Stage Whispers 2012 directory of performing arts courses

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2 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Contents Acting/Drama ....................................................... 4 Arts Management ............................................. 17 Circus ................................................................... 20 Costumes/Props/Sets Design and Making ... 21 Dance ................................................................... 25 Directing ............................................................. 33 Make-Up .............................................................. 34 Music ................................................................... 36 Sound & Light .................................................... 49 Stage Management .......................................... 53 Voice .................................................................... 58 Subscription form............................................. 59 www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 3

Acting/Drama

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NIDA’s Moliere (2010)

Actors Centre Australia (02) 9310 4077 info@acasydney.com.au www.acasydney.com.au Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts, (Acting) - 2.5 years ASQA Australian Skills Quality Authority registered. VET FEE HELP approved.

ACA’s actors graduate fully skilled and industry ready. Entrance is by audition. We accept 25 students annually. VET fee help approved.

Classes include: Acting, Character, Voice, Movement, Mask, Emotional Instrument, Language Power, Performance History, Improvisation, Life Mastery, Animal, Shakespeare, Mask, Camera, Script Analysis, Singing Screen Acting, Screentesting, Audition Technique, Performance Lab, Accents, Singing & Showreel.

Performances include: Australian Scenework, Devised Theatre Project, Voice & Physical Theatre Performance, Russian Theatre Project, Shakespeare Theatre Project, VERBATIM Theatre Performance 'Reality Bytes', American Theatre, & Industry Showcase/Agents' Day. First Year is foundational, Second year develops performance skills & Third year focus is industry readiness.

Prerequisites:  High level of talent and aptitude in the performing arts  Good level of fitness  HSC or equivalent  High level of English literacy  Applicants must be 18yrs or older at course commencement  Australian passport, Australian residency or Visa for the duration of the course Actors College of Theatre and Television (02) 9213 4500 info@actt.edu.au www.actt.edu.au Advanced Diploma of Arts in Stage and Screen Acting – 3 years Australia’s most advanced studio-based Acting Training System designed to hone the skills of talented students who wish to pursue a career as professional actors in film, television and theatre. The ACTT approach to actor training is uniquely adaptable to the individual actor’s needs and performance circumstances. Developed and refined over many years, both the course content and the mix of classes and productions are tailored so that students achieve superior, impacting performances in theatre or film and television. www.actt.edu.au/full-time-courses Actor’s Pulse (02) 9690 2216 billym@theactorspulse.com Three Year Full Time Acting Course www.theactorspulse.com.au/full-time-acting-course.html#end Canberra Academy of Dramatic Arts ACTOR'S STUDIO & CENTRAL OFFICE: 1300 908 905 www.cada.net.au Certificate III in Performance The Actor's Craft/Certificate III in Performance program is fun. (That's what all our students say.) Serious fun. Fun it may be - but be warned: this course is a rigorous introduction to professional acting - and we have very high expectations on all students who come in! You'll cover acting technique for stage and screen, how to develop and care for your voice, integrating movement in performance, creating characters from text, auditioning for professional gigs, history and theatre of film, and much more. You'll develop your dramatic instinct and prepare yourself for possible employment options such as:  Acting and extras work in films and stage shows  TV commercials www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 5

How To Prepare For Your Drama School Audition So you want to go to drama school?

There are a few hoops to jump through first. These include tertiary entrance scores, age, and financial considerations - and of course, the audition.

private colleges now have staff who were trained at the Big Three, so it is actually possible to tap into similar training elsewhere.

Canberra Academy of Dramatic Art (CADA), in the nation’s capital, is one of these. Their audition process differs from course to course, but their advice is simple.

“Having your lines down is one thing, but it’s quite another to have made an emotional connection between the text, your voice and your movement,” says CADA’s Managing Director, Elizabeth Avery Scott.

“That connection is the key: we want to see that you’ve found the meaning in the piece -work out what your character wants in the scene, and communicate that with commitment.”

One of CADA’s vocational education courses has a very simple audition process, with no preparation needed the Certificate III in Performance (Acting).

“This is an entry-level course, so we don’t expect any prior experience.

“You come along, we run you through

The ‘Big Three’ - NIDA, VCA and WAAPA - open for applications months in advance of course commencement.

If these are your schools of choice, you will need to apply on time, be clear about the requirements and follow their instructions to the letter when the day comes. Not only are they searching for talent, a look, and potential, they’re also after people who demonstrate they can respond to direction. This last point is a stumbling block to those who have memorised their pieces well, but when directed by the auditioning panel to repeat and alter their performances, are unable to do so.

Keep in mind, though, you are competing with literally thousands for a small number of places at these institutions. It’s important to realise that though it’s desirable to attend these prestigious schools, they are Online extras! not your only For more on Canberra Academy of options for Dramatic Art scan the QR code or visit professional actor http://bit.ly/MZqm22 training. Many

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some drama exercises in a big group, and then interview you.”

She says that what they’re looking for is the ability to commit to the learning process - no matter how quirky it seems at the time.

“We’re looking for people who are teachable,” she says.

In contrast, CADA’s Diploma of Musical Theatre course requires a triplebarrelled dance, singing and acting audition.

“Always sing your song as if it is your own,” advises Ms Scott.

“Don’t put on any accent or mannerisms and don’t mimic popular performers.”

In the end, audition panels want to see what you personally have to offer.

“The most alluring performers are those who show their own selves, their own vulnerability in performance,” she says.

 Lifestyle and documentaries  Corporate and training videos  Web presentations  Children's entertainment If you study it full-time, the Actor's Craft is an intense, stimulating, creative experience where you come away with real performance skills. Study it part-time and you get them in bite-sized chunks. www.cada.net.au/the-actors-craft.html Advanced Diploma of Performance The Working Actor Program, incorporating the Advanced Diploma of Performance, is aimed at the aspiring professional performer. It will build on the groundwork you established in The Actor's Craft. To build a career as a professional actor, you need not only talent, but also technique and business nous. In this program, we nurture your existing talent and dramatic instinct, and help you develop the processes and disciplines you need to take your career where you want it to go. We also guide you through need-to-know industry information and how to launch your own performance projects.

The ultimate aim of this course is to transform you into a versatile actor, able to embrace performance opportunities across a wide range of media. www.cada.net.au/the-working-actor.html NIDA (02) 9697 7600 info@nida.edu.au Bachelor of Dramatic Art (ACTING) - ACTING STREAM - 3 years The course provides a practical approach to acting in theatre, film, television, and other contemporary performance contexts.

Students develop a personal work method as well as expressive communication skills throughout the course. A commitment to professional discipline and the process of individual development is encouraged through group activity and achieving personal objectives. The course is continually enriched by improvisation and spontaneous activity, by observation and awareness, by contact with all the associated arts and by exploration of the creative impulse.

Areas to be studied include Acting, Movement, Dance, Music, Voice, Performance History, Arts & Ideas and Screen Studies.

The Acting course is offered in two streams Acting and Music Theatre. Please note all applicants audition for the Acting course. For those applicants seeking addmission to the Music Theatre stream, music and dance skills will be explored during the audition recall process. Applicants are invited to apply for the Acting stream or the Music Theatre stream. If you are interested in the Music Theatre stream, you need to apply for that stream but you do not need to also apply for the Acting stream. NIDA reserves the right to offer a place within either stream as a result of the audition process. Offers are non-negotiable and it is normally not possible to transfer between streams once accepted into the course. www.nida.edu.au/Acting-stream/default.aspx The Australian National University, Canberra.

