential techniques and methodologies, including, among others:

• The Stanislavski Method
• The Michael Chekhov Technique
• Meyerhold’s Biomechanics
• The Suzuki Method of Actor Training
• Clowning
• Body Weather
• Linklater voice work
• The Feldenkrais Method

Training is practical, collaborative and performance focused. Students apply their developing craft across a variety of professional and experimental settings, including The National Theatre’s iconic stage in St Kilda, Melbourne – as well as our own black-box theatre, site-specific locations and external performance venues beyond the school.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to work with passion, curiosity and courage. They develop their own individual artistic practice, build strong professional habits and continuously refine their creative ambitions and career goals.

Graduate with the skills, experience and confidence to create meaningful work, and take your place in Australia’s vibrant performance industry.

Year One

In your first year you will develop your craft, undertaking intensive training in acting, voice, movement and performance making. You will learn to analyse acting techniques for stage and screen, including the Stanislavski, Uta Hagen and Michael Chekhov techniques.

Learn to connect with and trust your instincts and develop connections with your ensemble. Training on movement techniques to develop your physical sensitivity, presence, precision and power and voice training with the goal of freeing your voice and extend your vocal range and expression.

Your first year culminates in the creation of a solo performance in which you showcase your acting and performance making skills.

Year Two

In the second year you undertake a concentrated year of Showcase performances that extend your skills, hone your craft and showcase your work to industry leaders and performers.

Term 1: Filming of Professional Showreels and Self-tape Classes.

Term 2: Showcase Performance in the Black Box theatre.

Term 3: Showcase Performance on The National Theatre Mainstage.

Term 4: Group devised performance.

Throughout the year you will connect with industry leaders through guest talks and masterclasses. You’ll refine your audition skills and develop self tapes, and freelance skills to be an entrepreneurial artist. You’ll graduate from the program with a series of professional headshots, showreels, and professional level performance and performance-making experience.

CORE UNITS

NAT11360001 Demonstrate a range of body awareness techniques in performance related activities

NAT11360002 Demonstrate techniques to physically release the voice in performance related activities

NAT11360003 Explore techniques to enliven and embody text in performance related activities

NAT11360004 Explore the key elements of the theatrical experience

NAT11360005 Create performance pieces

NAT11360006 Produce, promote and present an original public performance

NAT11360007 Prepare, rehearse and perform stage plays for public performance

NAT1130008 Rehearse and perform for the camera

CUAIND412 Provide freelance service

CUAPRF314 Develop audition techniques

CUAWHS312 Apply work health and safety practices

HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment

AU/NZ student fees

Tuition fees $27,400 for two-year Advanced Diploma.

International Stude0nts

Tuition fees $30,100 for two-year Advanced Diploma.

Funding

VET Student Loan Scheme and Scholarships may be available for eligible candidates. Please contact admin for further information and application process.

The Adrian Gibson Scholarship

The Adrian Gibson Scholarship covers the full two years of tuition fees for one student enrolling in the full time Advanced Diploma of Acting. The scholarship recipient will be identified through audition application, and is awarded based on talent. 

The Lisle Jones Scholarship

In honour of the much-respected and much-loved former student, actor and teacher at The National Theatre, Lisle Jones, this scholarship is valued at $3,000. It is awarded to a Second Year Advanced Diploma Student who, in the opinion of the Director and teaching faculty, has both demonstrated their professional potential, and can demonstrate that financial assistance would significantly benefit them. The funds are to be used primarily for the payment of tuition fees.

The W.P. Carr Award

This scholarship, named in honour of The National Theatre’s first Artistic Director of Drama, is valued at $1,000. It is awarded to a Second Year Advanced Diploma student who, in the opinion of the Director and teaching faculty, has both demonstrated their professional potential, and can demonstrate that financial assistance would significantly benefit them. The funds are to be used primarily for the payment of tuition fees.

Students must be 18 years or over by the 1st of January the year their studies commence. Due to the academic requirements of the course, students must have completed Year 10 High School or equivalent.

Applicants may have to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy Test (LLN) to ensure they receive the right support to achieve this qualification. This course is open to international students. This course is taught in English and International students must meet a minimum level of 5.5 IELTS or equivalent.

Students must meet all requirements and pass all units of competency in each subsequent year to obtain the qualification.