Western Sydney is set to reclaim its place at the forefront of actor training with the return of the prestigious Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting), delivered by Western Sydney University and Actors Centre Australia (ACA) – part of the MindChamps group.
After a hiatus of 18 years, the iconic training ground of some of the world’s best actors is returning to the region. Building on the legacy of Theatre Nepean – whose distinguished alumni include Joel Edgerton, David Wenham, Yvonne Strahovski, and Celeste Barber – the new program will offer students dynamic and industry-relevant experience.
The partnership was celebrated at a special event on 25 August 2025 at the University’s Parramatta South campus, attended by Western Sydney University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Chairman of ACA and Founder and CEO of MindChamps, David Chiem, and industry representatives.
The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting) will be delivered by the School of Humanities and Communication Arts in partnership with ACA – a leading institution with a more than a 35-year heritage of excellence in actor training and whose storied alumni include Hugh Jackman, Daniel Henshall, Harriet Dyer, Emma Harvie and many others. This professional degree taught at the University’s Kingswood campus will offer students an immersive, conservatory-style education, commencing in Semester 1, 2026.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said the University was proud to bring back world-class performing arts training to Western Sydney and to support the next generation of creative leaders.
“Western Sydney has a proud record of producing world leading creative artists, and this investment by the University recognises that our region deserves its own dedicated, world-class performing arts program,” said Professor Williams.
“This landmark program honours the legacy of Theatre Nepean and, combined with ACA’s industry-driven training model, will produce highly skilled graduates ready for the demands of today’s exciting creative industries.”
“With deep connections to the Australian theatre and entertainment industries, and real-world learning through internships, guest lectures, and student productions, this program will support diverse talent from our region and equip them to thrive locally and globally.”
Read more via Western Sydney University
Pictured in top image: Christian Burden, Executive Director, Office of Advancement, Western Sydney University; Michelle Peh, Global Chief Brand Officer and Chief Operating Officer of MindChamps; Distinguished Professor Anthony Uhlmann, Associate Dean Research, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University; Professor Saba Bebawi, Dean, School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University; David Chiem, Founder, Group CEO and Executive Chairman of MindChamps and Executive Chairman of Actors Centre Australia; Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO; Professor Michele Simons, Dean, School of Education, Western Sydney University; and Lawrence Tan, Chief Global Partnerships Officer of MindChamps and CEO of Actors Centre Australia.
