To drama school, or not to drama school: That is the question.
There may not be a requirement for actors to attend a formal conservatory for a particular acting job, but you might still find the experience beneficial. Training from a top acting conservatory can grow your professional network and give you the opportunity to intensely focus on honing your craft. That can be a hard experience to replicate elsewhere.
Richard Omar, artistic director at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, says that an acting conservatory “is designed for students who know they want to be actors. Not students who like acting, not students who are interested in acting, not students who aren’t sure what they want to do—students who know they are going to be actors.” Ask yourself if committing to drama school is the right move for you right now.
Does it still sound like the right path for you? In that case, thorough research is your best friend. Take tours, attend information sessions, and talk to alumni and current students, and you’ll be on your way to applying to a solid acting program. Australia’s big five are a great place to start your search process.
(Please note: Fees mentioned are accurate at time of writing, but may change)
National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)
The Breakdown: Founded in 1958, NIDA is Australia’s national drama school. It's also the highest-funded acting program in the country, and it shows in its world-class facilities and generous production budgets. In addition, NIDA is singular in its ability to provide self-accredited qualifications, per the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The other four on this list are influenced—to some extent—by their partnered university.
Duration: Three years, full-time
Qualification: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
Location: Sydney, NSW
Tuition fees: For domestic students: about AUD 14,880 per year. Australian citizens may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For international students: about AUD 31,560 per year. Information on scholarships – including a new Prime Video partnership two support two women and nonbinary students with intersectional backgrounds – can be found here.
Notable alumni: Cate Blanchett (“Carol,” “Blue Jasmine”), Judy Davis (“Ratched,” “The Dressmaker”), Hugo Weaving (“Hacksaw Ridge,” “The Matrix” trilogy)
Application process: Submit online, and choose to apply for the Actor or Singing Actor stream. Applicants need to prepare two monologues for the first round: one from NIDA’s list of Heightened Text and Language Monologues and one from NIDA’s list of Contemporary Monologues. (Both lists are updated each year.) The recall involves presenting a third monologue (for the Actor stream) or song from NIDA’s curated list (for the Singing Actor stream). International students must meet an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement of 8.0. Statistically, about 1% of actors who audition are offered a place, but don’t be afraid to re-apply if it doesn’t work out on your first audition.
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)
The Breakdown: Founded in 1980, WAAPA is often considered Australia’s underdog drama school. Based in Perth, the world’s most isolated city, WAAPA benefits from the strong, supportive bubble it exists inside, offering highly personalised training to its 18 students. The academy’s rotating roster of year-round public performances instils a trademark “match fitness” in its students. WAAPA’s degrees are accredited by Edith Cowan University (ECU).
Duration: Three years, full-time
Qualification: Bachelor of Arts (Acting)
Location: Perth, WA
Tuition fees: For domestic students: about AUD 8,050 (CSP student contribution amount) per year. Australian citizens may be eligible for FEE-HELP. For international students: about AUD 33,850 per year. Information on scholarships can be found here.
Notable alumni: Heath Ledger (“The Dark Knight,” “Brokeback Mountain”), Hugh Jackman (“The Greatest Showman,” “Logan”), Dacre Montgomery (“Stranger Things,” “Power Rangers”)
Application process: Submit online before the annual deadline of 1 September. West Australian high school leavers will also need to apply through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC). Applicants must prepare two monologues for the first round: one from WAAPA’s classical monologue list and one from its contemporary monologue list. (Both lists are updated each year.) The staff advise choosing two contrasting pieces—irrespective of gender—that show off your range. The recall involves a workshop with fellow auditionees and a deeper exploration of your two monologues. International students must meet an IELTS requirement of 6.0. Statistically, about 1–4% of actors who audition are offered a place.
Victorian College of the Arts (VCA)
The Breakdown: Founded in 1972, VCA prides itself on its “intensive, studio-based actor training.” Expect to dive into a wide array of fields, from stage to screen to animation to gaming. Attendees also collaborate closely with VCA’s Theatre, Film and Television, and Production students throughout the course. You’ll have built a solid professional network by graduation. VCA’s degrees are accredited by the University of Melbourne, Australia’s top-ranked university.
Duration: Three years, full-time
Qualification: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
Location: Melbourne, VIC
Tuition fees: For domestic students: about AUD 8,021 (CSP student contribution amount). Domestic students may be eligible for HECS-HELP. For international students: about AUD 31,328 per year. Information on scholarships can be found here.
Notable alumni: Elizabeth Debicki (“Tenet,” “Widows”), Jason Clarke (“Mudbound,” “Zero Dark Thirty”), Marta Dusseldorp (“A Place to Call Home,” “Janet King”)
Application process: Domestic students should submit online through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). International students should submit online through the University’s application e-portal. Applicants must prepare three monologues for the first round: one from VCA’s Shakespearean list, one from its contemporary list (updated yearly), and one of your choosing. Monologues are to be no longer than three minutes. Additionally, 16 bars of a song are to be prepared and sung a cappella. Recalls take place from November to December each year. International students must meet an IELTS requirement of 6.5.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
The Breakdown: Founded in 1989, QUT has really started to punch above its weight. Students receive highly specialised, hands-on training through QUT’s state-of-the-art facilities and its close ties to Queensland’s booming film and TV industry. Student wellbeing is also a priority—something which many find invaluable when taking on such an all-consuming course. QUT’s BFA degree is accredited by the Queensland University of Technology.
Duration: Three years, full-time
Qualification: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)
Location: Brisbane, QLD
Tuition fees: For domestic students: about AUD 11,000 (CSP student contribution amount) per year. Domestic students may be eligible for HECS-HELP. For international students: about AUD 31,200 per year. Information on scholarships can be found here.
Notable alumni: Anna McGahan (“Picnic at Hanging Rock,” “Underbelly”), Brenton Thwaites (“Gods of Egypt,” “Maleficent”), Remy Hii (“Spider-Man: Far From Home,” “Crazy Rich Asians”)
Application process: Submit online through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). Applicants must prepare two monologues (under three minutes) for the first round. QUT doesn’t require one of these to be Shakespearean—just that the pieces are contrasting. The recall involves workshopping at least one of your pieces with the staff. Final offers are made before Christmas each year. International students must meet an IELTS requirement of 6.5.
Actors Centre Australia (ACA)
The Breakdown: Founded in 1987 by Dean Carey, ACA has benefitted from a recent partnership with MindChamps, enabling the institution to move into a new AUD 12,000,000 facility. The curriculum’s timetable allows its 26 students to pursue work and wider life experiences while undertaking training. ACA’s degrees are accredited by Torrens University.
Duration: Three years, three days per week
Qualification: Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage and Screen)
Location: Sydney, NSW
Tuition fees: For domestic students: about AUD 78,750 for the three years. Australian citizens may be eligible for FEE-HELP through Torrens University.
Notable alumni: Hugh Jackman, Jonathan LaPaglia (“Ford v Ferrari,” “Love Child”), Rose Byrne (“Spy,” “Bridesmaids”)
Application process: Submit online. Applicants must prepare two monologues for the four-hour first round, one Shakespearean and one contemporary. Each piece should be no longer than two and a half minutes, and the staff advise choosing roles you could realistically be cast in when considering age range, circumstances, and other factors. The recall involves a five-hour workshop that includes improvisation, plus physical and vocal exercises.
Check out the latest Australian Acting Jobs on StarNow.