1300 551 432© Sydney Theatre School | Sydney Theatre Management Pty Ltd.
Sydney Theatre School 45 Chippen Street Sydney, NSW 2008 Australia 1300 551 432
- Overview
Diploma of Theatre and Screen (Acting)
Advanced Diploma of Theatre and Screen (Acting)
Applications are now open for the 2021 intake and will close when all places have been filled!
There are many different ways to start a career in acting, and one of the best is to gain a Diploma or an Advanced Diploma of Theatre and Screen (Acting) from the Sydney Theatre School.
These are industry-recognised courses in Acting, with exclusive training in both stage and screen disciplines that are highly sought-after in the industry. Each course is delivered separately over one year.
Candidates will normally complete the one year Diploma program first, and then have the option to continue on to a second year of training to complete their Advanced Diploma. Students that have completed a Diploma-level program at another institution or who can demonstrate equivalent competencies through RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) may be granted direct entry into the Advanced Diploma program.
Our intensive program gives you the opportunity to learn directly from some of Australia’s finest performing arts teachers, with a course that’s designed to bring out the best in you. We’ll teach you essential industry skills in…
Acting for stage and screen
Voice
Movement
Production and professional practice
Right from the start of your course, you’ll be involved in performances and productions for the paying public (as well as industry professionals) so you’ll have every chance to shine on stage.
Course Outcomes
The course ensures that graduates will have:
- The practical techniques and skills required to become professional actors
- An embodied knowledge of a wide range of historic and contemporary techniques and approaches to acting
- Personal resources professional knowledge and skills required for a career in the theatre, television, film and related industries
- The necessary individuality, self-sufficiency and empowerment to contribute to the profession of the future
- The inter-personal skills of team-building, conflict resolution and the development of positive and constructive relationships
- The personal and professional self-knowledge to guide a career intelligently
- The mindset of a healthy, community-focused artist
- Respect and high-regard for the audience
Term Dates for 2021
- TERM ONE: 1st February – 1st May
- TERM TWO: 17th May – 14th August
- TERM THREE: 30th August – 27th November
Class Times
DIPLOMA COURSE 2021
- Mondays from 10.00am to 6.00pm PLUS
- Wednesdays from 9.00am to 1.00pm PLUS
- Fridays from 10.00am to 6.00pm
ADVANCED DIPLOMA COURSE 2021
- Tuesdays from 10.00am to 6.00pm PLUS
- Wednesdays from 2.00pm to 6.00pm PLUS
- Thursdays from 10.00am to 6.00pm
Production Schedule
Unlike some acting & drama schools in Sydney, our students regularly perform in full-length productions (not just short scenes or excerpts from plays) in front of paying audiences in our on-campus performance space.
All productions are directed by industry professionals with many years of experience (see teachers’ biog page for full details) who also regularly work for major independent and professional theatre companies in Sydney and around the country.
The production schedule is as follows:
ONE YEAR DIPLOMA COURSE
TERM 1: Contemporary Text-based Scenes
TERM 2: Group-devised Production
TERM 3: Classical Text and Advanced Scene Study
ONE YEAR ADVANCED DIPLOMA COURSE
TERM 1: Shakespeare Production
TERM 2: International Touring Production (Edinburgh Fringe Festival)
TERM 3: Contemporary Production & Industry Showcase
These production opportunities give students the opportunity to apply the skills; knowledge; values and attitudes gained in class in a practical, real-world environment that replicates a professional workplace as much as possible. Only doing class-work or scene-work does not provide for a fully-rounded and comprehensive learning experience. On completion of the course, graduates are equipped with the experience and vocational skills to play a significant role in the performing arts. Graduates of the Advanced Diploma are eligible to join actors’ agency Sydney Creative Management (see below).
