The National Theatre Drama School 2016 Brochure

The National Theatre
Drama School
nationaltheatre.org.au
P 9534 0223 - Professional Training
P 9593 6366 - Youth Drama
The National Theatre Drama School Melbourne is a leading actor training institution in Australia.
The school delivers a range of full time and part time acting courses in stage performance and
acting for film and television.
This includes the three year Advanced Diploma of Acting, an accredited professional training
course, the part time Preparatory Course, Adult Short Courses and the Youth Drama Program.
The Advanced Diploma of Acting
The Advanced Diploma of Acting (10073NAT) is a nationally accredited, full time, professional
training course which prepares students for careers as actors and performance-makers in
theatre, film and television.
Over three years, students work closely with a range of Industry professionals undertaking
a rigorous program of actor training. Students are encouraged to work with passion and
engagement, demonstrate a strong commitment to develop their own individual approach,
and to continuously refine their professional goals.
The First Year of the course focuses primarily on the physical and vocal development of the
performer as well as study of the elements of theatre. Regular voice classes and a variety of
movement techniques prepare the actors’ instrument for the next stages of actor training. In
Second Semester students begin a concentrated study of text, this work forms the basis of the
work in the first half of the Second Year.
In Second Year the skills and techniques of devising original work are introduced and students
are given regular opportunities to experiment with a range of styles in performance making.
Acting for screen, rehearsal techniques for stage and the demands of public performance are
also introduced in this period with the study of the classics such as Shakespeare, The Greeks
and American texts. Movement and voice are continued throughout this year.
The focus in the Third Year is to bring all the elements of actor training together and prepare
for entering the Industry. Advanced screen acting and audition techniques, live performance
skills and the development of performance-creation are all directed towards building a career
following graduation. The presentation of an Acting Showcase (stage performance), a Showreel
(screen performances) and a Devised Piece (stage performance) ensures that graduates have
three opportunities to be seen locally and nationally by a wide range of agents and key
Industry figures.
Units
Code
CUVRES401A
ACTPRF601A
ACTPRF602A
ACTPRF603A
ACTPRF604A
ACTPRF605A
ACTPRF606A
ACTPRF607A
ACTPRF608A
CUFIND401A
CUAPRF304A
CUSOHS301A
Title
Research history and theory to inform own arts practice
Demonstrate a range of body awareness techniques in performance
related activities
Demonstrate techniques to physically release the voice in
performance related activities
Explore techniques to enliven and embody text in performance
related activities
Explore the key elements of the theatrical experience
Create performance pieces
Produce, promote and perform stage plays for public performance
Prepare, rehearse and perform stage plays for public performance
Rehearse and perform for the camera
Provide services on a freelance basis
Develop audition techniques
Follow occupational health and safety procedures
2016 Details
3 years full-time (22 contact hours per week)
Monday to Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm. Some evening performance work may be required in
addition to the course hours. The course is programmed into two semesters per year. Each
Semester is made up of two terms, each of 8 weeks.
Term 1: Wednesday 17th February – Friday 15th April
Term 2: Monday 2nd May – Tuesday 28th June
Term 3: Monday 18th July – Friday 9th September
Term 4: Monday 26th September – Friday 18th November
Costs
First Year (8 units) $7552
Second Year (9 units) $8610
Third Year (10 units) $8565
Total: $24,727
Fees are payable by the census date of each unit in advance. Students who are eligible for VET
FEE-HELP assistance may be able to obtain an Australian Government student loan for all or part
of their tuition fees in this course. The Course is also approved for Austudy, ABSTUDY and the
Pensioner Education Supplement. Please contact us for more fee information.
Registered Training Organisation 3600
The Preparatory Course
The Preparatory Course is delivered part-time, three evenings per week for a duration of six
months and provides an entry level opportunity for actors to experience a range of disciplines
and skills needed for a professional career on stage or screen, before committing to higher-level
study. It is a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of acting and performancemaking in an intensive way, whilst still juggling the demands of everyday life.
Working with respected Industry professionals, students undertake classes in a variety of Stage
and Screen Acting Techniques, Movement, Voice, Improvisation, Text and Scene Study. Class
sizes are capped so that students receive the maximum attention and encouragement and are
given the best chance to fully explore their own unique potential.
Course hours are 7:00–10:00 pm three nights a week and each course runs for three terms
(21 weeks). There are two annual intakes (February and June) and places are allocated by
audition in December and May each year.
Course Content
Subject areas include:
• Improvisation
• Stage acting
• Text analysis
• Movement for actors
• Voice and singing
• Industry knowledge
• Screen acting basics
Cost
$2,250 ($750 per term) Fees are payable by term in advance.
