LEARN TO ACT THROUGH PERFORMANCE!

The Sydney Theatre School’s Foundation Course is an intensive one-year part-time program (twelve hours per week) conducted through rehearsal and performance. The course was first offered in 2005 and has been successfully delivered every year since then with literally hundreds of graduates going on to study at all of Australia’s major drama schools and many have even secured an agent and worked professionally after just one year of part-time training with us!

We believe that production-based training is the best way to learn and consolidate skills in acting, voice, movement, improvisation and stagecraft.

During this exciting year, you will perform on stage in two plays in front of a live audience, each one directed by a different teacher/director who is highly experienced and qualified. You will also spend one term learning the fundamentals of acting for camera. All the while, you will also be developing skills in acting, voice, movement and stagecraft.

PHILOSOPHY

PRODUCTION-BASED TRAINING

Sydney Theatre School’s Foundation Course is a unique concept for actor training in Australia. The training is production-based, meaning that students learn primarily by rehearsing and performing in front of an audience. This is the best and most effective way of laying the foundations for a professional acting career.

BENEFITS

  • Develop high-level skills in acting; voice; movement and improvisation
  • Gain a practical understanding of the skills required to pursue a professional acting career
  • Work along side like-minded individuals in a fun, supportive and creative environment
  • Network with industry professionals
  • Perform in two full productions directed by high-profile directors

PROCESS

The Sydney Theatre School Foundation 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 Terms 1 and 3 (Term 2 is dedicated to screen acting and there is no public performance).

COURSE STRUCTURE

The course is delivered part-time (12 hours per week) over one year and is divided into three twelve-week terms. There is a two-week break between each term. The dates and times for 2015 are as follows:

DATES:

Term 1: 3rd February - 25th April 2015

Term 2: 12th May – 1st August 2015

Term 3: 18th August - 7th November 2015

CLASS TIMES:

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10.00am - 5.00pm (including 1 hour lunch break)

COURSE CONTENT

CORE UNITS

Term 1: Devised Theatre Performance

This unit is about devising work for performance as part of an ensemble. Students will examine ways of responding to a brief or to a 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 to 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: Screen Acting

This module develops the skills required to act to camera. Learners will be introduced to the particular requirements of performing in a film and television context and the skills requirements of performing to camera. This unit requires learners to perform to camera and will use practical exercises to enable learners to develop their camera performance technique. Scenes from Australian and international television and film scripts will be used in rehearsal and performance. Learners will be familiarised basic production techniques and health and safety aspects. Learners will be encouraged to read, view and listen to a broad range of texts, screenplays and television and film performances for analysis of genre, approaches to acting and audience demands.

Term 3: Contemporary Theatre Performance

This unit 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.

INTEGRATED UNITS

Acting

This unit is about the process and skill of acting. In this unit students will develop the technical and interpretive skills necessary to work as an actor. It will enable students to use exercises and techniques that can be applied in a range of vocational contexts as an actor. The rehearsals will mostly be teacher-led and directed, although from the early stages students will be made aware that there is a great deal of individual preparation work that an actor has to undertake outside the rehearsal room.

Voice

This unit is about using the voice as a performing instrument. Students will develop the skills required to enhance their vocal technique and to use the voice more efficiently in performance. The unit will establish good practice regarding the care and use of the voice via a regular programme of exercises, from which students derive their theory. Care will be taken to combine voice and movement work during warm-ups, so that the body becomes an instrument and sounding board for the voice.

Movement

This unit is about developing movement skills as a performer. It is about how to use the body as an expressive instrument. The learning activities in this unit are largely practical and will allow students to develop confidence in the performance of a range of physical activities and styles. Students will be encouraged to apply physical skills in all aspects of their performance work and the integrated nature of this work should be recognised and developed.

Improvisation

This unit is about using improvisation skills in theatre. Students will develop improvisational skills that can then be used in the acting and / or devising process. The unit will use practical workshop classes to develop students’ improvisational skills. These will mostly be teacher-led and structured, although the exploratory nature of the activities allows for a high degree of flexibility and creative variation from any set pattern.

The exercises and activities designed to develop skills in the above areas are integrated into the rehearsal period of each production. This ensures all learning opportunities are made relevant and put into immediate context.

PERFORMANCES

Each production is directed by a highly experienced and qualified teacher / director. The director is different for each term. Productions are staged over several nights in the final week of term, in front of a public audience.

FOUNDATION COURSE – REQUIREMENTS

PRE-REQUISITES

Candidates should ideally have had some (basic) acting experience prior to entering the course, HOWEVER THIS IS NOT ESSENTIAL. There is no audition required, however you must attend an interview with the Course Director prior to enrolment to ensure the course is suited to your needs.

COMMITMENT

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.