Guaranteed Agency Representation
Every graduate of the Diploma program who accepts the offer a place in the second year Advanced Diploma can join the books of our affiliated actor’s agency Sydney Creative Management and start auditioning for professional work. Details about the agency can be viewed on the website here: SYDNEY CREATIVE MANAGEMENT
Tuition Fees
FEES for 2021 Diploma Course*:
Deposit on Acceptance of Offer: $1,100 inc. GST (non-refundable)
Followed by either:
Monthly Payments: $990 per month x 10 months inc. GST (plus direct debit fees via bank or credit card)
or
Fortnightly Payments: $495 per fortnight x 20 inc. GST (plus direct debit fees via bank or credit card)
or
Weekly Payments: $248 per week x 40 inc. GST (plus direct debit fees via bank or credit card)
TOTAL COURSE COST (per year): $11,000 (inc GST)*
- The program offers over 700 hours of training at approx. $15 per class hour
PLEASE NOTE: The $1,100 deposit will be waived if upfront payment of $9,900 (inc GST) is paid in advance prior to the start of the first class. No refund is available in the event of a student’s withdrawal (voluntary or otherwise) once the course has commenced.
Financial Assistance
We can now offer you the ability to invest in your future through flexible payment plans from MacCredit. Specifically designed for students wanting to take their careers to the next level, MacCredit provides flexible payment plans for your education so you can focus on what’s really important – taking the next step in your career!
Benefits:
- Flexible payment options to suit your budget and personal circumstances
- Finance with no deposit and no upfront fees
- Payment plans of up to 7 years
- Fast and efficient approvals through an online application process
- Approvals in as little as 24 hours
FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: MacCredit Student Loans
Terms & Conditions: Speak to MacCredit for a formal quote based on your circumstances and for the full terms and conditions. A full credit and financial assessment will be completed prior to acceptance of any offer or product.
DISCLAIMER: Sydney Theatre School does not provide finance or financial advice. Finance advertised is offered by MacCredit. The information provided here is general only and is not specifically tailored to your own objectives, financial situation or needs. The information here is correct at the time of publication to the best of our knowledge. MacCredit – Credit Representative 484002 is authorised under Australian Credit license 389087
Further Course Information
Entry Requirements
Candidates for the course will be required to attend a group (or solo) audition in person at our venue in Chippendale OR send a video of their monologue via email. The audition will comprise one (1) monologue from a play or film of their choice. The monologue should be no more than 3 minutes duration.
HOW TO APPLY
TO BOOK YOUR FREE AUDITION CLICK HERE
Applications Extended for a Limited Time!
Monologue Selection
Please visit our resources section and download a copy of our Audition Piece Suggestion Guide to review some of the School’s suggested performance pieces.
In person (group or solo) auditions are held every Saturday afternoon at 2.00pm OR by appointment on other days and times.
You may instead submit an audition by video (via MP4 file; Youtube or VIMEO etc). Simply email us a link to the video (including the monologue and a brief chat to camera about yourself) via info@sydneytheatreschool.com when completed.
Restrictions While we appreciate that a passion for the arts knows no age limit, we do require that all applicants be aged 17 years or above by the commencement of the course. The minimum age for enrollment is 17 years.
Participation & Attendance
Due to the practical nature of the course, and the fact that all the subjects work on the notion of incremental growth, it is essential that students attend no less than 90% of all classes each term. Attendance at less than 90% of all classes (for any reason) is deemed insufficient for students to achieve the minimum level of competency required to successfully complete a unit.
Credit Transfer
The Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Arts (Acting) qualifications will provide credit towards the Bachelor of Dramatic Arts degree at Excelsia College. Please contact us for more information regarding these arrangements. Policies and Procedures STS has a range of policies and procedures in place to support students that can be accessed below:
Take your first step towards a successful career in acting with a course from Sydney Theatre School!
What our graduates say
At STS I have not only learnt how to refine my skills as an actor 
but I have also been empowered to create and to me that’s something special
Dale William Morgan - Advanced Diploma Graduate
This is a great course for gaining experience in performance…working with the directors gives you a great variety of methods and feedback 
I have grown so much as an actor this year with each term teaching me new techniques. I loved every minute, met heaps of great people and learnt a lot.
Nathan Kayes - Diploma Graduate
The year at Sydney Theatre School is one that you would be foolish to pass up 
It’s a unique form of educatiion training, providing everything you need to begin a career in the Performing Arts.
