Some of Australia’s best-loved actors perfected their craft in Perth: Hugh Jackman, who studied at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts; and Stranger Things’ Dacre Montgomery, who was born in the city and landed his first screen role in the Western Australia–set Betrand the Terrible at the age of 16.
Whether you’re looking to perfect your monologue delivery, master improvisation, or learn more about screen acting, Perth offers a variety of high-quality acting classes. Here’s a roundup of some of the best, each catering to different skill levels and interests, and all of which have received positive feedback from their alums.
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Specialism: audition technique and personal coaching
In addition to one-to-one sessions, ARS offers group acting classes. However, you have to take the Screen Acting 1 Workshop before you can progress to other courses. More advanced classes include a voice and accent workshop, in which you’ll learn to speak in a Standard American dialect; you’ll also have the chance to explore Standard English, Southern American, Irish, Russian, Cockney, French, and German accents.
Why choose ARS?
- Personalised coaching and feedback
- Self-taping technique
- Accent coaching
How to apply: You can develop your own bespoke training path, focusing on the areas you want to improve or learn more about. Along the way, you’ll make lasting connections with fellow actors and industry professionals, helping you to feel a part of Perth’s tight-knit acting community. Check out the website for more details.
Specialism: scene study
Based out of the Scarborough Community Centre, PAC offers occasional short courses on subjects like voice and screen acting. The Advanced Studio is an ongoing fortnightly character and scene study course, in the style of Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio and Sanford Meisner’s Group Theatre.
If you’re accepted into the studio, you can opt to pay for either an annual or six-month membership, which entitles you to join all fortnightly sessions. Actors bring characters or scenes to the session to present and get tips from the coaches and feedback from the group.
Why choose PAC?
- Focus on Method and Meisner techniques
- Regular scene-study sessions
- Opportunities to network with industry professionals
How to apply: Anyone over the age of 16 can enrol in the short courses. If you want to join the Advanced Studio, you’ll need to send a CV and show reel or self-tape. Visit PAC’s website for application details and upcoming class schedules.
Specialism: acting for film
If you’re looking for screen-acting classes, you’ll find something to suit you at PFS. Courses focus on camera technique, audition preparation, and on-set etiquette. If you’re interested in ongoing training, you can start with the four-week Introduction to Screen Acting, then progress through to Advanced Screen Acting and Show-Reel Preparation, which are also four weeks each. Alternatively, you can opt for attending a one-off master class with a casting director, screen actor, or director who will provide valuable insights into the film industry.
Why choose PFS?
- Emphasis in on-camera technique
- Workshops with industry professionals
- Regular feedback and on-set experience
How to apply: Visit the website for class schedules and enrollment details.
Specialism: six-week labs
Located at Edith Cowan University, the WAAPA is one of Australia’s leading drama schools. Hugh Jackman, Frances O’Connor, and Tim Minchin are among the celebrated performers who trained here. You don’t have to sign up for a full-time course to benefit from the school’s world-class actor training. Short courses include the six-week Actor’s Lab, an intensive that touches on vocal technique, improvisation, and devising processes, plus more traditional study of scripted scenes and monologues. The six-week Screen Actor’s Lab focuses on acting authentically in front of the camera.
Why choose WAAPA?
- Six weeks of acting classes
- Access to professional facilities
- Taught by industry professionals
How to apply: Check out the website for details on classes and enrollment.
