FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do I need to spend three years at a full-time drama school in order to become a professional actor?

A: No. Learning to act is like learning to play a sport or a musical instrument. If your ambition was to become a professional football player, you wouldn't spend three years studying the game in a classroom. Once you knew the rules and had developed some basic skills, you would be better off playing competitive matches against quality opposition in a well-organised competition under the guidance of an expert coach. The same is true of acting - once you have a very basic understanding of acting theory and how to analyse a script (from an actors point of view) the rest is practice and playing. The best place to practice and hone your craft is out in front of an audience - not in a classroom. Another analogy is learning to drive a car. You can spend three years driving around a paddock but you wont learn as much as if you go out on the road as soon as possible and start dealing with other traffic; hazards; pedestrians etc. Going on stage is like going out on the road you need to start right away in order to learn everything you need to know and develop your skills as quickly as possible.

Q: What qualifications do I need to become a professional actor?

A: Securing acting work is all about what you can do in an audition and interview situation; the quality of credits on your CV; who youve worked with in the past and how you leverage those contacts. Its also about marketing and selling yourself (properly) to employers; agents; casting directors and directors etc. There is a right and a wrong way to do this and we cover these issues in our 'Professional Practice' unit. Having a qualification alone will not get you an acting job. It may help if you want to be a drama teacher or you want to study academic subjects at university but it wont help you one bit if your primary goal is to become a professional actor.

Q: Will I get an agent and acting work at the end of the course?

A: It depends on how quickly you develop and the level of competence and professionalism you demonstrate in performance and in interviews with agents. The Course Director at STS is also an agent with Sydney Creative Management and all students will have the opportunity to be interviewed for a place with the agency. Some may be invited onto the books straight away, some after they have finished the course and have gained more experience and some will be advised on how to secure representation with other agencies. It all depends on how hard you work and how persistent you are. If you keep working and listen to the advice you are given during your time with us youll secure representation (and work) sooner or later.

Q: Can I continue my training with STS after completing the one-year Diploma course?

A: We are currently developing an Advanced Diploma in Classical Theatre Performance programme for graduates. This is likely to be first offered in 2008. It will be a one-year part-time programme focusing on the vocal, physical and analytical skills required to perform in classical productions. This means that students who complete two years with us will have worked with six different professional directors on five full productions and one scene-work showcase, thereby enhancing their CV and maximising employment prospects.

Q: Do I have enough experience or talent to gain entry to the programme?

A: The main pre-requisites for acceptance onto the programme are: the ability to perform a short monologue; a positive attitude; a strong level of commitment and the determination required to pursue a professional acting career. Experience in high school drama; amateur theatre or a short beginners acting course is sufficient. The programme is also suitable for those with more experience who want to hone their skills and showcase their work to the industry in high-quality productions directed by working industry professionals.

Q: What are the audition criteria?

A: Auditonees are required to prepare and perform a three minute monologue of their choice. We are looking for the following qualities:

· thorough preparation

· ability to create and sustain a character within an imagined world

· evidence of thought and feeling behind the actions and words

· ability to take direction

· ability to use the voice and body freely and flexibly

· ability to express thought and feeling through movement

· focus and concentration

· imagination and creativity

The audition will be conducted in a supportive and encouraging environment and you will have every opportunity to demonstrate your ability and commitment.

Q: I am only interested in film and TV acting will this course help?

A: Most definitely. Its best to gain as much stage experience as possible BEFORE going into a film and television acting career. The underlying principles of both performance styles are similar, but the delivery and execution of the performance are vastly different. The demands of stage acting require a lot of work on the voice and body and this is best done as soon as possible (i.e. prior to starting a film career). Also, most actors find that they need to be as versatile as possible and open to employment opportunities across as many genres as possible. Not many are able (or willing) to say they are only interested in film and TV work. In fact, most actors derive much more satisfaction from the immediacy of stage acting and the connection with an audience than they do from working in film and television.

Q: Is there any theory involved?