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATION FORM REQUESTS

1) Fill in the online application form (disregard the audition instructions)

OR

Sign and return the application via email or post back to:

Sydney Theatre School

PO Box 267

GLEBE NSW 2037

NOTE: All applicants will be required to attend an interview with the Course Director prior to enrolment. We will contact you by phone or email to arrange a suitable date and time.

FEES

APPLICATION FEE: NONE

NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT: $550 (inc. GST) payable within 7 days of offer of place (ie after attending an interview).

BALANCE OF FEES: 10 x monthly payments of $550 (inc. GST)*

TOTAL COURSE TUITION FEE: $6,050 (inc. GST)**

*Please Note: A 10% discount ($605) will apply if total annual fees are paid in full prior to enrollment. Once the course has started there is no refund in the event of a student’s withdrawal (voluntary or otherwise) and all remaining monthly fee installments must be paid (subject to our Terms of Trade conditions).

**VET Fee-Help is NOT available for this training program.

Total tuition hours = 432 (144 hours per term x 3) which equals just $14 per hour!

TESTIMONIALS

I can’t begin to describe what a fantastic year I have had. It’s been a wonderful experience, and I have gained valuable insight into the industry by working with some of Sydney’s most talented directors. The flexible night time/Saturday classes are fantastic if you choose to study or work in between your shows. Sydney Theatre School has provided me with the opportunity to begin my career, and I will always be thankful for the experience. Belinda Popovski

What a memorable and exciting experience! Sydney Theatre School has opened my eyes to the industry through its production-based course. Having being taught by amazing and enthusiastic directors, and developing pieces with other extraordinary actors, will always be an unforgettable experience. Anyone who is given the opportunity to learn from the best, gain vital information to pursue success, begin ‘networking’ with those of a high status…and make life long friendships all within a year, is truly lucky…. it definitely exceeded all my expectations. Ashlea Mary Cohen

I believe that you learn more when you are on the job and that is exactly what has happened during my time at Sydney Theatre School. Throughout the year I have been given the opportunity to work with three of the most amazing directors on three amazing plays. I have made contacts with professionals in the industry and I have made friends for life. It has been an enjoyable experience and one that I will remember for years to come. Daniel Fischer

I moved to Sydney from Queensland to participate in this course and have not once regretted the decision. Through the year I have been able to grow as an actor and develop my performance skills as well as gain valuable knowledge about the industry by working with people that are a firm part of it. Amy-Clare McCarthy

My year at Sydney Theatre School was truly an experience to remember for the rest of my life. I enjoyed learning a great deal about the craft of acting and pushed myself further than I thought imaginable. I have acquired skills which will be beneficial for the future as I continue my acting career. I also had the pleasure and privilege of working with some of the industry’s most respected directors. During the course I’ve formed bonds with brilliant people who share the same dreams and want to work towards the same goals in the industry. Louise Lamella

All I have to say is that Sydney Theatre School was not only the best time of my life but it was also the most fun! You learn so much from the directors and the atmosphere makes you want to push your skills to the limit! I loved every minute of it and I would do it again if I could! Pamela Ghosn

I really appreciated my time at Sydney Theatre School. The skills I learnt were invaluable. The course gave me confidence and reinforced the importance and beauty of acting and theatre. The production-based training is the greatest aspect; it made me learn quickly under pressure. It made me realise actors are always a work-in-progress and should be constantly experimenting and improving. I didn’t consider myself an actor before, but now I do. Julie Eagleton

I was excited about the idea of a production-based training style, but once I actually started - it really exceeded all my expectations. I have learnt so much over the last year, and will always value the experiences this course has afforded me.

Vanessa Green

Sydney Theatre School has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. I learnt invaluable skills for success in the industry, acquired very useful contacts and spent a year with some of the most amazing, creative people I’ve ever met. I know we will be friends and colleagues for life. Elizabeth Cartmer

Coming straight out of school, it was fantastic to participate in a course that is not looking for the best UAI. Being in a production-based course was the best way for me to acquire experience, build my confidence and understand the industry.

Avril Chestnut

This was the perfect course for me. I was able to keep up with my 9-5 job and undertake professional theatre training at the same time. It was demanding but worth every minute of it! In one year, to cover voice and characterisation; objectives and improvisation; devised, physical and classical theatre - was fantastic! Add to that great people to work with and talented directors that really helped me learn!

Ross Young

A great opportunity to work with industry professionals in a practical environment. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone that wants to learn about drama and theatre and the skills required to be a professional actor. Jacqueline Mendoza

Sydney Theatre School’s Foundation Course is unique! With three very different terms each with it’s own professional Director you really do feel like you are in a company…During my time at the school I learned more than I could have imagined and overcame so many obstacles on the way!..the course gave us an understanding of the industry…and started the foundations of a “network”…I wouldn’t trade my time at Sydney Theatre School for anything! Bex Horsfall