(02) 6125 5111 Bachelor of Arts (Drama) University of New England (02) 6773 3755 akiernan@une.edu.au www.une.edu.au/study/theatre-studies Bachelor of Theatre Studies Bachelor of Arts (Major in theatre studies) Master of Applied Theatre Studies Master of Arts with Honours Doctor of Philosophy

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University of Newcastle Phone: (02) 4921 8902 Email: dfam@newcastle.edu.au www.newcastle.edu.au/school/drama-fine-art-music Bachelor of Arts Drama Bachelor of Theatre Studies Bachelor of Arts ( Major in theatre studies) Master of Applied Theatre Studies Master of Arts with Honours Doctor of Philosophy Drama and Performance The Drama and Performance courses aim to develop an understanding of performance as a phenomenon and theatre and drama as a medium in their social and cultural contexts. This involves the study of performance across a range of sites from theatres to the street, and includes theoretical and practical investigations, both of which we see as indispensable to a thorough knowledge of the discipline.

These investigations will be valuable to you even if your interest in drama is purely as a spectator or student rather than as a practitioner. However, our courses are particularly valuable to those of you who will become responsible for facilitating, organising and realising live performing arts projects within and for the community. Our definition of community is wide: it embraces youth (including schools), the disadvantaged or underprivileged, business, the indigenous community and the ad hoc 'communities' which participate at specific events as spectators or audiences. In this capacity you will be involved in the creative development of ideas, and the design and implementation of effective strategies through to completion and evaluation of performance.

We teach through lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Fundamental to our courses is a focus on creativity, collaboration and process. Our courses provide you with the foundational skills and experiences in drama, performance and production for the community or creative industries, as well as the application of drama and performance techniques for the primary and secondary teaching curricula.

University of Wollongong Faculty of Creative Arts 1300 367 869 uniadvice@uow.edu.au UAC 754609 Bachelor of Creative Arts (Theatre) - 3 years A Bachelor of Creative Arts in Theatre gives you skills in a broad range of performance-related areas, including performance, stage management, technical production and theatre history.

You will gain an understanding of rehearsal and workshop methodologies, as well as learning techniques for compelling stagecraft in both performance and technical production. Dramaturgy and theatre history subjects provide the foundations for understanding the breadth of theatre practice and its history, allowing you to position your work within a wider historical and cultural context.

This degree is less intensive and focused than the UOW Bachelor of Performance, but offers a wider variety of practical experience and a strong foundation in history and dramaturgy.

Prerequisites: None. Recommended studies include English and Drama. www.uow.edu.au/crearts/futureundergrad UAC 754800 Bachelor of Performance (Acting & Performance-Making) - 3 years In the Bachelor of Performance, you can choose from two majors. You will further focus the Acting & Performance Making major by choosing a specialisation from your second year.

Acting specialisation: You will undertake a traditional interpretive actor training, developing skills in acting, voice, singing and movement. In introductory subjects, you acquire competencies in theatre-making with an emphasis on collaboration and ensemble practice. You’ll also study the history and theory of theatre and undertake studies in professional practice.

Performance Making specialisation: You share foundation studies with Acting students; however, from the second year, the focus is on devised works for theatre and modes of contemporary performance.

Prerequisites: None. Recommended studies include English and Drama.

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At the Edge Of Acting

shared and be received.

Human beings long for someone to say, ‘I get you. I understand.’ The person doesn’t have to agree with you, but Dean Carey, Creative and Founding Director of Actors Centre the person communicating wants desperately to be received.

Australia (ACA), ponders the ideal conditions for an actor.

Characters operate from this same emotional need and position.

Life is an art; the difference being that art onstage or film has Two pianists play the same collection of musical markings yet one translates mere notes whilst the other releases pure music. the boring bits edited out so the span of an entire lifetime can be captured in a 120-page script. With life’s heartbeat as the Two Hamlets are never the same. A remake of an original film often falters. Sequels almost inevitably suffer the same fate, as a foundation stone and springboard for art to exist, it is up to our individual experiences, understandings and feelings to translate contamination can take place fed by an obligation for louder, this lifeblood into our art - in essence, to connect our source bigger, better.

So what is it exactly we are all looking for - actor and audiences energy understanding to that of the characters.

By activating this same innate human mechanism of dealing alike - from our shared interaction? I believe we all seek the with all of the incoming stimuli of our life, we can then transfer highest-grade quality experience possible. We want to be what we do naturally in life onto the stage. Once initiated it rocketed into the here and now through a powerful sense of immediacy and authenticity, in the hope of gaining insight and then takes over and steers our sense of authenticity from the first reading to the final curtain call. meaning. This occurs principally by actors plugging into the Through my 30-year teaching career I have never lost the creative source with such purity and skill, that the audience keenest of interest in the actor’s process and what empowers it. simply follow suit and do the same.

I have recently created an online acting program that includes a Throughout my teaching life I have pursued the same essential platform for a worldwide performing arts forum. Here I wish to questions: ‘What working conditions prompt the purity of the engage with actors, directors and drama teachers right around creative signal coming to the actors from the play’s source?’ the world.

Also, and sometimes more importantly, ‘What working Technology now allows us such instant access and connectivity, conditions compromise its integrity, thereby degrading the signal’s strength and quality?’ When learning acting, you need a with particular communities sharing quality interaction 24/7.

Hugh Jackman and I look forward to launching this exciting new vibrant environment that actively addresses both of these initiative in October this year from Sydney. The New York launch questions.

My focus has always been to search for and engage everything is set for early next year. natural about acting for the student. From this perspective a For all details on our full-time program or my new online performance platform can be secured upon where an organic, program, see the websites below. creative journey can take place. The unnatural elements are www.acasydney.com.au www.theactingedgeonline.com inoculated through my teaching by activating each human’s natural will - for me, that will is to be heard, understood, to be

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Master of Creative Arts Master of Arts PHD Doctor of Creative Arts Wesley Institute (02) 9819 8888 info@wi.edu.au www.wi.edu.au/courses/creative-arts-courses/drama-courses Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Performance) The Actors Workshop Australia (07) 3891 1411 admin@theactorsworkshop.com.au www.theactorsworkshop.com.au Certificate IV in Film and Television Introduction to Acting Technique, Improvisation, Voice Training, Screen Acting for Camera, Monologues, Short Films, Role Plays, Work Experience.

Prerequisites: Preferred Grade 12 completion.

Diploma of Film and Television Acting 2 Years.

Advanced Acting Technique, Character, Movement, Improvisation, Voice Studies, Screen Acting for Camera, Stage Combat, Host Presenting, Auditioning, Monologues, Critical Film Analysis, Short Films, Role Plays, Work Experience.

Prerequisites: Preferred Grade 12 completion Advanced Diploma of Film, Television and Theatre Acting 2 years training.

Advanced Acting Technique, Character, Movement, Improvisation, Voice Studies, Screen Acting for Camera, Stage Combat, Host Presenting, Auditioning, Monologues, Critical Film Analysis, Short Films, Role Plays, Work Experience, 2 year Theatre Program.

Prerequisites: Preferred Grade 12 Griffith University 1800 154 055 (07) 3735 7700 Bachelor of Arts in Applied Theatre Bachelor of Arts in Applied Theatre is a creative practice-based theatre degree with opportunities for you to take electives and postgraduate teacher training.

This is a highly practical and creative degree where you will learn through group collaborative workshops and small seminar-based research groups. You will experience in all aspects of theatre making. All courses are designed to provoke, deepen and inspire your thinking and performance skills. In the final year, you will work in small production ‘companies’ and have the opportunity to develop your own unique approach to theatre practice, culminating in final year showcase performance projects.

Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Applied Theatre Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Applied Theatre is an individually tailored Honours program for those interested in progressing their interest in theatre research. · The program provides you with an opportunity to further develop your interests in theatre research following your undergraduate studies. You will be offered courses in research theory and applications and undertake one to one supervision with a member of our research team.

Bachelor of Education – Secondary Bachelor of Education – Secondary (with a specialisation in drama) allows you to take a drama specialisation pathway as part of a four year teacher training program.

This degree is designed to prepare you for a career as a secondary drama teacher. You'll spend time engaged in developing your skills and understanding of drama through practical, workshop-based courses, as well as developing 10 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

your professional expertise in teaching.