Adult Short Course
The National Theatre Drama School offers a range of popular short courses in Acting for those
18+ who are looking to explore their performance potential. The courses cater for everyone
from beginners to those who are considering to start a career in acting, in a supportive and
fun environment
Intro to Acting
($275 for 8 weeks @ 2 hours per week)
Weeknights 7.30 – 9.30pm
Always thought you’d like to act? Our Introduction to Acting course provides the perfect
opportunity to take the leap and just do it! Working in a safe and supportive environment you will
be encouraged to discover your inner child – that playful, adventurous and creative being that’s
probably been buried for far too long. You won’t need scripts, it’s not about learning lines at this
stage, it’s about using your imagination, letting go of your inhibitions and playing. You up for it?
Acting - The Next Stage
($375 for 8 weeks @ 2.5 hours per week)
Weeknights 7.30 – 10pm
If you enjoyed the Introduction to Acting (or an equivalent course somewhere else) you may
want to take the next step and start to work in a more structured way, trying out various acting
methods and using text as the basis for performance. And how far you go with this will really be
up to you. Monologues, duologues and scene-work will be used to help unlock your potential and
set you on a path that might take you who knows where. Ready for the ride?
Youth Drama Program
The Youth Drama Program at the National Theatre has been a hub for young talent for many
years. Offering something for everyone aged 5-17, the program is designed and delivered by
industry professionals with a passion for making a difference in young people’s lives. Working in
a warm, friendly and safe environment, fun, confidence, motivation and an increased sense of
self-worth are the aims of our all teaching.
Experienced actors and directors who are qualified to guide and inspire young people facilitate
the exploration of improvisation, voice, movement, character creation, as well as film and
television technique, musical theatre and basic acting skills essential for the development of
the young performer.
Theatre Craft
Play Acting
Ages 5 & 6 and 7 & 8
1 hour class ($165 per term)
Thursday 4:30pm (7 & 8)
Saturday 10am (5 & 6)
Saturday 9am (7 & 8)
Let your imagination explode in these playful classes. You will create adventurous characters and
exciting scenes in different forms of entertaining theatre. Bring your energy and enthusiasm into
the imaginative worlds you create and let the fun begin!
Theatrics
Ages 9 - 11
1.5 hour class ($235 per term)
Thursday 4:30pm
Saturday 9:00am, 10am & 10:30am
Let the magic of the theatre take you over in these high-energy classes. Discover how to get your
voice and body working like a pro while you explore new and scripted theatrical scenes. Bring
your imagination to life when you create your own theatrical masterpieces!
Dramatics
Ages 12 - 14
2 hour class ($275 per term)
Saturday 11am
Let your dramatic side take over as you devise inspiring new theatre pieces and exciting
characters in your very own dramatic creations. Extend your voice, movement and
characterisation skills in dynamic and fast paced workshops that are sure to take you to the next
level!
Acting Studio
Ages 14 - 17
2 hour class ($275 per term)
Saturday 9am
Step up your performance skills with these bold classes. Explore a variety of genres to express
your ideas in a self-devised piece that will blow your friends and family away when they see you
shine in the limelight at the end of term.
Musical Theatre
Ages 12+
2 hour class ($275 per term)
Saturday 2pm
Always wanted to tread the boards on Broadway!? Learn how to sing, dance and act up a storm
on the musical stage from Australian musical theatre experts. Discover the extraordinary journey
of the musical from West Side Story to Wicked! So get out your grease paint and get ready for
the wonderful world of Musical Theatre!
Screen Craft
The Reel Thing: Acting for Camera
Ages 9 - 11
1.5 hour class ($235 per term)
Saturday 11am
Always watched the Hollywood stars and wondered what it would be like to see yourself on the
big screen? Well it’s time for your close up! Find out what goes on behind the camera in this
thrilling workshop. You will learn how to take the words from the page and bring them to life on
the screen. So get your autographs ready cause Hollywood here we come!
The Reel Thing: Acting for Camera
Ages 12 - 14 and 14 - 17
2 hour class ($275 per term)
Saturday 9am (12 - 14)
Saturday 11am (14 - 17)
Saturday 12pm (12+)
So you want to be a movie star huh? Let our expert directors and professional actors show you
how it’s done in the film industry. You will develop your skills in screen testing and auditioning,
screen acting technique using scripts from film and television and how to go about devising your
own short film! So get ready for your close up cause “cameras rolling”!
School Holiday Programs
The National Theatre Drama School runs two School Holidays Programs each year, one in
January and another mid-year, usually July. Kids from 12 years-old can attend three fun-filled
days where the activities include Improvisation, Film and TV & Stage.
For the younger ones, those aged 7-11 years old, we have 4 exciting mornings where you can
explore your imaginations and create different characters and the wonderful worlds
that they inhabit!