Where to Study Acting in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Actors

By Steve Dezย โ€ขย  Updated: 10/16/23ย โ€ขย  12 min read

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If youโ€™re wondering where to study acting in Australia, there are myriad options open to you.

You might consider traditional universities offering comprehensive acting degrees and courses, or opt for one of the many reputable acting schools sprinkled across the country.

Independent academies dedicated to acting studies offer more specialized training, while institutions aimed at theatre and drama studies provide a broader understanding of the field.

There are also schools specifically designed for film and TV acting in Australia if your ambitions lie on the silver screen. Moreover, depending on where in Australia you are located or wish to study, different cities and regions can offer distinct advantages for aspiring actors.<

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where to study acting in australia

Universities Offering Acting Degrees and Courses

In the vast landscape of Australian acting schools, several renowned universities stand out for their comprehensive acting degrees and courses. Think about institutions such as Griffith University, JMC Academy, Torrens University Australia, and Queensland University. Griffith, in particular, offers a full Acting degree with professional-led classes; a rarity among public universities. In any case,University of Melbourne also deserves mentioning due to its intensive studio-based courses that employ a conservatoire-style approach โ€“ preparing students for diverse professional roles.

Australiaโ€™s Reputable Acting Schools

When it comes to the cream of the crop, sources widely recognize NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art), WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts), ACA (Actors College of Television), AFTRS (Australian Film Television and Radio School), and Sydney Drama School as some of the best drama schools in Australia. Of these,NIDA is particularly reputable within Sydneyโ€™s acting scene, while at WAAPA, nestled in Perth โ€“ holds acclaim from StageMilkโ€”an underdog institution for budding actors.

The Independent Route: Academies for Acting Studies

On another note, independent academies present viable alternatives with more unique pathways into the industry. Consider AFTT (The Academy of Film Theatre & Television) in Sydney, offering film, theater and acting courses. There are also institutions such as Brave Studios catering to actors at all experience levels with elite acting classes.

Theatre and Drama Studies in Australia

You see, for those who have a special affinity towards theatre and drama, universities like Edith Cowan University (ECU), University of Canberra and Western Sydney offer degrees specifically tailored to these interests. Here is where you can immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of drama studies in Australia.

Australiaโ€™s Specialized Film & TV Acting Schools

For those more screen inclined, letโ€™s not forget about Screenwise Film & TV Acting School in Sydney. They offer an Advanced Diploma of Screen Acting โ€“ a two-year full-time program covering both creative and technical aspects of screen acting. Similarly,NYFA Australia prepares film and acting students through hands-on programs at its Gold Coast campus. This practical focus provides invaluable on-set experience.

Location-Specific Advice: Where To Study Acting In Australia?

All things considered, your options are vast when seeking where to study acting in Australia. From comprehensive university programs to specialized independent academies โ€“ it all boils down to what resonates with your style. Take into account factors such as location too. For instance,NIDA stands out particularly within Sydney, while institutions like WAAPA hold stronger influence in Perth.

Australia: A Flourishing Platform for Aspiring Actors

In conclusion, whether youโ€™re eyeing the bright lights of Hollywood or the popular local Aussie film scene; whether youโ€™re searching for professional acting training in Perth or acting workshops Sydney โ€“ itโ€™s clear that Australia provides numerous opportunities and has something for everyone willing to study acting.

where to study acting in australia

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As an aspiring actor, you may be weighing the decision of where to study acting. With myriad of prestigious and renowned institutions around the world, it can be a challenging decision. If youโ€™re considering studying abroad, consider some of top destinations for acting across the globe. London houses world-famous schools like RADA and LAMDA while Canada offers diverse programs suited for film, theatre, and TV. For a truly unique experience, explore studying in Ireland, where folklore and drama are deeply ingrained into cultural fabric.