Jordan Shea - Diploma Graduate
From day one at Sydney Theatre School I felt welcome and comfortable 
I have had the best year of my life and learned so much not only in terms of my acting and the industry, but with myself. Taking on three completely different productions and working with professional and dedicated directors were experiences I will never forget and will take with me for the rest of my acting career. This course is absolutely perfect for anybody serious about becoming a professional actor.
Michelle Ramsay - Diploma Graduate
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!
Pamela Ghosn - Diploma Graduate
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.
Belinda Popovski - Diploma Graduate
Sydney Theatre School has been an experience I will never forget 
I gained so many skills and it did wonders for my confidence. I met so many life-long friends and it has been the most amazing year of my life.
Kelly Loomes - Diploma Graduate
Sydney Theatre School is a fantastic course 
It really was a year that changed my life. Not only did I get to work with highly experienced and brilliant directors, but I also got valuable experiences and opportunities. I would highly recommend this course to anyone wishing to enter the industry. Ten out of ten.
Lewis Scamozzi - Diploma Graduate
Sydney Theatre School is an amazing introduction to the acting industry 
You not only improve your acting skills but are given clear guidance as to the next steps you should take upon graduation.
Victoria Allen - Diploma Graduate
Sydney Theatre School has been an amazing experience that has firmly set in place the fundamentals and put me on the right path for a successful acting career 
The classes have been varied and comprehensive and there is no better way to apply what we have learnt than having the opprtunity to perform at the end of each term.
Matt Lausch - Advanced Diploma Graduate
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.
Julie Eagleton - Diploma Graduate
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.
Avril Chestnut - Diploma Graduate
I would highly recommend Sydney Theatre School to anyone looking to enter the industry 
You have the opportunity to learn from a number of directors who each have their own style. I was able to figure out what works best for me and where to go next. A very enjoyable year.
Alex Butt - Diploma Graduate
This year has been a very challenging and positive experience, at all levels, personal, creative and professional 
The commitment of all the directors involved is, as far as I am concerned, astounding.
Pascale Hair - Diploma Graduate
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.
Daniel Fischer - Diploma Graduate
I have learnt so much this year and my confidence has grown 
As someone coming back into theatre it was a great course for polishing old skills but also learning new ones and taking things to the next level.
Lyndal Judges - Diploma Graduate
I learnt so much in my short amount of time at Sydney Theatre School 
Not only did I gain the knowledge of what is needed to become a professional actor, I also learnt so much about myself. I now have more confidence to go out into the world and follow my acting dream.
Heidi Lupprian - Diploma Graduate
Sydney Theatre School provides you with fantastic practical experience 
As well as invaluable information about the industry and the business of being an actor. I highly recommend it for all people considering acting as a career.
Alana Rafter - Advanced Diploma Graduate
What a memorable and exciting experience! 
Sydney Theatre School has opened my eyes to the industry through it’s production-based course.
Ashlea Mary Cohen - Diploma Graduate
Sydney Theatre School taught me so much about myself and my capabilities as well as about the practicalities af the acting world 
It will open many doors for me in the future and has been an amazing start towards an acting career. Bonding closely with professional directors and fellow students has been a highlight for me.
Laura Tilt - Diploma Graduate
The course was good. Very good. 
It has certainly changed me as a person, and for that I am eternally grateful. The production-based aspect of the course was what drew me to it, and it has made me into a more experienced performer. This wouldn’t have happened if all we’d focused on was technique.
Ingrid Hu - Diploma Graduate
The thing I loved most about this course was being able to make mistakes, learn to act and give everything a go while at the same time being treated like a professional 
It was a fantastic opportunity that allowed me to push my boundaries.
Luci Taylor - Diploma Graduate
This course has provided me with everything I need to make a start in the acting industry 
Not only have I grown and developed as an actor, I have also gained vital knowledge of the industry that will help me in launching my professional career. This course has exceeded my expectations and I have also made friendships that will last a lifetime.
Kate Bluhdorn - Diploma Graduate
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 - Diploma Graduate
This past year at Sydney Theatre School has been an excellent experience. 
