Sydney Theatre School offers a dynamic and industry-relevant part-time course that equips students with the skills and aptitude needed for a career in performing in theatre and on screen.
Undertaken at either a Certificate (one year) or Diploma (two years) level, the course covers core subjects including devised, contemporary and classical theatre performance, advanced acting techniques and screen performance.
Under the guidance of teachers and directors who are all seasoned professionals, students develop their skills by performing and rehearsing in various productions. The culmination of this hands-on learning process takes place at the end of the sixth module, when students perform graduate shows for an invited audience of industry professionals, including agents, casting directors, directors, producers and fellow performers.
The objective is to showcase each student’s work and give each graduate the best opportunity to gain representation with a reputable agent.
Who can benefit from this course?
At Sydney Theatre School we look to train people who are enthusiastic, open-minded and self-disciplined. We enjoy teaching people who can approach the intensive nature of the course with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.
The performing-arts industry is a rewarding, yet demanding and highly competitive, industry; and, with this in mind, Sydney Theatre School requires that each student take full responsibility for their own progress and development. In order to get the most out of your time with us, you will be required to commit to all aspects of the course, including attendance, punctuality, participation, preparation and performance.
Course pre-requisites.
While not essential, candidates should ideally have had some (basic) acting experience prior to entering the course. This experience may include: H.S.C. level drama; beginner- or intermediate-level acting courses; community theatre; musical society; or film and television roles.
Applicants without any prior experience, training or qualifications are welcome to apply, providing they are able to demonstrate during the audition and interview stages that they have the right aptitude, qualities and desire required for a professional acting career.
Course Fees
The course fees are listed on the RESOURCES page here:
http://www.sydneytheatreschool.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Student-Fees-2014.pdf
| Term | Term Period 2014 | Attendance Times | Course Modules | Award |
| Term 1 | 3rd February to 27th April | MON / WED / FRI
6.30pm-10.00pm OR TUE/THUR/SAT Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.30pm-9.30pm PLUS Saturdays 10.00am-5.00pm |
Year 1
Devised Theatre Performance Year 2 Advanced Acting Technique |
Year 1
Certificate of Theatre Performance Year 2 Diploma of Theatre & Screen Performance |
| Term 2 | 12th May to 3rd August | MON / WED / FRI
6.30pm-10.00pm OR TUE/THUR/SAT Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.30pm-9.30pm PLUS Saturdays 10.00am-5.00pm |
Year 1
Contemporary Theatre Performance Year 2 Screen Performance |
Year 1
Certificate of Theatre Performance Year 2 Diploma of Theatre & Screen Performance |
| Term 3 | 18th August to 9th November | MON / WED / FRI
6.30pm-10.00pm OR TUE/THUR/SAT Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.30pm-9.30pm PLUS Saturdays 10.00am-5.00pm |
Year 1
Classical Theatre Performance Year 2 Graduate Production |
Year 1
Certificate of Theatre Performance Year 2 Diploma of Theatre & Screen Performance |
| Term | Term Period 2014 | Attendance Times | Course Modules | Location | Award |
| Term 1 | 3rd February to 27th April | MON / WED / FRI
6.30pm-10.00pm OR TUE/THUR/SAT Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.30pm-9.30pm PLUS Saturdays 10.00am-5.00pm |
Year 1
Devised Theatre Performance Year 2 Advanced Acting Technique |
Chippendale, Sydney | Year 1
Certificate of Theatre Performance Year 2 Diploma of Theatre & Screen Performance |
| Term 2 | 12th May to 3rd August | MON / WED / FRI
6.30pm-10.00pm OR TUE/THUR/SAT Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.30pm-9.30pm PLUS Saturdays 10.00am-5.00pm |
Year 1
Contemporary Theatre Performance Year 2 Screen Performance |
Chippendale, Sydney | Year 1
Certificate of Theatre Performance Year 2 Diploma of Theatre & Screen Performance |
| Term 3 | 18th August to 9th November | MON / WED / FRI
6.30pm-10.00pm OR TUE/THUR/SAT Tuesdays & Thursdays 6.30pm-9.30pm PLUS Saturdays 10.00am-5.00pm |
Year 1
Classical Theatre Performance Year 2 Graduate Production |
Chippendale, Sydney | Year 1
Certificate of Theatre Performance Year 2 Diploma of Theatre & Screen Performance |
| Year 1 – Certificate of Theatre Performance |
Module | Overview |
