Talent seldom thrives in isolation. Aspiring performers are deeply conscious of the need to hone their craft under established practitioners as part of a creative community designed to expand their knowledge and foster industry connections. The best drama schools in Melbourne offer such opportunities in spades.
This city is one of the greatest cultural meccas south of the equator and a magnet for impassioned and ambitious creatives across Australia and the wider world. The concentration of all that energy, talent, and experience has seen some of the country’s most prestigious drama schools find their home here.
The range of schools and courses allows aspiring actors to find one that feels right for them. Here’s our guide to the top acting schools and acting courses in Melbourne.
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Duration: Two years
Tuition fees: AU $23,307 for AU and NZ students or AU $25,956 for international students
Website: nationaltheatre.org.au/drama-school
Established in 1936, Australia’s oldest drama school has more than earned its status as one of the country’s most prestigious acting establishments.
Set in St. Kilda’s heritage-listed National Theatre complex, the National Drama School prides itself on small class sizes, expert industry teachers, and contact with a wide network of industry professionals.
Its flagship Advanced Diploma in Acting course covers voice and movement training, screen acting, and stagecraft, all while encouraging practical training through everything from creating show reels to performing in the National Theatre and black box theatres. Students’ second year culminates in a filmed mainstage performance from a leading industry director that will be circulated to casting agents nationwide.
Younger performers and those looking for shorter time commitments may take advantage of several shorter courses, including:
- Summer School Holiday Program (Under 18s): Five days for AU $595
- Young Actors Program (Under 18s): 10 weeks for AU $350 to AU $470
- Acting Classes for Adults: 10-week terms for AU $424 to AU $480 per course
- Foundation in Acting: Two eight-week terms for AU $2,736 fee
Duration: Three years
Location: Southbank
Fees: AU $6,684 per year for domestic students or AU $34,848 per year for international students
Website: study.unimelb.edu.au
The VCA program matches the National Drama School’s prestige while adopting a classic conservatoire approach that emphasises practical learning and studio-based training. This approach prepares performers for roles across the stage, screen, and in digital media. Unsurprisingly, VCA grads are known for their versatility.
While intensive skills training develops your acting fundamentals, frequent collaborations with students in the VCA Theatre, Film and Television, and Production students instil a wider knowledge of the entertainment industry. You’ll also be expected to participate in public productions and showings.
After completing the undergraduate degree, students may further their education by progressing to the Master of Theatre (Acting) or Master of Theatre (Directing) postgraduate programs.
Location: Southbank
Website: open.nida.edu.au
The NIDA in Sydney trained Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, Baz Luhrmann, and Sarah Snook, among others. NIDA acting courses in Melbourne cover acting, musical theatre, directing, and even more niche areas like TV presenting. Short courses for adults include:
Beginner: Offers a diverse selection of shorter courses focusing on everything from Improvisation Essentials to American Accents Essentials.
- Duration: One to two days
- Fee: AU $210 to AU $385
Core Techniques: Provides an introduction to the renowned Stanislavsky system of acting championed by such iconic figures as Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando. Improvisation and collaboration techniques combine with body and voice training to perfect your fundamentals.
- Duration: Five days
- Fee: AU $645 to AU $675
Applied and Advanced Techniques: Delivers insightful training and preparation from NIDA tutors to prime you for all the challenges of the audition process.
- Duration: Four to five days
- Fee: AU $555 to AU $645
Locations: Yarraville, Moorabbin, Narre Warren, and Ringwood
Website: actingperformancestudio.com.au
Courses Available: 11
Courses offered by Acting Performance Studio (APS) across the wider Melbourne area provide a dual focus on stage and screen and encourage acting hopefuls to attend regardless of their experience.
The APS has adopted a tiered pathway of acting courses that cater to everyone from absolute beginners looking to start their acting journey to experienced actors seeking deeper training to professionals looking to fine-tune specific facets of their craft. They foster a welcoming and inclusive environment that’s able to adapt to your growing and deepening talents.
Short courses are available, and the APS full-time program offers master classes from industry guests, plus work on areas ranging from Laban Movement Analysis to Advanced Shakespeare.
Location: Brunswick
Website: howardfinestudio.com.au
Author of the influential Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft, Howard Fine counts A-list actors such as Bradley Cooper, Will Smith, Chris Pine, and Jennifer Connelly among his mentees. Any aspiring actor in Melbourne should check out his studio, which offers full-time and part-time training alongside several shorter intensive courses.
Full-time course: Replicating the intensive conservatory-styling training of celebrated American institutions, this comprehensive program is structured to transform mind, body, and voice into a confident performer able to operate at the highest level.
- Duration: 40 weeks
- Fee: AU $15,950
Part-time course: Created with flexibility in mind for those seeking significant training while maintaining current commitments.
- Duration: 24 weeks
- Fee: AU $5,875
10-Week Essentials course: Combining manageable weekly contact hours with a variety of study modules, this shorter course is perfect for aspiring actors aiming to develop a rapid understanding of the studio’s award-winning techniques.
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Fee: AU $1,750
Location: Caulfield
Website: 16thstreet.com.au
Actors often flourish in smaller schools, and such students should be attracted to 16th Street. Aspiring to bring together wisdom from past practitioners with cutting-edge techniques developed for the modern world, their studio introduces actors to leading methodologies while also concentrating on their well-being and future development.
16th Street can be a great way to go if you’re hoping to focus on specific areas of your acting, and several shorter programs include:
- Technique courses
- Master classes and postgraduate programs
- Private coaching
- Wellbeing program
The intensive full-time course delivers an immersive experience for performers looking to take things a step further:
- Duration: 10 weeks across three terms
- Fee: AU $14,900
Location: Footscray
Website: bravestudios.com.au
Film and television work are the focal points of training at Brave Studios, making this an ideal option for people who want to focus on the screen. They keep class sizes small and pride themselves on imparting truthful, constructive feedback to actors at all levels, creating a challenging yet exhilarating environment in which to develop and nurture your skills.
Part-time Advanced Acting course: Delivers a comprehensive study of acting on film with ongoing opportunities for practical training.
- Duration: 12 months
- Fee: AU $11,550
Term Acting classes: Specialised courses have included Auditioning for TV with Thea McLeod, Advanced Actors Scene Study, and the Alexander Technique. This means there’s room to explore, whether you’re a beginner or have years of experience.
- Duration: Six to eight weeks
- Fees: Prices vary, but approximately AU $400 to $600
Further opportunities include:
- Advanced intensives and master classes
- Acting audition workshops
- Voice and movement courses
- Private acting classes