With its dynamic arts scene, Melbourne is a magnet for actors seeking work and professional development in Australia. If you’re on the hunt for an acting class to refine your approach, boost your confidence, or prepare you for the rigours of performance, you’ll find something to suit you and your schedule in this vibrant city. We've hunted down a range of reputable acting classes across different disciplines, so whether you are interested in screen acting, improvisation, classical acting, or movement techniques, you are sure to find a course that fits the bill.
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Best for: Developing spontaneity
Impro Melbourne shines a spotlight on the exhilarating world of improvisational theatre. Students learn to better think on their feet, collaborate creatively with others, and embrace the unpredictable nature of live performance. This is one of the best acting classes in Melbourne for honing quick thinking and spontaneity, and its courses cater to all levels.
You’ll learn: How to say “yes” in a scene and how to build a narrative with other actors.
Where to start: The eight-week Spontaneity Course is the company’s beginners class; no prior experience is necessary. You can also try a free taster class to see if the training is right for you.
Best for: Introductory courses
Whether you’re looking for classes for stage and screen or want to try a training method such as Suzuki movement, take a look at the adult short courses offered by Australia’s longest established acting school. Most classes run over eight-week terms, with start dates in January, April, July, and October.
You’ll learn: Emotional authenticity, physical presence, and voice modulation.
Where to start: The eight-week Craft of Acting course focuses on creating dynamic on-stage energy, speaking with confidence, and developing ensemble skills. Shooting for the screen? Try the Introduction to Screen Acting, which will teach you how to break down a scene, empathise with a character, and record a winning self-tape.
Best for: Learning Method acting
Fancy yourself the next Daniel Day-Lewis? The Melbourne Actors Lab delves into the immersive technique known as Method acting. Dedicated to training actors in the Lee Strasberg style, studio owner Peter Kalos teaches classes throughout the year and encourages actors to commit to weekly classes as they might to the gym. Students learn to embody their characters, drawing from their own emotions and memories. This class is ideal for actors looking to explore complex roles and deepen their emotional range.
You’ll learn: Character development, emotional recall, and method techniques.
Where to start: The course Method Acting With Peter Kalos closely follows the format developed by Lee Strasberg at the Actor’s Studio. Expect relaxation exercises, sensory exercises, character work, and scene work. All abilities are welcome to apply.
Best for: Ongoing professional training
This actors’ collective offers classes led by members in its bright, sprung-floor studio in south Melbourne. Whether you drop in for weekly voice classes, dive into a six-week course in the Chekhov Technique, or try a two-day clowning course, this is a great place to stay tuned and hone your craft. Although many of its classes are aimed at theatre school graduates, it also offers an Introduction to Acting course—a good beginner class for those thinking of entering the acting profession or auditioning for drama school.
You’ll learn: Scene study, voice training, and the Chekhov Technique.
Where to start: The guild regularly hosts open weeks during which you can buy a pass and try as many different classes as you’d like. The pass offers unlimited access to the week’s activities. You can try your hand at stage combat, meditation, self-tape skills, clowning, or scene work.
Best for: Those just starting their careers
Taught by industry professionals, the classes at Brave Studios attract complete beginners, models, and actors looking to refresh their skills. With a special focus on screen acting, all the classes are taped and uploaded to Brave Studios’ Vimeo page so you can review your acting afterwards and see for yourself what works.
You’ll learn: Scene study, screen presence, and auditioning for screen roles.
Where to start: If you want to get a taste of what the company’s eight-week Beginner Acting Course is like, sign up for the three-hour introductory session. You’ll be sent a scene to learn a week beforehand. During the workshop, you’ll learn script analysis and explore how to act truthfully. It’s a chance to see if the style of teaching appeals to you before committing to the course.
Best for: Screen acting
With short courses in Onscreen Performance and Authenticity on Screen, 16th Street Actors Studio is excellent for stage actors looking to move into TV and film. It also runs a popular self-tape boot camp. Nearly all castings these days require self-tape in the first round, and this course will give you the skills to stand out. You may have to join a waitlist as it books up fast.
You’ll learn: Creating layered characters, emotional connection, and screen presence.
Where to start: The eight-week acting essentials course is great for beginners and includes classes in voice, movement, and acting techniques (including Meisner and Uta Hagen). It’s one of the more pricey courses, but you’ll be working with 16th Street’s artistic director and three of its core teachers—and no prior experience is necessary.
