Who are we?

Actors Centre Australia is a world-class destination for creative education and inspiration.

We understand that deciding where to study is a major decision, which is why it’s important to make the right choice. ACA is unique among the world’s top-ranking drama schools. Discover what has been built over more than three decades of superb service to the arts.

At Actors Centre Australia, diversity and inclusion are a rich part of our fabric. Together, we continue to build and encourage an inclusive culture that inspires, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our students and alumni. It drives our innovation and connects us to the communities we serve.

ACA Mission Statement

“To enliven the soul of society through the power of the performing arts.”

Nothing of any real meaning or merit occurs in the creative landscape without deep collaboration and alignment. All ACA staff understand this and operate via this simple yet all-inclusive context.

We dedicate all of our resources and energies to ensuring that all onsite events, performances, cultural exchanges and community engagement achieve the highest standards on every level possible, in order to make a significant difference to all who engage with both ACA and our performance precinct.

Shared stories, emotional involvement and powerful ideas are the foundations of our industry. ACA is dedicated to the enrichment of the audience experience as well as to the empowerment of all involved in the creative process.

Our Principles

The ACA Way: Our Unique Delivery Principles

Fusion

ACA’s programs embrace time-honoured performance techniques and content along with an array of contemporary texts within a contemporary theatrical landscape.

High Support

No challenge will be given without an equal amount of support with which to achieve it. Matching developing confidence with ongoing risk is a strategy for success.

The Actor’s M.A.P.

Created by Dean Carey, ACA’s Founder and CEO, M.A.P. defines the roles and responsibilities of the trinity within each of us: The Manager, Artist and Person.

Collaboration

Actors, teachers and directors are all on the field together, never in the stands watching, judging or criticising. All training is actually exploration and takes place with all players collaborating in healthy, vibrant and courageous ways.

Duty of Care

Actors, teachers and directors are all on the field together. All training is actually exploration and takes place with all players collaborating in healthy, vibrant and courageous ways.

TESTIMONIALS

Words from our students

The community and atmosphere that ACA creates is unlike anything I have ever experienced. The relationships you build with your peers and the school’s beyond-dedicated staff are not only comforting but also incredibly supportive. It is a safe place where it’s okay to make mistakes, take artistic risks and challenge yourself. Which is why I’m so grateful for the opportunity to study here at ACA, to learn from and with the best, as well as to get a taste of the world I am so excited to become a part of.

If I were to sum up my experience of ACA, I would say that not only has it given me the tools to explore my true body, voice and love for acting on a deeper level, but it has given me a place to let my imagination grove and thrive, allowing me to become the best and most creative person I can possibly be. It’s a truly beautiful environment of limitless potential for anyone to grow as an actor and person.

After being offered a spot at ACA, I had to make the move from Melbourne. I was really nervous that I'd have a hard time being away from family and friends but what I didn't know was that very quickly ACA would become a second home for me. The people you meet at ACA – tutors, students and staff included – will all be there for you every step of the way.

My time at ACA has been hugely rewarding. It's not for the faint-hearted, and definitely takes a commitment, but we're so privileged to be working with the amazing teachers and mentors here. I've learnt so much! I can't wait to see how this course helps me develop and where I go from here.

ACA truly understands and nurtures their students. After a quick ten weeks passing and my first trimester nearly done, I am at a loss for words with how much confidence I have gained within myself and ability. There is nothing better than those ‘lightbulb’ moments you have when working on your craft. Every week something clicks and I feel myself becoming more aware of myself and also my love for arts. I am so very excited and eager to see what the next three years bring.

“My whole life I’ve been scared of failing and making a fool of myself. It was like I was always blocking myself from improving. ACA has taught me that it’s okay to fail, to take risks! It’s okay to step outside of my comfort zone, to sit in that discomfort with teachers and students who have my back. I can’t begin to express how much confidence I have gained in the time I’ve spent studying here.”

