Degree Outcome Suitability Delivery

Over three inspirational years, participants in our Degree Program will experience a high-powered and practical acting program designed for high achievers. Graduates will step out into the industry well above industry standard and ready to make their professional contribution in stage or screen both nationally and internationally.

Potential students with the following qualities should apply:

• A deep passion and belief in the power of performance
• A commitment to contemporary and classic methodologies of training
• A belief in a rigorous, respectful environment
• A dedication to embracing the highest professional demands
• An instinctive curiosity and passion about their artistic calling
• A keen focus on the industry and on creating a career of which they would be proud

All applicants require:

• High level of talent and aptitude in the performing arts
• Good level of fitness
• HSC or equivalent
• High level of English literacy
• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at course commencement
• Australian passport, Australian residency or visa for the duration of the course

ACA’s 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. Our 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.

Each year is dedicated to specific skills and outcomes. The structure is unique to this course and is built as follows:

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.