A: The programme is highly practical and there is little or no 'theory' or academic work done in class. Some theoretical principles may be introduced into the practical class and rehearsal work and its up to each student whether or not they wish to pursue or investigate these in their own time. You cannot learn to act from a book and most 'theories' actually get in the way of an actors performance. According to respected writer / director David Mamet in his book - True and False: Heresey and Common Sense for the Actor (1997):

Formal education for the player is not only useless, but harmful. It stresses the academic model and denies the primacy of the interchange with the audience. The audience will teach you how to actThe classroom will teach you how to obey, and obedience in the theatre will get you nowhereThe skill of acting is finally a physical skill; it is not a mental exercise and has nothing whatever to do with the ability to pass a test.

Students are required to complete a logbook that records their experiences and allows reflection on their learning progress and also a place to document research and preparation. This is a useful and essential adjunct to the practical work as reflective evaluation is necessary for growth and development from one rehearsal to the next and from one production to the next.

Q: I already have lots of experience in amateur theatre - how will this programme benefit me?

A: While some experience in amateur theatre may be a valuable asset in the early stages of your career, it will only take you so far. Amateur credits are not highly regarded in the professional arena, and often you are working with directors and fellow actors who are only doing it as a hobby. This can mean you will often pick up and reinforce bad habits that will ultimately be harmful to your career prospects. The only way to progress and take your career to the next stage is to work closely with experienced professional directors and fellow actors with the same goals and commitment as you. Sydney Theatre School is the only place to offer these experiences from the outset of the training programme.

Q: How many students are usually in each class?

A: There is a maximum of 14 students in each group (i.e. weekday or evening/weekend). The small number allows for attention to students' individual learning needs and provides sufficient numbers for casting purposes and play selection.

Q: What is the age range and background of students?

A: The age of students already accepted into the 2007 programme ranges from seventeen to mid forties. The bulk of students are in their late teens and early twenties although there is a good balance of youth and maturity. All students will have demonstrated the required skills, attitude and commitment required to successfully complete the programme requirements and embark on an acting career on completion of the programme.

Q: Do you offer any school holiday workshops; short courses or full-time training?

A: No. We currently only offer the one year Diploma of Theatre Performance programme. As mentioned previously we will be offering an Advanced Diploma in Classical Theatre in 2008. If you are looking for a beginners course for fun or to develop basic skills we can offer advice on where to go for this. If you believe you must undertake full-time training then we recommend auditioning for university-based drama schools such as NIDA as they also provide a university degree in conjunction with their actor training component (and this may be useful for non-acting related purposes). Full-time actor training at private institutions is - for the most part - a waste of time and money. You are better off spending your time and energy rehearsing and performing in plays in front of an audience and developing your vocal and physical skills along the way.

Q: Can I defer my place until the following year if I am accepted?

A: Yes provided you secure your place with a non-refundable deposit.

Q: Im worried Im not good enough and dont want to waste my $25 application fee. Should I still apply?

A: If you are confident enough to perform a monologue and have the necessary desire you should definitely apply. If you are NOT accepted your $25 application fee will be refunded in full so there is nothing whatsoever to lose.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ACCESS AND EQUITY POLICY

Sydney Theatre School ensures persons seeking enrolment in our course are treated equitably. Candidates are

selected on the basis of their skills, aptitude and relevant qualifications, including life experience.

Sydney Theatre School promotes a learning environment that is free from discrimination and harassment including

unsolicited approaches, comments or physical contact of a sexual nature, victimisation, bullying and racial vilification.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Entry to the course involves the completion of an application form, personal interview and evidence of ability to meet

the specific programme requirements as outlined in the course information.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY

Applicants with a non-English speaking background are required to have an adequate level of English language to

undertake the programme.

STUDENT ENROLMENT

Application forms are processed in order of receipt by Sydney Theatre School. Applicants will be contacted for an

audition and interview appointment. The interview will assess applicants ability to fulfil the entry requirements.

Upon acceptance of their application, applicants receive a confirmation letter detailing fees due, a copy of the

"Student Handbook", pre-reading material, and details of programme timetable.

STUDENT ORIENTATION

A student orientation session will be held prior to the commencement of the course, and will cover the following:

introductions to teacher, staff and other students

facilities equipment and resources

rehearsal schedule

organisational policies and procedures

client support and welfare services

question and answer session

FEES
To secure their place, successful applicants must pay a 20% non-refundable deposit within seven (7) working days

after notification of acceptance onto the course. The balance of the programme fee is due one (1) week prior to the

commencement of the course.