| Term 1 | Devised Theatre Performance | This module is about devising work for performance as part of an ensemble. Students will examine ways of responding to a brief or stimulus and developing ideas into a performance piece. Students will be encouraged to use performance and acting skills acquired during rehearsals and to apply them in the context of producing group-created original work. A one-act play created by the group will be performed to a public audience in Week 12. |
| Term 2 | Contemporary Theatre Performance | This module is about the application of acting techniques to contemporary theatre texts. Students will be able to adapt and develop their acting skills using styles appropriate for plays written post-1950. A one-act contemporary play will be performed to a public audience in Week 12. |
| Term 3 | Classical Theatre Performance | This module is about acting in a classical theatre performance. Students will develop the particular acting skills necessary for working on classical texts. They will be designated a role within the performance company, based on an audition and on their work in the preceding units. This unit takes place within the context of a performance company that simulates the working environment and conditions of a professional theatre company. A full-length classical play (usually Shakespeare) will be performed to a public audience, including industry guests, in Week 12. |
| Year 2 – Diploma of Theatre & Screen Performance |
Module | Overview |
| Term 1 | Advanced Acting Technique | This module aims to provide a practicable range of tools for the aspiring professional actor. It caters to more experienced students, who have demonstrated a certain capability and commitment to their craft. The training serves to strengthen fundamental skills – active listening, playing actions, objectives and beat changes; but it is also designed to introduce developing actors to more modern philosophies (David Mamet, Howard Fine). The goal is truthful behaviour within imagined circumstances – bringing one’s self to any given role. Action as the core of the work. This eclectic approach fosters a sense of autonomy and ownership; the onus being very much on the individual to develop their own style and set of tools, from a range of proven schools of thought. The term culminates in a showcase of scene studies for which the actors get to choose their own scenes and scene partners, rehearsing as they would any professional production. |
| Term 2 | Screen Performance | This module develops the skills required to act to camera. Students will be introduced to the particular requirements of performing in a film and television context and the skills required to perform to camera. Scenes from Australian and international television and film scripts will be used in rehearsal and performance. Students will become familiar with the procedures and conditions of studio and location work, basic production techniques and health and safety aspects. Students will be encouraged to read, view and listen to a broad range of texts, screenplays and television and film performances, in order to undertake analysis of genre, approaches to acting and audience demands. A show-reel performance will be filmed by a professional director at the conclusion of the module. (Additional charges for show-reel filming and editing apply). |
| Term 3 | Graduate Production | Students will rehearse and perform in a full-length production featuring a small cast, to ensure all graduates have substantial roles and showcase opportunities. The objective is to showcase students’ work and give each graduate the best opportunity to gain representation with a reputable agent. Plays will be carefully selected according to the type, skills and preferred genre of each performer. Each student will be included in a high-quality program featuring headshots and CVs as well as a DVD show-reel (for those who have completed the screen performance module). Advice and guidance regarding auditions, casting processes and the business of being a professional actor will be covered during the term. |
The Diploma of Theatre and Screen Performance course consists of six twelve-week modules over two years (part-time). Students wishing only to complete one (1) year of study will attain a Certificate of Theatre Performance on completion of the first three modules.
Applicants with prior experience and training may be offered direct entry into year two, subject to their audition performance and interview. .
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to use the ‘Contact Us‘ page. We look forward to receiving your application.
Sydney Theatre School is a Registered Training Organisation approved by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver training, assessment and qualifications and a member of ACPET.