Course Curriculum

The Acting course at Collarts is structured over three years, divided into three trimesters per year, and combines intensive studio work, practical performance training, and creative development. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in Theatre Studies 1 and 2 while engaging in practical units like Acting Foundations, Ensemble Production, and Theatre Making. These units provide core training in performance techniques and introduce students to collaborative production work. Creative and Industry Foundations run alongside, developing students’ creative thinking, personal expression, and understanding of the performing arts industry. The second year focuses on deepening both theoretical and practical expertise. Students explore Twentieth Century Practice and Australian Theatre to understand diverse theatrical styles and histories. The Acting Studio (12 credit points) offers intensive performance training, while the Collaborative Project immerses students in a group production setting. Applied Dramaturgy is introduced as a Creative Foundations unit to strengthen script analysis and interpretation skills. An elective unit allows students to tailor their studies to specific interests. In the third year, the focus shifts toward professional readiness and advanced practice. Students study Intimacy, Consent, and Stage Combat to prepare for the physical and ethical demands of performance, followed by Performance Innovation which encourages experimentation. Practical training expands with Improvisation and Screen Acting, preparing students for both stage and screen work. The Capstone Production is a major highlight of the final year, giving students the opportunity to apply their learning in a fully realised performance. A Devising Project encourages original creation, and students complete the course with either an Industry Placement or a Professional Portfolio. Throughout the program, collaboration with students from other disciplines reinforces the real-world nature of the acting industry and ensures graduates are versatile, skilled, and ready for professional work in the performing arts.