Master of Applied Theatre and Drama Education Master of Applied Theatre and Drama Education with Honours Designed for applied theatre practitioners and drama educators to develop their research and practice in the field.

James Cook University (07) 4781 4111 www.jcu.edu.au Bachelor of Creative Industries (Performance) – 3 years As a Performance studies student at James Cook University you will learn the techniques of acting and improvisation, create text for theatre and perform excerpts from a range of Australian and contemporary plays. www-public.jcu.edu.au/courses/course_info/index.htm?userText=11810-BCI-PER-2010 Bachelor of New Media Arts (Contemporary Theatre) – 3 years This course covers a full range of contemporary theatre, from theatre and movement to ritual and popular entertainment.

It also explores literary, cultural and personal texts in performance and encourages students to participate in creative workshops to develop their potential as performance artists. www-public.jcu.edu.au/courses/course_info/index.htm?userText=15910-BNM-CTH Bachelor of New Media Arts (Music and Sound Media) – 3 years Digital sound and music skills are valuable for performers, sound technicians, producers and for those pursuing a career in new media, including electronic games and mobile technologies.

Music and Sound Media brings together composition, performance and the use of technology to give you the skills needed for careers in the music industry. You are able to choose from a variety of instruments and have access to a stateof-the-art recording studio.

You will also have the opportunity to experiment with digital or computer music technologies, enabling you to create or perform music in your own right or as part of a broader series of collaborative tasks. www-public.jcu.edu.au/courses/course_info/index.htm?userText=15910-BNM-MSM Queensland University of Technology Creative Industries Faculty (07) 3138 8114 Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) - 3 years full-time The QUT acting course is the only undergraduate degree in acting in Queensland and is designed for those who want to become professional actors. This conservatoire-style acting course will educate, train and nurture your creative potential from a novice to a professional. It offers a rich program of study that fosters the development of bold, truthful, and passionate actors. The staff are committed to offering you a learning environment that challenges and inspires you to be an innovative and imaginative actor. You will graduate with an understanding of the profession, ready to identify your niche within it.

University of Queensland (07) 3365 1111 www.uq.edu.au Drama Single Major Seeing and critiquing professional performance, reading plays from around the world and throughout the past 2000 years, honing your performance skills: These are all part of the Drama major. You will learn how to interpret theatre through time and space, but you will also be challenged to think about what constitutes performance, not only on the stage, but on the page and in everyday life. You will develop an understanding of the theatrical and literary aspects of drama, from ancient Greek classics to Medieval theatre to the most recent Australian and European plays. You do not have to audition but there are practical performance options at advanced level. www.uq.edu.au/study/plan.html?acad_plan=DRAMAX2320

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University of Southern Queensland Faculty of Arts (07) 4631 5315 1800 269 500 study@usq.edu.au Bachelor of Creative Arts The Theatre Program offers:  an exciting range of learning options and career pathways  provides extensive opportunities for creative practice and performance  a comprehensive selection of courses in dramatic theory  in all courses the integration of theory and practice is paramount  a solid foundation in arts business practice that is linked to industry and professional expectation  mentored through a process of developing a project aligned to their career aspirations in the final year.

In the first two years of a degree, students are supervised through a range of practical projects incorporating:  children's and young peoples' theatre  community theatre  video production  an introduction to the basic working language of the modern actor. www.usq.edu.au/arts/studyareas/creativearts/theatre Also Honours TAFE South Australia Helpmann Academy Advanced Diploma of Art (Acting) - 3 years www.tafesa.edu.au/xml/course/aw/aw_MDZ.aspx?S=AWD Flinders Drama Centre Flinders University (08) 8201 2578 drama@flinders.edu.au http://flinders.edu.au/drama Acting (BCA) – 4 years The Flinders Drama Centre acting course is unique in Australia because it integrates the skill-based teaching of a drama school with the conceptual and analytical skills of a university. At Flinders there is no artificial separation between the body and mind, emotion and intellect. Our degree programs prepare our graduates to be creative, articulate and adaptable artists in whatever area they work. Unlike many other acting courses in Australia, the Drama Centre places equal emphasis on screen and theatre acting. And for more than twenty-five years, former Flinders Drama students have made impressive contributions to Australian film, theatre and television. Among our graduates are winners of Australian Film Institute Best Actor and Actress awards, the New York Best Newcomer Award, Green Room Awards, South Australian Critics’ Circle Awards, and the Jill Blewitt Playwright prize. We even have an Academy Award nominee. Flinders graduates can be found throughout the performing and media arts in Australia, working successfully as writers, performers, directors, administrators and commentators. http://flinders.edu.au/ehl/drama/undergraduate-courses/acting/acting_home.cfm Drama Honours (BA) The Honours year in the BA is an opportunity to pursue an advanced program of study in Drama and to develop research skills by writing a thesis. The Honours program is available to all students with a major in Drama at Distinction level or better in their third year. An Honours degree is the usual requirement for admission to postgraduate study. It also offers valuable specialisation for students intending to teach Drama http://flinders.edu.au/ehl/drama/undergraduate-courses/drama-honours-ba.cfm Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) – 3 years The aim of the course is to prepare students for a professional life by: equipping students with basic professional skills in the areas of major employment in the entertainment industry: realistic acting techniques, acting for screen, directing for theatre and screen, and music theatre; introducing students to areas of development and increasing importance in the Australian industry: post-modern performance techniques, intercultural performance, and the interface between live performance and multimedia; 12 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

encouraging all students to work as conceptual artists through courses specialising in techniques of group devising, autoperformance and scriptwriting; developing in students, through a comprehensive history and theory stream, an awareness of the relevance of these discourses to professional practice. www.flinders.edu.au/courses/rules/undergrad/bca/bca-drama.cfm##courseaims University of South Australia 1300 UNINOW study@unisa.edu.au Bachelor of Media Arts (Drama Major) https://my.unisa.edu.au/public/pcms/program.aspx?pageid=446&sid=1621&y=2013 University of Tasmania 03 6226 2999 info@utas.edu.au www.utas.edu.au Bachelor of Contemporary Arts – 3 years The Bachelor of Contemporary Arts offers you a broad foundation in the methods, skills and processes involved in visual or performing arts practices, and familiarises you with conceptual concerns and theoretical debates surrounding contemporary visual and performing arts practices.

This course also provides you with the skills that employers want, such as self-discipline, critical thinking, analysis, problem solving, research, communication (visual and verbal), creativity, physical stamina, poise, perseverance and versatility.

Areas of study include:  History and Theory  Theatre  Production and Technical Theatre- Scriptwriting  Theatre Performance  Theatre Skills  Voice and Movement www.futurestudents.utas.edu.au/courses?sq_content_src=% 2BdXJsPWh0dHAlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuc3R1ZGVudGNlbnRyZS51dGFzLmVkdS5hdSUyRmNvdXJzZXNhdHV0YXMlMkZEZXR haWxzLmFzcHglM0Zjb3Vyc2VfaWQlM0QxM0ImYWxsPTE%3D Australian Catholic University 1300 275 228 futurestudents@acu.edu.au www.acu.edu.au Bachelor of Creative Arts – 3 years The Bachelor of Creative Arts develops the skills and knowledge to understand the value and impact of art and culture in community life.

The Bachelor of Creative Arts offers major studies in:  Drama  Literature  Media  Music  Visual arts and design www.acu.edu.au/courses/2013/undergraduate/arts,_media_and_design/creative_arts,_visual_arts_and_design/ bachelor_of_creative_arts

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Deakin University (03) 9244 6100 enquire@deakin.edu.au www.deakin.edu.au Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) – 3 years Deakin’s Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) offers you systematic exposure to collaborative possibilities between various art forms, the experience of bringing art forms together in major projects and training in creative arts enterprise and management. You will also receive grounding in the academic knowledge necessary to understand the arts and to create new forms of art. The program draws upon the expertise of its staff – who are active practitioners in their fields, and industry – through visiting, special guest and casual academic staff.