Alternatively, the programme fee can be paid in monthly installments through Ezypay Pty Ltd. Fee amounts for 2007

are listed on the "Course Info" page.

Sydney Theatre School employs financial management strategies to protect fees paid in advance.

REFUND POLICY

A fee refund, less the non-refundable deposit, will only be given if a client cancels before commencement of the course.

In the unlikely event of programme cancellation by Sydney Theatre School, full fee refund including the deposit will be

made to clients. After commencement of the programme, fees are non-refundable.

STUDENT WELFARE AND GUIDANCE SERVICES

Sydney Theatre School aims to provide useful and comprehensive information and support to clients to assist them

during their training program. A copy of "Student Handbook" is provided to all clients on acceptance to the

training programme.

COMPLAINTS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

Sydney Theatre School is committed to the early resolution of complaints and grievances. Persons wishing to

complain may do so through the following procedure:

obtain a S1.F2 Complaints, Grievances and Appeals Form from the office

complete and return form as soon as possible to the office

the grievance will be promptly considered by the Director

the Director will consult with other persons involved in the grievance

the Director will mediate to resolve the situation.

if the grievance remains unresolved an independent mediator will be engaged

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

Sydney Theatre School considers the occupational health, safety and welfare of its staff and clients to be of the

utmost importance. Sydney Theatre School takes all reasonably practicable steps to provide and maintain a safe

and healthy workplace and learning environment.

A successful OH & S program is dependent upon all persons on Sydney Theatre School premises sharing responsibility

for insuring a safe and healthy environment.

Sydney Theatre School ensures all staff and clients are aware of their responsibility regarding OH & S issues through

provision of safety information and education.

The delivery and assessment of all programs must incorporate the relevant OH & S legislation and requirements as they

apply to work practices.

All injuries, accidents and near misses must be reported to the teacher / director, and recorded in the Accident and Injury

Log Book. All incidents will be investigated, and action taken to prevent their re-occurrence. A first aid box and manual

will be available for use by staff and clients.

Smoking is prohibited on Sydney Theatre School premises. Alcohol and/or illegal drugs are prohibited on

Sydney Theatre School premises.

Any action by staff or clients that jeopardises the health, safety or welfare of others may result

in dismissal.

DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Clients are expected to display a high level of personal responsibility for their learning process, and for their interaction

with other clients and staff members.

Anyone displaying inappropriate or dangerous behaviour (e.g. disruptive class behaviour, refusal to follow OH&S

procedures, irregular attendance) will be required to attend a disciplinary meeting to discuss the necessary changes they

need to make. The meeting participants will negotiate an agreed plan of action and time scale for reviewing the necessary

behaviour changes. If the agreed changes are not implemented, the student may be dismissed from the programme.

ATTENDANCE

Our course will challenge students resolve and endurance. It is a fundamentally work-based programme requiring a

steadfast commitment. Regular and punctual attendance at classes is required for successful completion of the course.

Students who do not display regular attendance at their training programme may be required to attend a disciplinary

meeting. If a students attendance falls below an agreed standard they may be ineligible for a Diploma on graduation.

In the event of extended absence due to ill health or personal reasons, clients will need to discuss their position with

the Director.

TRAINING DELIVERY PROCEDURES

The program at Sydney Theatre School is delivered in a manner that provides individual clients with the best opportunity

to succeed in achieving their goals.

A variety of theoretical, practical and interactive delivery strategies are employed. Strategies include: trainer

presentation and demonstration, clinical and workshop practice, discussions, question and answer sessions, case studies

and structured exercises.

The programme is delivered through group rehearsal, and includes one-to-one guidance and coaching for clients.

All teachers and directors have a minimum of 5 years experience in their area of expertise and are formally qualified to

deliver training and assessment.

ISSUANCE OF DIPLOMA

A Sydney Theatre School - Diploma of Theatre Performance will be issued to clients upon successful completion of the

programme. A Statement of Attainment will be issued for partial completion of the programme.