Being able to work on different types of productions with different directors has increased my skills dramatically as an actor and taught me a lot about the real world of acting.
Daniella Hoffman - Diploma Graduate
I came into this course wanting to brush up on my skills and network 
However upon completion what I left with was much much more valuable.
Alexandra Howard - Diploma Graduate
My time spent at Sydney Theatre School was one of the greatest experiences of my life! 
I learnt things as a performer I never thought I would have, which helped me immensely throughout the year.
Steve Maresca - Advanced Diploma Graduate
This year was the best year of my life 
The teachers are amazing, the students are amazing. The school is amazing!
Alex Lowe - Diploma Graduate
Sydney Theatre School gave me all 
Sydney Theatre School gave the tools, techniques and most importantly the experience to enter the acting world confidently with the skills and knowledge I require.
Amber Smith - Diploma Graduate
The Diploma of Theatre Performance is the only part-time acting course that offers REAL opportunities in the industry 
Working with directing professionals who are challenging and active in, eg; the Darlinghurst and Belvoir Street theatres; performing at established venues and the amazing incentive of securing an agent at the end of the year if my work was outstanding.
Brooke Doherty - Diploma Graduate
I have learnt more in this year than I have in any other year of my life 
And it will stick with me for the rest of my life as an actor.
Tom Nauta - Diploma Graduate
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!
Ross Young - Diploma Graduate
STS has been an amazing experience 
Being able to graduate with various productions under my belt is great. The directors have been so helpful and inspiring and the lessons learnt have been truly helpful.
Rosemary Ghazi - Diploma Graduate
A training platform that has encouraged vulnerability, expression and fearlessness when creating and performing at Sydney Theatre School. 
I’ve learnt to manage my weaknesses and immerse within my strengths allowing me to embody the statue of a professional actor. I encourage from novice to an experienced actor, develop your craft at Sydney Theatre School as new doors, relations and skills are built from day one.
Mark Anderson - Advanced Diploma Graduate
My training at STS has been invaluable. 
I have made so many professional connections through my studies and grown so much as an actor. As I graduate I feel I have all the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the industry and the support of peers and tutors behind me.
Sean Foster - Advanced Diploma Graduate
Sydney Theatre School develops a great pathway between the actor and the industry. 
Students have the opportunity to work alongside a number of respected actors, directors and working industry professionals. Teachers and mentors are professional and provide current and relevant knowledge that gives real insight into the acting industry. STS creates a bridge between the actor and the industry through developing their craft and exposure to endless opportunities during their study.
Chloe Baldacchino - Advanced Diploma Graduate
STS offers a friendly but challenging environment with many chances to perform and work with great industry professionals. 
I’d really recommend it to anyone who is serious about acquiring the skills of performance and theatre in a professional setting.
Alyssa Charlton - Diploma Student 2018
An enriching and intimate learning environment with teachers professionally experienced in the industry. 
Sydney Theatre School provides training in a wide spectrum of acting methodologies, equipping the student with a nuanced set of skills to utilise across their career. Not to mention the joyous memories it’ll gift for life!
Antony Press - Diploma Student 2018
Sydney Theatre School is the perfect place to nurture your love of acting and learn what it takes to make it in the industry. 
The teachers are knowledgeable industry professionals and your classmates are like-minded individuals with a passion for acting and all things performance. I loved every day at STS
Joshua Horwitz - Diploma Student 2018
Sydney Theatre School is the best opportunity for a practical, on-the-floor approach to actor training with some of the most qualified and insightful trainers in the industry. 
Would absolutely recommend this course of study to anyone looking to develop their performance skills whilst training under the most dedicated teachers.
Bridget Gielissen - Advanced Diploma Graduate
Studying at STS prepared me for the world of acting in the emotional, intellectual and practical sense better than I could imagine. 
Each teacher provides different valuable skills and challenges students based on their individual level and needs. The improvement over one year as an actor and artist has been so precious.
Kashmir Miller - Diploma Student 2018
The quality of teaching here is above anything else available in Sydney. 
Sydney Theatre School taught me the technique and the industry from the ground up in a working theatre environment.
David Neill - Advanced Diploma Graduate
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