To make things less daunting for beginner actors who are not sure how to kick-start their acting career, our website also contains many helpful resources. A recommended starting place is our post on how to get into acting. This will provide you with a great understanding of what steps you should take from start to finish โ€” including choosing the right school or program that suits your goals perfectly.

In addition, if you are feeling confused about whether or not actors need formal education from an acting school, we have an article on do most actors go to an acting school?. It explores the careers of various successful actors โ€” some who attended drama school and others who did not.

Have questions about auditions? Our post on steps to an acting audition is an insightful read. It provides a comprehensive guide into the auditioning process and gives great tips on how to present yourself professionally.

Lastly, being successful in the acting world is not all about talent. It also involves knowing the right people and being seen. For this reason, it may be beneficial to read our advice on how to get a good acting agent. This article will guide you through the process of finding an agent who will help you land bigger and better roles.

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My Personal Take about Where to study acting in Australia

Hey there, friend! You know me, Iโ€™m Steve Dez, the guy whoโ€™s always up to speed with the ins and outs of Hollywood acting and actor marketing โ€“ itโ€™s my world.

By the way, youโ€™ve landed on a great blog post: โ€˜Where to Study Acting in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Actorsโ€™. Now that I think about it, our main keyword here is pretty clear right? Itโ€™s โ€˜where to study acting in Australiaโ€™.

In any case, I have a wealth of experience and knowledge to share with you. All things considered, weโ€™ll explore:

You see, the beauty of this industry is not only in the glitz and glamour but also in its ability to inspire creativity. A good acting school can be your launchpad into this world.

So donโ€™t just dream about becoming a Hollywood Actor; take action now because opportunity knocks but once. Harness your passion and letโ€™s make those dreams come true! Remember: Thereโ€™s always space for another star on the walk of fame!

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Before you goโ€ฆ

Takeaway 1: Australia offers a wide range of institutions for aspiring actors

Australia is home to several reputable universities and independent academies that provide excellent training opportunities for budding actors. Whether you want to pursue a degree in acting or enroll in specialized courses, there are plenty of options available to suit your preferences and goals. From Griffith University and JMC Academy to NIDA and WAAPA, you can find a learning environment that caters specifically to your interests.

Takeaway 2: Standout institutions for acting in Australia

When it comes to the best acting schools in Australia, NIDA, WAAPA, ACA, AFTRS, and Sydney Drama School have consistently received recognition from various sources. These institutions have proven track records of producing successful actors and offer comprehensive programs that cover all aspects of the craft. Additionally, universities like Griffith University and the University of Melbourne provide intensive courses that prepare students for diverse career opportunities within the profession.

Takeaway 3: Location-specific advice for studying acting in Australia

If youโ€™re looking for specific locations to study acting in Australia, NIDA is renowned as a top choice within Sydney. Additionally, NYFA Australiaโ€™s Gold Coast campus offers hands-on programs tailored for film and acting students. Itโ€™s important to consider factors such as location when choosing where to pursue your acting education as it can greatly influence networking opportunities and industry exposure. Overall, whether you prefer a university setting or an independent academy atmosphere, Australia has plenty of options worth exploring if youโ€™re passionate about honing your skills as an actor. Take the time to research each institutionโ€™s offerings and choose the one that aligns best with your aspirations.

If youโ€™re looking to hone your craft down under, you might want to check out the best acting classes available. These offer a comprehensive guide on where you can truly master your skills in Australia.



Not able to commit to in-person classes? Donโ€™t worry, Australia has you covered. You can easily enroll in some of the best acting online classes from the comfort of your home.



Better still, these courses cater for both beginners and advanced actors and are developed by seasoned professionals. Whether itโ€™s on a physical stage or a virtual one, Australia provides an array of options to pursue your passion for acting.

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Steve Dez

I am the founder of Dezperate Actorยฎ and I have been in the acting and entertainment industry since 2011. Since then, my mission is to make acting and breaking into Hollywood easy for everyone. And each year, I continue to help more people with acting tips, resources, coaching and online courses.

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