Drama Schools

Australia

Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane (QLD) ~ The Creative Industries Precinct is Australia's first site dedicated to creative experimentation and commercial development in the creative industries. It provides a unique opportunity for designers, artists, researchers, educators and entrepreneurs to easily connect and collaborate with others to create new work, develop new ideas and grow the creative industries sector in Queensland. Other facilities include computing studios for animation, virtual reality, visual arts and design technology; media labs for music and sound; newsrooms for radio, television, on-line and print production; design studios for drawing, CAD scenic/lighting design, 3-D modelling and fashion and textile design; film and television studios and post-production facilities including QUT's professional television unit; and production workshops for set construction, 2-D and 3-D production and props making.

Charles Sturt University, School of Visual and Performing Arts, Wagga Wagga (NSW) ~ The School boasts outstanding facilities with Acting for Screen & Stage, and Design for Theatre & Television accessing the University’s Riverina Playhouse, a 250 seat purpose built theatre for public performance, situated in the heart of the City of Wagga Wagga. Acting students also have the opportunity to perform in the School’s intimate studio theatre and to collaborate with students in Design for Theatre & Television and Television Production on a number of projects annually.

National Institute of Dramatic Art, Sydney (NSW) ~ NIDA is Australia's National Institute of Dramatic Art, a centre of excellence in training for theatre, film and television. NIDA's primary role is to select and train exceptionally gifted young people at a tertiary level, preparing them for careers in theatre, film and television. While best known for its Acting course, NIDA also offers courses in design, stage management, event management, lighting, sound, costume making, wardrobe management, scenery construction, properties and special effects.

University of New England, Armidale (NSW) ~ Theatre Studies is offered at undergraduate level, as a 3-year major in a Bachelor of Arts degree, at Honours level and at further postgraduate levels. Units and areas of study cover the history, theory and practice of theatre and drama. Students have an opportunity to study both externally (off-campus or distance education) or internally (on-campus).

University of Newcastle (NSW) ~ The School of Drama, Fine Art and Music (incorporating the Conservatorium) was formed in late 2005 with the amalgamation of the School of Fine Art and the Conservatorium: School of Music and Drama. This consolidation provides opportunity for unique collaborations within the Creative Arts while allowing for specialisations within the respective disciplines. Drama courses are offered as part of the Bachelor of Arts program of the Faculty of Education and Arts. You may choose to undertake a major sequence in Drama, or take some drama courses as part of the Creative Arts major or together with other Arts majors.

University of Sydney (NSW) ~ At the Department of Performance Studies we set out from the premise that performance is not limited to those forms traditionally marked as "artistic", and that any theory of performance must, accordingly, be capable of being generalised to a wide range of performative practices, across and between cultures, history, and conventional social categories. Performance Studies, then, focuses on the broad spectrum of practices and cultural performance, including theatre, spectacle, dance and ritual, and draws upon disciplines including anthropology, history, sociology, semiotics, architecture, and theatre studies (among others) in order to approach, describe, analyse, theorise and understand performance, in all its variety, as complex cultural process.

We examine how cultural performances are linked to everyday interactions

University of Western Sydney (NSW) ~ The Centre for Contemporary Performance is the largest performance facility of its kind in Australia, featuring nine teaching and performance studios. This facility provides a unique opportunity for students to collaborate on joint projects and contribute to the success of arts education in the region. The Bachelor of Performance, Theory and Practice (Honours) develops innovative, articulate performers who contribute to the arts community and the culture it serves. It offers high-level training in performance, performance production and analysis. It equips graduates with skills in the body-based learning central to performance. It does this in a 'laboratory' environment, in well-equipped studios. Skills in movement, voice, acting and production are augmented by intellectual, contextual studies.

University of Wollongong (NSW) ~ The Performance major offers subjects progressively leading to a high level of achievement in on-stage performance. Classes addressing all aspects of performance will provide students with the opportunity to perform for their peers and to work with visiting professional artists in masterclass and workshop situations.There are many opportunities for performance within the Faculty and the University. Students are encouraged to engage in key creative production roles for third year performances.Students continue technique classes and perform to a wider audience at one of the theatres on campus, or at performance venues off campus.

Flinders University, Adelaide (SA) ~ The professional acting and directing programmes at the Flinders Drama Centre have been in existence since 1975. The combination of a strong grounding in performance theory, together with a high level of technical skill, has produced what we call 'the intelligent alternative' in professional training. Drama Centre graduates have made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry both nationally and internationally. They include Academy Award Nominee Scott Hicks; award winning director of theatre, musicals and opera Gale Edwards; award winning actors Nick Hope and Noni Hazelhurst; and award winning playwright Melissa Reeves. Flinders graduates have been founding members of numerous companies, music groups and arts organisations including Circus Oz, Redgum, The Angels, Doppio Teatro, Red Shed, and Brink Productions.