The drama program will develop your skills in contemporary drama practices and perspectives. It is a dynamic combination of acting theory and practice, performance styles and processes, theatre history, text studies, community theatre and technical studies. Final year students are able to participate in performing arts (drama) internships.

Deakin drama graduates have a well-deserved reputation for high levels of skill, flexibility and initiative. The course equips you with the skills to establish independent drama production companies and projects. www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/courses/course.php?course=A357&stutype=local&continue=Continue La Trobe University 1300 135 045 www.latrobe.edu.au Bachelor of Creative Arts – 3 years This course provides a diverse range of subjects to help students shape and develop creative abilities - allowing them to explore creative practices while also preparing for professional roles in creative writing, performance and media arts. The curriculum combines practical work, critical thinking, research, and theoretical studies. It allows students to focus on specific areas of writing, performance, and media arts, and to combine subjects from these areas. Graduates have gone on to roles in a wide range of exciting careers in the arts, from screen-writing to acting, filmmaking and theatre production. www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/theatre-and-drama Monash University Monash University Academy of Performing Arts (03) 9902 6000 www.monash.edu.au Bachelor of Performing Arts – 3 years What do Academy Award-winning film producer Eva Orner, comedian Charlie Pickering, and playwright David Williamson have in common? They're all performing arts heavyweights who got their start with Monash. Walk in their footsteps with the most comprehensive theatre and performance program offered by any university in Australia.

At Monash, we believe in learning by doing. As part of your degree you'll take part in cooperative productions which stretch your creative limits by combining two or more performing art forms - like musical theatre, dance-drama productions or sound sculpture exhibitions.

Benefit from fantastic facilities - our Performing Arts Centre contains a recital hall, drama theatre, music technology studios, an Early Music Room, an Asian Orchestras Room and a suite of practice studios.

And be inspired by staff members like Dr Jane Montgomery Griffiths, who has been invited to participate in PlayWriting Australia's 2012 National Script Workshop - a prestigious invitation giving her the chance to disseminate her research at a national level with industry professionals.

To polish your skills you can take part in the Monash Uni Student Theatre, and various productions with the Monash University Academy of Performing Arts. www.monash.edu.au/study/coursefinder/course/1144/?courseview=domestic Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Performing Arts – 4 years Can't get enough of the arts? Then this is the double degree for you. Mix music and theatre, and benefit from some of the best facilities in the world.

Our School of Music - Conservatorium is consistently ranked among the best music schools in Australia. We attract individuals like Paul Grabowsky, the esteemed Australian pianist, jazz musician, conductor and composer, who has taken up a Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellowship in the School of Music from 2012.

You will receive one-on-one instrumental teaching to develop your solo and ensemble performance skills. You'll have a number of opportunities to study overseas. For example, jazz and popular studies students travel to Italy and New York in alternate years to study and perform with world-renowned musicians such as James Morrison, Claire Bowditch, Don 14 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Burrows, Vince Jones, George Garzoni and Aaron Goldberg.

Our performing arts degree is the largest comprehensive theatre and performance program offered by an Australian university. Be inspired by staff members like Dr Jane Montgomery Griffiths, who has been invited to participate in PlayWriting Australia's 2012 National Script Workshop - a prestigious invitation giving her the chance to disseminate her research at a national level with industry professionals.

With both of these degrees, you will benefit from fantastic facilities - our Performing Arts Centre contains a recital hall, drama theatre, music technology studios, an Early Music Room, an Asian Orchestras Room and a suite of practice studios (with quality pianos). www.monash.edu.au/study/coursefinder/course/3774/?courseview=domestic Diploma of Arts Certificate in Theatre University of Ballarat Phone: 1300 BALLARAT (1300 225 527) info@ballarat.edu.au www.ballarat.edu.au Bachelor of Arts (Acting) - 3 years The School of Education and Arts, Arts Academy at the University of Ballarat, Camp Street Campus offers a three-year full -time Bachelor of Arts in Acting. A three-year full-time Bachelor of Arts in Music Theatre is also offered.

The Acting degree offers focused theatre study, allowing the student to develop skills and gain the techniques needed to become a professional actor. Classes are taught by respected artists and teachers, ensuring that the perspective gained by emerging performers is relevant, rigorous and contemporary.

The student is encourages to explore existing repertoire and new work. The course is underpinned by a philosophy of blending practice with theory, incorporating workshops, rehearsal and research. Subjects include: Voice, Dance, Acting (for theatre and film), Performance Studio and Critical Studies. Studio and public performances occur at each level of the program. http://guerin.ballarat.edu.au/ProgramFinder/displayProgram.jsp?ID=178 Diploma of Theatre Arts Victorian College of the Arts The University of Melbourne 03 8344 4000 http://vca.unimelb.edu.au Bachelor of Fine Arts (Theatre Practice) - 3 years Offers intensive training designed for students to become autonomous actors able to interpret existing texts, as well as create self-generated material. Students develop both their training and practice, learning the skills and proficiencies to become an exceptional performer and given the space to develop their authorship and artistic agency.

In the first year you will integrate imagination, voice and body skills and apply these in a range of performance contexts The second year continues to develop your kinaesthetic and perceptual awareness in performance. You will focus on embodiment for revelation and transformation of character.

By third year you will have consolidated a working methodology as an autonomous actor and will engage in generative and interpretive performance projects culminating in a festival of new work.

Our graduates work at all levels of the theatre, film and television industries, and are renowned for their capacity to work creatively and collaboratively, in both traditional and ground-breaking performance contexts. Students establish careers in professional theatre, community arts and education, film, television, radio, new media and theatre in education. http://vca.unimelb.edu.au/bfatheatre

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Master of Theatre Practise Winter and summer schools BaA Communications (Media/Theatre)

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WAAPA Edith Cowan University 134 ECU (134 328) Outside Australia: (61 8) 6304 0000 enquiries@ecu.edu.au Acting Studying Acting at WAAPA is an inspiring and all consuming experience. For over 25 years the Acting course has been developed and refined to provide graduates with the skills and experience required to engage in professional theatre practice.

The Acting program trains students as a theatre ensemble. The ensemble develops performance skills in acting, voice and movement by exploring a wide range of works and performance styles, as well as through improvisation and devising original works. While theatre is the core focus of the course, students are also trained in acting for television, film and radio. This practical training is grounded by the study of text analysis, theatre history, contemporary theatre practice and professional preparation. Students integrate their class studies and performance training throughout the course in classroom presentations, workshops, short films and public performances.

Students work closely with WAAPA’s world-class teaching staff and specialist tutors who share the knowledge and skills they have gained through professional acting and directing careers. Working with guest artists and leading industry practitioners facilitates the transition from student to professional life.

Full-scale acting productions provide the opportunity for students to collaborate with their WAAPA peers from other disciplines, such as Production and Design, and subsequently learn more about the complete theatrical production process. WAAPA boasts five performance venues including a proscenium arch theatre, a court style theatre, a black box theatre and an outdoor amphitheatre all equipped with state-of-the-art production facilities.

For graduating students the course culminates in Showcase performances in Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. This provides the opportunity for the students to be introduced to agents, directors, producers and industry professionals. WAAPA students have an enviable record for securing agency representation following Showcase.

The Acting course has an international reputation for excellence built on the success of graduates such as Hugh Jackman, Frances O’Connor, Marcus Graham, Rachael Maza, Dominic Purcell, William McInnes and Ditch Davey. These and many other WAAPA alumni have established careers in theatre, film, television and radio both in Australia and internationally. www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/acting

VCA’s West Side Story

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Arts Management

Breaking Out (2012) - WAAPA. Photo: Sarah Duyvestyn

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Australian Institute of Music (02) 9219 5444 enquiries@aim.edu.au www.aim.edu.au Bachelor of Entertainment Management - 2 years This course provides an excellent business management education that equips students for a broad range of managerial roles across arts, music and entertainment.

