This Degree Program has been meticulously designed and conceived with each actor’s most extensive learning outcomes and professional results as the prime considerations. We deliver a program of exceptional standing and one that many industry leaders believe is the gold standard in actor training for the performing arts sector.

Three distinct elements set this course apart:

The Philosophy: ACA’s Degree Program embraces an individual’s gifts and honours their personal and artistic journey throughout their training. Participants study in an adult environment — a place of mutual collaboration, respect and support. Our paradigm for learning is: high challenge matched with high support produces high performance.

The Structure: We have structured a unique and flexible schedule that works for everyone. During each working week, two days are spent off campus and can be used to embrace three essential elements:

1. Time for reflection and digestion
2. Time for quality research and preparation
3. Time to work and live

There are three days of classes per week during Years 1 and 2, then three-and-a-half days per week in Year 3. The extra half-day of classes is focused on key areas that directly reflect the upcoming demands of the industry. By maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle, you can avoid stress and overload and therefore fully embrace the quality training offered. This unique structure also serves to accelerate and deepen your learning.

The Delivery: The way we learn has an enormous influence on what we learn. This program uses learning techniques that open up possibilities within each actor and salutes the very best in each individual. Peak performance is our focus through an active, dynamic and consistent learning environment, matching rigour with achievement at every opportunity.

First Year: Personal Preparation & Process

Your first year is a rigorous and enlightening process of discovery. Find your voice, claim your space, trust your instinct, open your heart, and understand, affirm and celebrate the reasons why acting is a vital and important component in your life.

Second Year: Performance Development & Consolidation

With your foundational skills in place, your second year is a chance to explore and experience the demands and the power of live performance. This is the time to truly embrace the depth and range demanded by the playwright, character, dramatic situation and director by accessing all areas of your abilities and potential.

You will also be introduced to camera work this year so that you can begin to understand and develop the skills required for the essential medium of screen.

Third Year: Industry Alignment & Refinement

This is where the innovation driving this program really comes into its own. Return after your break for the final year of subjects, which are dedicated to your knowledge of, and initiation into, the professional arena.

Spend three invaluable trimesters preparing how you will conduct your business as an artist and discovering how to best create and manage your career.

You will do this in consultation with prominent industry guests who will address all facets of the industry, including casting, agents, directors, short film-making, marketing, funding, sponsorship, touring, start-up information and self-management.

The television and film training steps up into a far stronger focus and is an essential skill for every actor. The final three trimesters of the course have screen acting as a major component, so you will graduate with the necessary stage and screen skills required for a successful and sustainable career.

Students will graduate with a Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage and Screen) and will be equipped with above-industry standards and skills, meaning that upon graduation they have the potential to progress into a professional career in the stage and screen industries, nationally or internationally.

Students will complete their training with:

• Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage and Screen)
• Industry showcase performances for agents, casting directors, directors from theatre, film & television and other invited VIP industry guests
• A graduate showreel package including a showreel scene and on-screen monologues, headshots and voice-over reel. These are given to all industry invitees on a USB and sent to all important employers and production houses across Australia.
• Showcast online listing as an ACA Graduate
• Curriculum vitae
• 10×8 headshot

Audition and Application Process

Application for entry to the ACA Degree Program is via online application and live audition or digital audition.  Live auditions conducted in Sydney.

Approximately 26 students are accepted into Year One.  ACA honours our contract and commitment to each and every one of them. Our aim is to graduate every student at industry standard to each individual’s highest level of artistic and personal excellence.

The audition panel will generally consist of the Head of Acting, along with Heads of Departments and various members of the Executive Teaching Team.

• A non-refundable application fee of $75 (incl. GST) applies.
• Audition sessions are allocated on a strictly ‘first come, first served’ basis.
• If you are unable to attend a particular audition session, ACA will do its best to accommodate you. for those auditioning from interstate, auditions can take place online via ZOOM.

Please allow approximately 4 hours for the audition. There are two sessions each day beginning at 9am and 2pm.

Callback Workshops are the next stage in the audition process. You will be contacted if we require you to attend this round of workshops. These will include improvisation, body and vocal exercises. Please allow up to 5 hours for a Callback Workshop.

What you will need for the audition:

For us to best respond to your work, we require two contrasting pieces of your choice – one Shakespearean piece and one modern or contemporary piece (1900 – present). Each choice should be no more than two and a half minutes and should reflect the kind of roles in which you see yourself being cast.

The audition environment will be supportive and dynamic, allowing you to be fully effective and to work with pride. Please wear comfortable attire that you are able to move freely in.

Application Process

If you have read and agree with the information provided above, please complete the online form.

Payment must be made directly following the submission of your application form. Please have your credit/debit card ready.

Please complete the application form in full with a digital headshot or passport photo attached and an application payment. Incomplete forms will not be processed.

Within 5 working days of your submission, you will be emailed a confirmation letter with an allocated audition session to attend.