Monash University, Melbourne (VIC) ~ Units range across a wide range of approaches to theatre, and aim to strike the balance between rich and exploratory performance opportunities and a strong and challenging academic program. Drama can be studied through both a Bachelor of Performing Arts and a Bachelor of Arts. Both courses provide a number of pathways to the study and making of theatre. These include: experience in performance work, working with both established and original scripts; an introduction to a range of production skills; a broad study of the history of theatre, and of performance styles and conventions; an exploration of contemporary theories of performance and procedures of performance analysis; training in the investigation of the written text; and, presentation and study of musical theatre. It is a wide program, that aims to cater for a diversity of student interests, and to create an equally exciting environment for them all. In addition to the lively undergraduate program, the Centre offers strong postgraduate research degrees. In 2004 the Centre launched the new Master of Theatre program.

University of Melbourne Victorian College of the Arts (VIC) ~ The VCA consists of six academic disciplines - Art, Dance, Drama, Music, Film & Television, Production - and two centres - The Centre for Ideas and The Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development. In this multiple-disciplinary environment the VCA offers undergraduate and postgraduate, coursework and research degrees and diplomas in each artistic field and additional areas including Community Cultural Development, Indigenous Arts Management and Puppetry.

The National Theatre Drama School, Melbourne (VIC) ~ The Diploma of Arts (Acting) is an accredited part-time course which runs over three years and prepares graduates for a career in performance. The Certificate III in Theatre and Screen Performance is an accredited full-time course which runs for seven months and is ideal for those who are seeking a broad introduction to professional practice in a number of performance and performance-related areas.

Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Perth (WA) ~ Currently, WAAPA teaches Acting, Music Theatre, Directing, Dance, Jazz and Contemporary Music, Classical Music, Arts Management, Production, Design, and Broadcasting. Each year WAAPA also invites many renowned industry professionals to Perth as artists in residence to work with students on productions and performances.

University of Ballarat (VIC) ~ The Diploma of Theatre Arts trains students to create new performance, and to develop, manage and market performances for festivals, events and small theatre companies. The course is supported by the professional theatre industry and is accredited under the Victorian Qualifications Authority Act.

National Institute of Circus Arts, Melbourne (VIC) ~ NICA provides professional training through a three-year Bachelor of Circus Arts, preparing students from across Australia and around the world for exciting careers in all facets of the circus industry. Based at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, NICA is the only training institution of its kind in Australia. Our students graduate with awe-inspiring circus and performance skills and are equipped to work nationally and internationally.

Actors Centre Australia, Sydney (NSW) ~ The Journey is Actors Centre Australia's signature program. Journey Graduates include Hugh Jackman (Tony Award Winner 'The Boy From Oz', films include 'Australia' currently filming, 'X-men', 'The Prestige', 'Happy Feet', 'Swordfish' & 'Someone Like You'), Lisa Chappell (Logie Award Winning star of 'McLeod's Daughters'), Simone McCaulley (Lead, 'Blue Heelers'), Jon Sivewright & Amy Mathews (Logie Award Winner - 'Home & Away') & many other actors now working in film, television and theatre. Within weeks of graduation, our 2004, '05 and '06 graduates found placement with Sydney's acting agencies. This is in itself a reflection of both the quality of training, as well as the high regard with which the industry views ACA's Journey Graduates.

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne (VIC) ~ Box Hill Institute's Centre for Performing Arts enjoys a reputation as a leader in the provision of high-quality, industry-relevant training. All of our trainers are experts in their field; we have a policy of continuous professional development to ensure that teachers remain abreast of current trends in a constantly changing industry. Box Hill Institute offers degree courses in Musical Theatre and Technical Production.

Actor's College of Theatre and Television, Sydney (NSW) ~ ACTT was established in 1992 by its founder and Director, Lesley Watson. Since then, ACTT has grown to be Australia’s leading, independent, specialist school of performance studies offering accredited qualifications that are nationally, and internationally, recognised. Located in Sydney, Australia, conveniently next to Central Station, ACTT conducts accredited, full-time courses in acting, musical theatre and technical production, and an extensive range of accredited and recreational part-time performing arts courses (from introductory acting to advanced acting, screen acting and specialist workshops such as comedy and accents).

Victoria University, Melbourne (VIC) ~ The undergraduate course in Performance Studies has been running since 1990 with increasing success in attracting applicants. It is a completely autonomous degree administered and taught within the School of Human Movement, Recreation & Performance, Faculty of Human Development, aiming to produce autonomous thinkers, makers, and performers who combine both discursive and bodily practices - people who can productively think through performance in all senses of the phrase.