The program has been designed to possess academic integrity and practical relevance so that graduates will be able to make immediate impact in real world situations. AIM has partnerships with both commercial and not-for-profit arts organisations in which students have access to industry professionals. The Institute focuses on how to run creative businesses, looking at the dynamics of working in an arts and entertainment environment.

"If you can turn out a graduate who can have a conversation with a CFO and not freak them out, and then have a conversation with an artist and not freak them out, you will be doing the world a great service, because this is comparatively rare". - Michael Smellie/former COO Sony BMG worldwide www.aim.edu.au/courses/entertainment-management/undergraduate/bachelor-of-entertainment-management.asp University of Technology Sydney School of Business Certificate in Executive Management (Short Course) www.business.uts.edu.au/acem/pdfs/ecem_sydney_brochure_for_web_march12.pdf Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (07) 5581 8300 Diploma of Music Business Give students a thorough grounding in the business side of the music industry. Whether you would like to manage a band or music company this course will assist you in living your dream!

This accredited program is designed to give music professionals the working knowledge to take their place in the music business industry. It is delivered by experienced and qualified teachers who are actively involved in the music industry. http://gcit.edu.au/cis/?script_name=coursedetails&course_id=3469 Queensland University of Technology (07) 3138 2000 askqut@qut.edu.au Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Creative Industries – 4 years Graduates have gone on to work in a diverse range of interesting careers, taking on positions such as:  entertainment industries producer  events manager  entertainment marketing professional www.qut.edu.au/study/courses/bachelor-of-businessbachelor-of-creative-industries University of South Australia (08) 8302 0935 kellie.willason@unisa.edu.au Graduate Diploma and Masters in Arts Management.

In the Graduate Diploma, students will cover arts law, marketing, finance, strategic management, people management, grant writing, managing boards, leadership in the arts, introduction to cultural policy, business planning and other contemporary management issues.

The Master program builds on the Graduate Diploma and can be completed by undertaking additional course work.

Our graduates work in many and varied positions both in Australia and internationally. Management positions in museums, galleries, symphony orchestras, ballet companies, opera companies, theatre companies and arts centres and festivals are just some of the exciting opportunities open to graduates. http://programs.unisa.edu.au/public/pcms/program.aspx?pageid=98&sid=608 18 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Music SA (08) 8218 8444 daniel@musicsa.com.au Certificate III In Music Business http://musicsa.com.au/articles/coursesart/2012/bandmanagement.aspx Deakin University 1300 334 733 enquire@deakin.edu.au Graduate Certificate of Arts and Entertainment Management This course provides an understanding of the functions and principles of management within the field of arts and entertainment. The course also provides an overview of the cultural industry and how arts and entertainment management is delivered in Australia and its links with international governing bodies. It develops a comprehensive understanding of the integration of business disciplines in the effective management of the arts. Students will also develop necessary skills to provide leadership and direction for the arts in Australia, to contribute to the growing internationalisation of the arts and the potential impact on Australia's ability to attract major cultural events. Students who successfully complete the Graduate Certificate of Arts and Entertainment Management will be eligible for entry into the Master of Arts and Entertainment Management. www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/courses/course.php?course=M519&stutype=local&continue=Continue Master of Arts and Entertainment Management Master of Business Administration Victoria University (03) 9919 6100 Bachelor of Business (Music) This course will help you gain a comprehensive understanding of the business of music. You will learn to plan and promote music events, arrange and negotiate deals, and gain a full understanding of the nature of music copyrights.

With strong connections with current industry participants, the Bachelor of Business Music Industry specialisation is widely recognised for producing graduates with business acumen and entrepreneurial flair.

The Bachelor of Business gives you options to tailor your learning to your specific needs. All students study a common first year which is complemented in second and third years by specialisations in either two business disciplines, or a single specialisation and an area of study. www.vu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-business-music-industry-bbus-bspmui WAAPA Edith Cowan University 134 ECU (134 328) Outside Australia: (61 8) 6304 0000 enquiries@ecu.edu.au Arts Management The Arts Management course provides a solid theoretical and practical foundation to business administration and management practice within the arts industry.

Arts Managers are responsible for building the framework upon which the arts industry operates – they seek the sponsorship, funding, staff and audience required for a production to become reality.

The Arts Management course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to manage theatre companies, venues, dance companies, exhibitions, community arts centres, galleries, concerts, festivals and other institutions within the arts and entertainment industries.

WAAPA offers the only full-time undergraduate Arts Management course in Australasia. An emphasis on both the academic and practical fosters detailed understanding of contemporary arts management practice, backed by extensive knowledge of the historical role of arts within society. Graduates from the course possess a high level of management expertise, leadership ability, human resource skills and a broad knowledge of the arts industry.

The Arts Management course has an international reputation for excellence built on the success of its graduates who have found work as arts managers in events, production, venues, finance, sponsorship, marketing, publicity, promotion and human resources both in Australia and internationally. www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/arts-management www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 19

Circus

Ariel’s Dream (2009). NICA

NICA (03) 9214 6975 www.nica.com.au Bachelor of Circus Arts NICA's core program is a three year full-time Bachelor of Circus Arts* incorporating a Diploma of Circus Arts and an Advanced Diploma of Circus Arts. It is the highest level of accredited circus training available in Australia. Through the vocationally-oriented degree NICA strives to produce highly employable, skilled and creative artists who will be respected nationally and internationally in the global circus and physical theatre industry. www.nica.com.au/bachelor-of-circus-arts-pm-13.html Certificate III in Circus Arts The Certificate III in Circus Arts offers students completing Year 11 or 12 the opportunity to combine circus training at NICA with secondary studies at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School. The course provides basic training in contemporary circus arts for students who wish to pursue a career as a circus performer. www.nica.com.au/certificate-iii-in-circus-arts-pm-14.html Certificate IV in Circus Arts The Certificate IV in Circus Arts is a one year full-time preparatory vocational qualification for those seeking employment as a performer in the circus arts industry. It is also suitable for those teaching in social or community circus, who wish to acquire more specific circus skills training. The course aims to prepare participants for a variety of roles within the contemporary circus arts and community circus sector. www.nica.com.au/certificate-iv-in-circus-arts-pm-15.html Graduate Certificate of Arts (Social & Community Circus) The Graduate Certificate of Arts (Social & Community Circus) provides students with advanced skills, knowledge and training required by the circus profession and related industries, and their partners within the government, private and community sectors. www.nica.com.au/post-graduate-study-pm-17.html WA Circus School www.circuswa.com/index.php/about

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Costumes/Props/Sets Design and Making

NIDA costume student.

Photo: Lisa Maree Williams

NIDA (02) 9697 7600 info@nida.edu.au Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Staging) - 3 years The Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Staging) equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to succeed across the multidisciplinary field of staging, and to become staging technicians, technical managers, technical designers, technical project managers, art installers, and special effects designers. Through practical and theoretical classes and participation in the NIDA Production Program, students are given the opportunity to apply their formal learning in a practical context. Final year students will spend time on an industry placement to strengthen their understanding of staging and to build personal links within the industry for future employment. www.nida.edu.au/default.aspx?FolderID=711 Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Design) - 3 years The course emphasises imaginative and intelligent design, the discipline of creative collaboration and the acquisition of design skills and their application to theatre, film, television, events and other productions. Recognising that a professional designer requires practical knowledge of a wide variety of crafts, as well as technical skills, the course provides training in set and costume design and the design of properties, wigs, jewellery and accessories.

Many of the subjects are studio based to enable students to complete projects of increasing depth and complexity as they progress through the course. www.nida.edu.au/default.aspx?FolderID=64 Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Production) - 3 years The course is structured into two areas: the formal teaching component delivering detailed theoretical and practical applications of technical production subjects combined with a practical component where students take active roles in the staging of NIDA events and productions. Industry placements or professional work placements are a feature of the final year of the course. They allow students the opportunity to experience first hand a professional working environment through an extended period of observation and professional practice. These provide the opportunity to establish industry contacts and can often lead to future employment prospects. www.nida.edu.au/default.aspx?FolderID=65 Bachelor of Dramatic Art (COSTUME) - 3 years The Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Costume) equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge and professionalism required to become a costume supervisor or maker or work in related costumes areas such as finishing, millinery, film standby and buying.