“I love being a student at ACA because it gives me the opportunity to hone my craft in an incredibly supportive and encouraging environment. I feel the training I am receiving at ACA is preparing me well for the current industry while inspiring me every day in new ways as an artist.”

“To put it simply, there is no place like ACA. Since I first walked through those doors, I have found a family that I love dearly. The education on offer is outstanding and the tutors are genuinely invested in our growth. Not only has ACA refined my skills, it has made me a better person. I am eternally grateful for the opportunities that ACA has provided for me. It is my home.”

“The ACA Bachelors program has changed my life. They don’t want you to fit a rubric, just help produce the best version of yourself. What’s better than that?!”

In my time at ACA, I’ve grown more than I could’ve ever imagined as an artist and person. I’ve been pushed far out of my comfort zone and consistently had to challenge myself. Although it’s been a journey, I’ve loved every minute and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m excited for the opportunities that ACA will open up for me in the future!

It’s been a journey, but I can’t explain how much I’ve grown and developed as a person in this course. I’ve had so many creative challenges thrown at me that have essentially rewired my brain, preparing me for a career in this wild and unpredictable industry. The training has changed my relationship to myself and body by pushing me to my physical and mental limits, by pushing me to think beyond the literal, by allowing me to explore my full potential. I don’t know where I’d be right now if I hadn’t auditioned for ACA!

“Thank you for inspiring me and helping me grow as an actor and as a human being.”

“Trust is such a powerful word and I believe it to be one of the most important words in an actors vocabulary and thank you so much for providing the environment to allow the trust to grow into something extraordinary! Thank you so much once again for this outstanding experience."

"I am in a state of pure joy, hope and confidence about my future as an actress and as a person. I know without doubt that I will live with and utilize the ideas offered in my life and career will take off! Thank you."

"One of the most profound and inspirational motivations in my future career. Thanks to Dean and the crew for unlocking that child within and allowing him to surface."

“To reach depths I didn’t think were possible… to journey to the very core of your spirit and to know all of us have the tools we need to tell the stories we need to tell, we just need to learn how to access them.”

“I cannot praise this course highly enough. I would tell anyone who was looking for some real focus in their career or more importantly their life, to take the challenge and commit to this exciting, uplifting, self-revelatory 32 hours… It gave me an incredible sense of what an honour it is to be an actor."

“My questions were answered - my faith restored. My belief & conviction is stronger than ever. Thank you for the tools to fight the demons. Thank you.”

“To claim our clarity, our courage and our truth. It is a wonderful journey and a wonderful gift not just for the person wishing to discover the “more” within, but also fly to amazing heights.”

"The opportunity to slow down, step back and try to see what I really want in my life. Learning! Playing! Growing!”

"I have found a part of myself I didn’t know I had. I feel more confident, strong, and have a newfound energy to continue with my life’s dream.”

“A unique combination of love, commitment, practical experience and ageless wisdom. The program offers tools and techniques that give profound and startling results uniformly, for every participant. This consistency of results is unique in my life experience; it has been a privilege to witness it.”

“Feeling brotherhood with all of the wonderful people sharing the same purpose: the opportunity to be “the best” and discover our true potential.”

“I have found a part of myself I didn’t know I had. I feel more confident, strong, and have a newfound energy to continue with my life’s dream,"

"These 3 days were an amazing experience that will change my life completely around. You made such a huge difference and I want to thank you for that.”

“LIFE! MINE! 110%! THINK BIG! THINK DIFFERENT! Hearing hearts and souls speaking … being inspired by passionate people."

“The emotional environment that allowed me to open up and gain confidence and truly believe in myself.”

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ACA Patron

Hugh Jackman

“In 2024, ACA proudly celebrates its 37th anniversary! The outstanding achievements of our graduates have made significant contributions in all areas of entertainment.

The strength of ACA’s reputation within the Australian industry has never been more evident, affirming its unwavering commitment to nurturing talent.”