Northern Rivers Conservatorium Arts Centre, Lismore (NSW) ~ The Northern Rivers Conservatorium Arts Centre Inc (NRCAC) offers full-time Certificate and Diploma courses in Contemporary Music, Drama, Dance, Technical Production and Music Business, as well as a diverse community studies programme. Located in an historic, heritage listed building in the heart of Lismore, NSW Australia, NRCAC provides quality arts education in a creative and supportive environment. As a non-profit registered training provider, NRCAC offers course structures which are flexible and industry based in accordance with the National Training Authority framework. Full-time courses are Austudy approved, and each year we endeavour to create some scholarships and bursaries for gifted or disadvantaged students.

International

Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, Wellington (NZ) ~ Te oroko hanganga o nga mahi toi. We are a place of creation. We celebrate collaboration and innovation. We embrace the talents of designers, directors, technicians, actors, managers, costumiers, playwrights, film makers, dramaturges and scholars. We encourage collaboration among disciplines. We promote new and exciting work. Our staff are practising theatre and screen professionals and our kura provides a stimulating and supportive learning environment. We are students. We are teachers. We learn from each other. Drawing upon a wealth of expertise and collaborative talent, we use a process of skills development, provocation, reflection and analysis to encompass a structured, interdisciplinary approach to the work of making theatre. We are the pre-eminent theatre and screen training facility in Oceania. We are a catalyst for change. We are Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School.

Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London (UK) ~ RADA intends to maintain and strengthen its position within the English-speaking world as the foremost centre of excellence in its field. RADA is a vocational training establishment, which equips student actors, actresses, stage managers and technical craft specialists for careers at the highest level in theatre, television, film and radio.

Central School of Speech and Drama, London (UK) ~ The Central School of Speech and Drama has been going much longer than a great many university drama departments. It was founded in 1906 by Elsie Fogerty to offer an entirely new form of training in speech and drama for young actors and other students. The choice of name - the Central School - highlighted the School's commitment to a broad range of training systems for vocal and dramatic performance. It espoused principles that were firmly held yet responsive to change. That sense of continuing critical openness to new developments is a lasting hallmark of the School.

The Julliard School, New York (USA) ~ The Julliard School offers training in three dividions: dance, drama and music. Julliard's central mission is to educate talented performing musicians, dancers and actors so that they may achieve the highest artistic standards, as well as become leaders in their professions. Through this process Juilliard will also help them to become thoughtful, confident and responsible adults.

Ecole International de Jacques Lecoq, Paris (FR) ~ Founded in 1956, the International Theatre School Jacques Lecoq teaches the control of gesture and movement through melodrama, human comedy, tragedy, bouffons and clown. The Jacques Lecoq school is open for actors, producers and stage designers, but also architects, teachers and authors.

Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Bristol (UK) ~ Opened by Laurence Olivier in 1946, the School is an Industry-led vocational training establishment preparing students for careers in acting, stage management, costume, design, scenic art, directing, theatre arts management, production management, lighting, electrics, sound, studio management, propmaking, VT editing and scenic construction. Work encompasses the breadth of theatre, television, radio, film, recording, events and trade presentations and the ever-increasing areas of employment open to a trained work-force in the Arts and Entertainment Industry.

Moscow Art Theater School (RUS) ~ The Moscow Art Theater School opened in 1943 as an affiliation of the Moscow Art Theater. Vladimir Nemirovich-Danchenko, the creator of the school, was also one of the founders of the Moscow Art Theater (MXAT). It currently offers degree programs in acting, directing, stage design, costume design and performing arts management.

Yale University School of Drama ~ Yale School of Drama and Yale Repertory Theatre are committed to rigorous, adventurous and passionate exploration of our art form. We embrace a global audience. Our highest aim is to train artistic leaders – in every theatrical discipline – who create bold new works that astonish the mind, challenge the heart, and delight the senses. The goal of Yale School of Drama is to develop the artistry, craft, and attitudes of its students to prepare them for careers in the professional theatre.

MIT Theater Arts & Dance ~ The MIT Theater Arts Program is committed to fostering the intellectual and artistic development of MIT students while experimenting with diverse theatrical forms. We look at theater from the past and the present with an eye to the theaters of the future, and work with such theatrical forms as the scripted play, actor-created theater, musical theater, and theater of identity. The broad range of styles and genres in which we produce represent the varied interests of the MIT community.

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (SING) ~ This is a performance-based programme with both English Drama and Mandarin Drama majors. It provides structured intensive training over three years in Voice & Singing, Speech & Text, Body & Movement and Acting. Students are also required to undertake minor study of drama in other mother tongues (such as Malay and Tamil or Mandarin drama (for English Drama students), or English (for Mandarin Drama students) so as to become effectively bilingual theatre professionals upon graduation. The course offers a series of optional and elective modules in the areas of Dramaturgy & Production (directing), Stage Arts & Techniques, and TV & Film Production.