The course provides technically adept and creative students with a broad knowledge of performance history and theatre in general, a specialised theoretical and practical knowledge of play production and highly specialised training in costume construction, realisation and costume related areas. The Costume course trains students in the construction techniques of period and contemporary costumes, corsetry, millinery, period silhouette, tailoring and specialist costumes. Students also www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 21

gain an understanding of how to manage and supervise a costume department.

While the core of the course is costume construction and realisation, students are prepared by both the teaching and NIDA Production Program to work in many different areas of costume in the arts and entertainment industry.

As Costume specialists are responsible for planning, constructing and maintaining the costumes for a stage, television or film production, the course also provides a sound working knowledge of the production process, as well as a broad understanding of dramatic literature.

The primary criteria for admission to the construction course is evidence of the applicants potential for making a career in the arts and entertainment industry as well as a basic technical facility with sewing. www.nida.edu.au/Costume/default.aspx Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Properties) - 3 years The Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Properties) provides students with the necessary knowledge and skills to enter the arts entertainment industry as craft technicians specialising in properties construction. NIDA's Properties course introduces students to prop making techniques, life drawing, puppetry, prosthetics, sculpting, furniture making, scenic art, electronics, joinery, technical drawing, and model making for theatre, film and television. Students gain an understanding of how to manage a props department. The course also gives students the opportunity to develop professional contacts within the theatre and film industry.

The primary criterion for admission to the Properties course is evidence of the applicant's potential for making a career in properties in the arts entertainment industry. www.nida.edu.au/default.aspx?FolderID=575 TAFE SA Adelaide College of the Arts (08) 8463 5000 arts.adl@tafesa.edu.au http://acarts.edu.au Diploma of Set Construction and Scenic Art Diploma of Costume for Performance Advanced Diploma of Design for Live Production, Theatre & Events. http://helpmannacademy.com.au/xinha/plugins/ExtendedFileManager/images/ Helpmann_Academy_Course_Guide_2012___FINAL.pdf Victorian College of the Arts The University of Melbourne (03) 8344 4000 http://vca.unimelb.edu.au Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) - 3 years The Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) allows students to major in one of three areas: Performance Technology; Stage Management; or Design Realisation; whilst still being exposed to all aspects of performance production – set, costume, lighting, multimedia and sound technology and design, workshop and costume construction, and stage and production management. Intensive delivery of skills and practice takes place through studio based training and direct application of these skills to rehearsals and productions.

Students also undertake Critical and Theoretical Studies that introduce them to the diversity of contemporary performing arts practices, and have the opportunity to choose electives from other specialisations across the VCA, or from the University of Melbourne’s broad undergraduate subjects.

The course provides students with the opportunity to participate in productions staged within the VCA - in the School of Performing Arts (collaborations with Dance and Theatre) and Music Theatre projects; and beyond the VCA through projects and secondments with professional companies.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production) have a tradition of high employment success. Graduates demonstrate capacities for artistic imagination, creativity, transformation and interpretation. They work at various levels, both as an individual and as a team member, in a wide variety of visual/performing arts environments including: work on large-scale events; major festivals; theatre, dance and music theatre productions. Graduates demonstrate a flexible and innovative approach to the national and international challenges for the professional visual/performing artist in the 21st century. http://vca.unimelb.edu.au/bfaproduction Masters of Fine Arts Production http://vca.unimelb.edu.au/mfaproduction 22 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

WAAPA Edith Cowan University PH: 134 ECU (134 328) enquiries@ecu.edu.au Advanced Diploma of Live Production, Theatre and Events (Costume) - 3 years This course provides training in all required management and creative skills in order to enter the arts and entertainment industry as a costume technician specialising in costume construction, management and supervision.The costume course focuses on the student working as part of a functional wardrobe that supports all performance streams at WAAPA. As part of a production team the student works in a variety of wardrobe positions as their course and experience progress.

The production works helps the student practise and consolidate the skills learnt in timetabled classes. These classes include tailoring, corsetry, undergarments, millinery, pattern drafting, art finishing and sculptured costume. www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/costume Advanced Diploma of Live Production For Theatre and Events (Design) - 3 years This course provides training in the principles, techniques and processes required in designing for live theatrical performance. Design studio classes in each year level expose students to increasingly challenging design projects, thereby providing the opportunity to refine processes in visualization, script analysis, research, idea generation, concept development and design presentation. Final year productions give students the opportunity to present their designs for scenery, props and costumes to the public through the Academy’s annual performance program. www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/design Props & Scenery - 3 years The Props and Scenery course is available to those students who demonstrate potential for, and wish to acquire expertise in, the technical and production aspects of the entertainment industry. The program is structured to provide skills and experience consistent with the growing needs of this industry. The Props and Scenery course includes aspects of scenery and properties construction, scenic painting, metal fabrication, upholstery and technical and general drawing. Students gain experience in handling scenery, scenery flying and the general backstage skills of the mechanist as they are closely involved in the practical work of live production including film and television on a regular basis. www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/props-and-scenery

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Designs On A Theatre Career

Set designed by Fiona in the Roundhouse Theatre at WAAPA. 3rd year Production - Les Liaisons Dangereuses (2008).

WAAPA Production & Design Graduate FIONA BRUCE on the delights of moving from the page to the stage.

a shared studio with other designers where you can bounce ideas around.

Production design, while extremely rewarding, can also be challenging but having others around who can offer advice, motivation, new perspectives, humour and some friendly competition certainly helped me achieve more with my designs. You are part of an intimate year group for three years of study, so your fellow students really become your second family, not to mention a key part of your professional network once you graduate.

“Recently, I designed for a director who was a guest whilst I was at WAAPA, with a WAAPA graduate production managing the show and another as a design assistant. For my next project I will be designing for the company I did my secondment with, under the direction of yet another WAAPA guest director along side sound and lighting designers who are also WAAPA alumni.

Coincidence? I think not!”

“On the same day you might find yourself studying eighteenth century underwear, throwing paint around in scenic art, creating 3D renderings in the computer lab, reading a new play then concocting fake blood recipes in art finishing!”

That is how Fiona Bruce sums up her time at WAAPA. “As a student I loved the variety of subjects that were selected to develop our creative process, artistic style, knowledge base and technical skills in equal measure,” she said.

“I chose the design course at WAAPA because of its outstanding reputation throughout the performing arts industry and because it uniquely provides the opportunity to design for a variety of performance mediums such as acting, musical theatre, classical and contemporary dance, film and opera.

“Most of my work still comes from presenting the portfolio of productions I was involved in as a student and through contacts made at WAAPA including mentors, guest directors, industry guest lecturers and fellow students.

“My favourite aspect of the course was working on productions and seeing my work evolving from drawings on a page to real set and costume pieces on stage. The course very closely mirrors how designers work out in the field so I found the transition from student to professional easy to navigate.

“My advice to anyone thinking about a career as a theatrical designer would be to gain confidence in not only the aesthetic requirements of the job, but also how to communicate those ideas to a wide variety of people. Conversations with a director or performer require a different focus to the information required by a costume supervisor or head carpenter. Learning to Fiona Bruce graduated in 2009 with the David Hough Award for communicate effectively is a big focus at WAAPA as you interact Design. She’s worked for many companies since then. For Black with all of the other departments on a daily basis.

Swan’s 2012 season she will design Boy Gets Girl.

