Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting)

Degree program

Raise the curtain on your future! Introducing Actors Centre Australia’s new landmark Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) degree program, designed in collaboration with Western Sydney University.

This is more than a degree – it’s where you’ll discover your voice, refine your artistry, and forge your creative identity.

This course is where heritage meets innovation – drawing on the rich legacy of Theatre Nepean and ACA’s track record of producing celebrated performers, the program blends a practical training model with theoretical knowledge. You’ll develop skills in acting technique, voice, movement, and screen production through 20 core subjects, complemented by four electives to broaden your creative and professional expertise.

With access to purpose-built performance and screen production facilities, and opportunities for internships, mentorships and industry engagement, you’ll graduate with the highest artistic and academic standards, industry credibility and a portfolio to showcase your craft.

The degree will provide you with intensive, conservatory-style actor training that combines practical performance skills with theoretical insight and industry connection.

Visit westernsydney.edu.au/performingarts for more information.

Next Start Date

1 March 2027

2027 Application Deadline

26 October 2026

Auditions

9-12 November 2026

Recalls

18-19 November 2026

Location

Penrith Campus (Kingswood) at Western Sydney University

Indicative program fees

$9,536* per year

Duration

Full Time: 3 Years

Commitment

3 days per week

2027 Intake Program Dates

This program is delivered in a conservatory style, which requires you to be on campus at Penrith Campus (Kingswood) at Western Sydney University three days each week. You’ll be working intensively with the same group of students in a full-time study mode over the three years.

There is one intake per year in March.

Autumn Session: 2 March — 6 June 2027
Spring Session: 19 July — 24 October 202
Summer Session: 29 November 2026 — 11 February 2028

Campus location

This degree will be taught at the Penrith Campus (Kingswood), with key elements delivered by both Western and ACA teaching staff. This model blends academic rigour with specialist professional training.

Indicative program fees

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) is available as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) for eligible Domestic students. This means the Australian Government subsidises part of your program fees, with the remaining amount covered by you as your student contribution.

For this program, we estimate your student contribution will be approximately $9,536* per year.

Eligible students can defer this student contribution to a HECS-HELP loan, allowing for no up-front payment.

*We encourage all prospective to consult with Western’s Student Fees Policy and Student Services Hub for the most current fee information.

Audition Process

Apply via Western by 26 October 2026.

All applicants will be contacted in October 2026 to book an audition (9-12 November 2026) and complete a pre-audition questionnaire.

Domestic students are: Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens, Australian permanent residents, Australian permanent humanitarian visa holders.

Admission to the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) is talent-based and highly competitive due to limited places.

All applicants must attend a comprehensive audition and if successful, recalls. Only interstate applicants can book virtual auditions and recalls.

Applicants will need to prepare two contrasting monologues: one Contemporary and one Shakespeare. At least one of your monologues must be selected from the Recommended Monologues List.

Audition options

Auckland Auditions (9 November 2026)
Hosted at Saint Kentigern College. Includes in-person group warm-ups, games, and delivery of two monologues virtually to the panel. Duration: approximately 2-3 hours

Penrith Auditions (10 – 12 November 2026)
Hosted at the Penrith (Kingswood) Campus. Includes group warm-ups, games, and delivery of two monologues in front of the panel alongside other applicants. Duration: approximately 3-4 hours

Virtual Auditions (9 – 13 November 2026) — Available for interstate applicants only. Includes a short panel introduction and delivery of two monologues via Zoom. Duration: 15 minutes

Recalls
If successful at auditions, applicants will be invited to attend recalls at Penrith (Kingswood) campus or virtually during 18-19 November 2026.

To apply:

Apply via Western
We will contact you in October to book your audition for 9-12 November 2026

Industry connections

The degree will offer real-world industry experiences through internships, guest lectures, performance opportunities and connections with Sydney’s theatre and screen sectors. Students will graduate with professional portfolios and the practical knowledge to enter the industry or related creative fields.

Acting — stage actors (theatre companies, touring), screen actors (film, television, commercials), and voiceover artists (animation, audiobooks, video games, advertising).

Creative entrepreneurs — founders, producers, directors, and writers across stage, screen, and media industries.

Education — drama teachers, acting coaches, or discipline specialists.

Curriculum

The curriculum includes 20 core subjects covering acting technique, movement, voice, screen performance, stage production and performance theory. Students will also have access to four electives across areas such as screenwriting, digital media and cultural studies — enabling a highly versatile portfolio.

The complete program structure is outlined in the Western Sydney University handbook.

International Students

For the 2027 intake, the Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) is not open to international applicants.

Note: New Zealand citizens are considered domestic applicants, and can apply via Western.

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