PRODUCTION-BASED TRAINING
Sydney Theatre School's Diploma of Theatre Performance programme is a unique concept for actor training in Australia.

The course is production-based, meaning that students learn primarily by rehearsing and performing plays in front of an audience. This teaching methodology has been successful in the United Kingdom for many years.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Traditional drama schools and acting courses spend a great deal of time on class-work and exercises that are not related to a specific performance context. Acting technique, voice, movement, improvisation and production studies are usually regarded as separate subjects. There is also often a large amount of repetition designed to extend the course over a longer period than may actually be necessary. Consequently, fast learners and more advanced students find themselves going over the same old ground when what they really need is performance experience.

The best way to learn and consolidate skills in acting, voice, movement and improvisation is through rehearsal and performance in an integrated format that has immediate relevance. Many professional actors would agree that they learnt more about their craft performing in productions (after graduation) than they did in three years at drama school. Indeed, many successful professionals have no formal classroom training whatsoever.

The Sydney Theatre School course is underpinned with relevant theoretical concepts and supplemented by specialist exercises when required. The process gives students the opportunity to learn by experience and to develop professional knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that are required for employment in the theatre and entertainment industry. Students accepted onto the course begin rehearsing the first production almost immediately, and perform in front of public audiences at the end of each term.

COURSE CONTENT
The course is delivered over one year and is divided into three twelve-week terms. Students rehearse and perform one play each term. The structure is as follows:

Term 1 : Devised Performance
Term 2 : Contemporary Performance
Term 3 : Classical Performance

Each term has a different focus and rehearsal process according to the specific demands and requirements of the selected play or genre. Performance styles vary each term, and are derived from the following:

• Ancient Greek theatre
• Elizabethan / Shakespearean theatre
• Restoration theatre
• Naturalism / Realism
• Brecht / Epic theatre
• Theatre of the Absurd
• Australian theatre
• World theatre
• Documentary-style performance
• Improvisation
• Physical theatre

All students will graduate with a solid understanding of the various approaches used in play production.

PERFORMANCES
Each production is directed by a highly experienced and qualified teacher / director. Productions are staged over several nights in the final week of each term at a high-profile professional venue, in front of a public audience. Guests such as critics, casting directors and agents are invited to view student performances. This allows those students wishing to enter the theatre, film or television industry the opportunity to showcase their work.

Casting for the first two productions is shared as equally as possible according to the needs of each student. Casting for the final production is competitive, thus preparing students for the realities of the industry and giving them experience of audition practices and techniques. All students are given advice and guidance on audition preparation and the various casting approaches used by drama schools, agents and directors.

GRADUATE OPPORTUNITIES
The course is ideal for those students wishing to apply for three-year drama school courses or university degrees, as they will gain the pre-requisite skills and experience to enhance their application. It also prepares learners for employment and is suitable for both school leavers and mature-age students who have decided they wish to enter the theatre or entertainment industry. Comprehensive employment advice and assistance is available both during the course and after graduation.

PRE-REQUISITES
Candidates should ideally have had some acting experience prior to entering the course. This experience may include; H.S.C. drama, beginners' or intermediate-level acting courses, community theatre, musical society or film and television performance. Drama school graduates who have been off the scene for some time, or who wish to consolidate their skills, will also benefit from the program. Entry is based on an audition and interview (see "How to apply" page for details).

We are looking for people who are enthusiastic, flexible and self-disciplined. The intensive nature of the course requires a mature, positive attitude and willingness to learn. The performing arts industry is very demanding and highly competitive. With this in mind, Sydney Theatre School requires that each student takes full responsibility for their own progress and development. It requires a full commitment in all aspects of the course including attendance, punctuality, participation, preparation and performance.

COURSE DETAILS
DATES:
Term 1: 6th February - 29th April 2006
Term 2: 15th May - 5th August 2006
Term 3: 21st August - 11th November 2006

TIME: (EVENING & WEEKEND COURSE)
Tuesday and Thursday from 6pm - 9pm
plus Saturday from 10am - 5pm
OR
TIME: (WEEKDAY COURSE)
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
from 10am - 3pm

NOTE:
Additional days or nights and extended hours will apply in the final week of each term.