“One of the things I miss the most about WAAPA is working in 24 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Dance

National College of Dance

Wesley Institute (02) 9819 8888 info@wi.edu.au Bachelor of Dance, with nested Associate Degree of Dance - (3 years full time/Up to 6 years part time) Bachelor of Dramatic Art, with nested Diploma of Dramatic Art - (3 years full time/Up to 6 years part time) Bachelor of Music, with nested Associate Degree of Music - (3 years full time/Up to 9 years part time) Subject Areas: Dance Wesley Institute’s Bachelor of Dance is the only performance-based dance degree in NSW. Offering professional training in dance technique, choreography, production and performance in all major genres, as well as body mechanics, body science and complementary movement studies, the degree prepares students for careers in the dance industry and teaching. Headed by teacher, director and choreographer Adele Hyland, and taught on campus in Drummoyne by renowned industry professionals, the course represents an intensive and highly relevant combination of practical and theoretical training. www.wi.edu.au/courses/creative-arts-courses/dance-courses/bachelor-of-dance Diploma of Dance Brent Street 1300 013 708 info@brentstreet.com.au www.brentstreet.com.au/professionals#mt Musical Theatre and Dance Courses Certificate IV in Performing Arts National College of Dance (Newcastle) (02) 4952 9294 Email: Marie Walton Mahon Dance Academy – mwmdance@optusnet.com.au National College of Dance – nc.dance@optusnet.com.au http://mwmdance.com www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 25

CUA40111 Certificate IV in Dance CUA50111 Diploma of Dance (Elite Performance) Urban Dance Centre (02) 9571 7099 info@urbandance.com.au www.urbandance.com.au Certificate IV in Performing Arts (69818) Duration: 1 year full time and follows the school calendar terms. The intensive training follows the normal school week from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. Some weekends are required throughout the year to prepare for performances, workshops or other events.

Cert IV Promo http://youtu.be/fngFRUpIfJ4 Subject Areas: Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Contemporary, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, JFH, Tap, Acrobatics, Break dance, Kicks Turns Jumps, Pilates, Performance, Acting, Singing, Nutrition, Presentation, Mock Auditions CV/Resume/Audition Preparation, Head Shots and In-house Agency Auditions.

UDC training focuses on individual performance and technique, audition preparation and professional live and film performances. Most importantly students have access to cutting edge Australian Industry professionals to international guests and the best Australian Dance Agents.

Please check the website for the most up to date details: http://urbandance.com.au/udc/courses/certificate-iv Apply online now: http://urbandance.com.au/udc/courses/certificate-iv/cert-iv-audition-application-form Queensland University of Technology (07) 3138 2000 askqut@qut.edu.au Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) - 3 years full-time The dance program at QUT leads the way in developing the creative passions of future dance professionals who aspire to careers outside of dance performance in fields such as dance teaching, choreography, research and academia, community arts practice, and arts management. Students are taught by an internationally recognised faculty of permanent staff and visiting specialists. Our graduates move into careers as dance teachers in high school, private studios and other contexts; choreographers; dance researchers and academics; dance journalists; festival and community project directors and producers; independent dance practitioners; and arts administrators.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance Performance) - 3 years full-time QUT Dance provides a nurturing environment in state-of-the-art facilities where students are trained to extend their talents in creating and performing. This course offers intensive daily training in the core techniques of ballet and contemporary dance supported by weekly duo, pas de deux, pointe, male virtuosity classes, Pilates, yoga and alternative dance styles, making you internationally competitive. Responding to influences of technology, choreography workshops now include a broad spectrum of screen studies, from video clips to dance films and all students make and perform in this digital domain.

Queensland Dance School of Excellence (QDSE) (07)3217 2662 info@qdse.com.au www.kelvingrovesc.eq.edu.au Diploma of Dance Pre-professional Ballet Program & Pre-professional Dance Program Duration – 2 yrs (yr 11/12) Students participate in four hours of dance training each morning, with three hours of face-to-face academic study in the afternoon. All students are enrolled as full-time members of Kelvin Grove State College and are eligible to receive the Queensland Certificate of Education and an Overall Position (OP) at the completion of Year 12. Current subject options are available from the KGSC Guidance Officer. Ballet, Contemporary and Jazz are the main dance studies, with the addition of Repertoire, Pointe, Boys technique and Pilates. Open ballet classes with Queensland Ballet’s Principal Dancers, as well as RAD syllabus classes are offered on Saturdays.

Prerequisites - Applicants must have successfully completed Year 10 and have had previous ballet training.

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State of Art Dance Company

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28 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

TAFE SA Adelaide College of the Arts (08) 8463 5000 arts.adl@tafesa.edu.au http://acarts.edu.au Bachelor of Dance Performance www.tafesa.edu.au/xml/course/aw/aw_MFM.aspx?p=ACARTS&sp=PERFARTS Deakin University 1300 334 733 enquire@deakin.edu.au www.deakin.edu.au Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) – 3 years The Bachelor of Creative Arts (Dance) enables you to develop practical skills in contemporary technique and choreography, with theoretical studies in dance history, analysis and aesthetics.

A production and research project in the final year will help you develop specific skills and place the work in a public context. www.deakin.edu.au/future-students/courses/course.php?course=A356 Box Hill Institute of TAFE 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445) info@boxhill.edu.au Diploma of Dance (Teaching and Management) www.bhtafe.edu.au/courses/local/Pages/DAN50.aspx Victorian College of the Arts The University of Melbourne (03) 8344 4000 http://vca.unimelb.edu.au Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) - 3 years The performance-based Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) is designed to challenge students’ technical, creative and artistic abilities and sensibilities through specialist training in: contemporary dance; classical ballet; somatic practices; choreographic projects and performances; dance sciences and safe dance practice. The integrated approach to curriculum delivery develops technically strong, kinaesthetically aware dance artists.

Students also undertake Critical and Theoretical Studies that introduce them to the diversity of contemporary performing arts practices, and have the opportunity to choose electives from other specialisations across the VCA, or from the University of Melbourne’s broad undergraduate subjects.

International exchanges, industry secondments and choreographic opportunities through Student Works foster the development of autonomous dance artists with strong leadership attributes.

VCA Dance graduates establish careers as performers, choreographers, artistic directors of dance companies, collaborators, community dance project directors, curators, producers, teachers, dance researchers and artistic leaders in a wide range of contexts locally, nationally and internationally. http://vca.unimelb.edu.au/bfadance Diploma in Performance Creation The Australian Ballet School (03) 9669 2807 ask@australianballetschool.com.au Level 4 Level 4 is currently the first year of full-time training. It is offered alongside academic year 8 or 9 at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS). Students in Level 4 are expected to achieve well in their academic studies as well as consolidate and expand their technical and artistic dance skills.

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Level 5 & 6 theLevels 5 & 6 comprise the Diploma of Dance. This is an accredited qualification studied in conjunction with year 10 and year 11 academic studies including allied subjects such as Music, Performance Psychology, Nutrition and Cultural Studies.

Level 7 Students in Level 7 enrol in the Advanced Diploma of Dance, a qualification combining comprehensive dance training with a strong onsite academic programme. The course focus is on technical training and artistic development, preparing students for the dance profession. Students also complete their secondary schooling, gaining the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

Level 8, The Graduate Year The Graduate Year students enrol in the accredited Vocational Graduate Diploma in Classical Ballet. This qualification prepares students for the dance profession at a virtuoso level by refining their dance technique and developing their professional skills through career development activities and performances, including a secondment with The Australian Ballet’s Dancers Company. www.australianballetschool.com.au/index.html Dance World 295 Bank Street South Melbourne 3205 (03) 9696 2943 info@danceworldstudios.com Dance World Studios, a division of APO Arts Academy, provides industry focused training in the areas of Musical Theatre and Dance. Courses have a strong focus on practical components and are performance based; supported by allied studies and theoretical units. On completion of their training, our students will have the option of entering the professional industry or pursuing further training at higher levels. In either case, we provide the training, facilities, staff and resources to assist students in realising their own potential.

Advanced Diploma Of Dance (Elite Performance) - 2 years full-time Diploma Of Dance (Elite Performance) - 2 years full-time Diploma Of Dance (Classical Ballet) (Elite Performance) - 2 years full-time Certificate IV In Dance - 1 year full-time Certificate III In Dance - 1 year part-time Certificate II In Dance - 1 year part-time www.danceworldstudios.com/FullTimeDanceCourses.html Dance Factory (03) 9429 9492 dancefac@netspace.net.au www.dancefactory.com.au/courses/full-time Certificate II in Dance - 1 year Part time Certificate III in Dance - 1 year Full time or 2 years Part time Certificate IV in Dance Teaching - 1 year Full time or 2 years Part time Certificate IV in Dance & Performance - 1 year Full time or 2 years Part time Diploma of Dance & Performance 2nd Year - 1 year Full time

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WAAPA Edith Cowan University 134 ECU (134 328) (08) 6304 0000 enquiries@ecu.edu.au Dance WAAPA’s Dance Department prepares classical and contemporary artists of international standing through teaching methods designed to hone and refine the skills of each individual.

Our courses offer a breadth that is unique to WAAPA and dance lecturers are continually assessing how best to prepare our students for a seamless transition into a wide range of careers within the profession.

All dance programs are intensive and performance based with special coaching programs designed for both men and women. Within each course students have a degree of flexibility to choose and combine the mix best suited to their individual talents and aspirations. In addition to the highest calibre of daily tuition from WAAPA’s professionally credentialed and acclaimed teaching staff, students also regularly partake in national and international tours and collaborations and work frequently with visiting choreographers and guest teachers. Such touring opportunities and industry exposure refines individual skills and in turn showcases their respective talents to dance professionals.

Bachelor of Arts (Dance) - 3 years full time An intensive and challenging course where performance and classroom practice are central to the philosophy of the program. It encourages students to pursue individual goals as dance artists, choreographers, teachers or researchers.

Bachelor of Arts (Dance) Honours - 1 year full time Enables outstanding students to learn and apply practical, theoretical and research skills in either or both creative (choreographic or other media) and scholarly areas of dance.

Certificate II in Dance - 2 years part time An accredited course that provides the career-minded dance student with specialised training in ballet and contemporary dance, to complement intensive studies undertaken in private studios. www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/dance

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VCA Celebrates 40 Years A few years ago they were marching in the streets protesting against changes to courses at the VCA. Times have now changed. Earlier this year the Save the VCA group called its supporters to a street party to celebrate the survival of studio based training. Coral Drouyn reports.

You’ll easily recognise the building on St Kilda Road - you can walk into the city to the theatre district from there. It takes about ten minutes, though for students it’s a longer trip; usually three years of intensive training to end up on the stage of one of those theatres, or on a film set or in a television studio. It’s all about the training and the commitment.

Art is the thing we all aspire to - but craft is the fuel we need to get there. VCA trains actors and directors, even musical theatre performers. You leave with a degree, if you work hard, but more importantly you leave knowing your craft, and with the ability to turn it into art.

Just look at the alumni. It includes arguably our finest theatre director Daniel Schlusser; Award winning playwright and actress Hannie Rayson; international actor Vince Colossimo; prolific television actress Alison Whyte; AFI award winning directors Gillian Armstrong and Tony Ayres and even a BAFTA winning producer in Jonathan M Shiff.

One of the newer crop of future stars is the fabulous flame haired Nikki Sheils, who is making her mark on stage in such plays as Top Girls - the MTC’s September offering, and on television in dramas such as Rush. Clearly destined to be a major

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force, she spoke to me effusively about her time at VCA. Coral Drouyn: Why VCA Nikki? Are you a Melbourne girl?

Nikki Sheils: (laughing) No, I’m not. And when I was about 17 I did a year part-time at NIDA in Sydney and it just didn’t click with me. Then I auditioned for VCA and right from the start I knew it was where I belonged. The physical work was so important to me; I relate to it as a starting point for everything, and because I was honing different skills in different units, I had time to really work on things separately before bringing them all together.

CD: And when did they come together?

NS: Well, hopefully before I graduated (chuckle) but I guess really when I worked with Daniel Schlusser in Peer Gynt. I was really stretched to my limits and it felt so great - an amazing Director whom some actors never get the chance to work with. I had the great Lindy Davies as my acting teacher, and access to so many professionals. The whole process was so rich and full.

CD: What did you learn at VCA that you never expected to?

NS: Well of course I learned technique, and stamina and discipline, but more than that I learned things about myself, and I learned to trust my judgement and not be afraid to push myself. Above all I learned respect for other actors, and playwrights and directors. I’d always loved the theatre, but VCA taught me to respect it, and my choices, and so far that has helped me never look back.

Nikki graduated with a Bachelor of Dramatic Art. The course has changed slightly and that would now be a Bachelor of Fine Arts - Theatre Practice. This is because VCA has reinstated its Music Theatre course and currently has graduates in musicals all over the country. You can find more details on their website but, whatever the name, VCA is an inspiration to the Arts Industry.

NIDA’s A Midsummer Nights Dream (2009).

Photo: Olivia Marin-McGuire

Directing NIDA (02) 9697 7600 info@nida.edu.au Graduate diploma of Dramatic Art Directing stream NIDA recognises that each student will be an individual artist. The course is designed to develop individual skills and knowledge, as well as a sense of leadership and accurate communication.

The course includes formal class work, seminars and tutorials in directing, acting, music, research, repertoire, design, technical theatre, stage management, arts administration and performance history, working as Assistant Director on NIDA productions and the preparation, rehearsal and presentation of short play productions.

Particular emphasis is placed on the director's methods of communication with actors, designers and playwrights and on the development of repertoire. www.nida.edu.au/default.aspx?FolderID=68 Master of dramatic Art - Directing stream The course is designed to assist directors to master the play production process, enhance their skills and develop a technically sound, highly personal and creative approach to directing a play.

The course involves:  The production of a play with design, stage management and technical support.  A major research project into an important aspect of theatre production.  An internship to work on a professional production with a theatre, film or television company.  Study of Advanced Dramaturgy and Advanced Directing. www.nida.edu.au/default.aspx?FolderID=68 Flinders Drama Centre Flinders University (08) 8201 2578 drama@flinders.edu.au http://flinders.edu.au/drama Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama) – 3 years The aim of the course is to prepare students for a professional life by: equipping students with basic professional skills in the areas of major employment in the entertainment industry: realistic acting techniques, acting for screen, directing for theatre and screen, and music theatre; introducing students to areas of development and increasing importance in the Australian industry: post-modern performance techniques, intercultural performance, and the interface between live performance and multimedia; encouraging all students to work as conceptual artists through courses specialising in techniques of group devising, auto-performance and scriptwriting; developing in students, through a comprehensive history and theory stream, an awareness of the relevance of these discourses to professional practice. www.flinders.edu.au/courses/rules/undergrad/bca/bca-drama.cfm##courseaims www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 33

Make Up

Photo: Maureen Du Preez

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Sydney College Of Makeup Art 0415 154 246 info@sydneycollegeofmakeupart.com.au http://makeupcourse.com.au Diploma of Make Up The course covers a broad subject range and is ideally suited for persons seeking employment or wanting to work freelance as makeup artists for Fashion, Photographic studios or in

Television and Film. http://makeupcourse.com.au/diploma-of-makeup-fashion-entertainment-full-time

Certificate IV in Make Up Fashion The course covers a broad subject range and is ideally suited for persons seeking employment or wanting to work freelance as makeup artists for Fashion, Photographic studios or in Television and Film. http://makeupcourse.com.au/certificate-iv-in-makeup-fashion-entertainment-full-time Victoria University (03) 9919 4000 www.vu.edu.au Diploma of Specialist Make-Up Services Diploma of Specialist Make-Up Services is a must for those serious about pursuing a career in make-up.

Learn how to style wigs and hairpieces apply specialised make-up for bridal, photographic, theatre, period, special effects, television, film and fashion.

You will be qualified to work as a make-up/hair stylist/designer, special make-up effects artist/designer, freelance TV, theatre and film make-up artist. www.vu.edu.au/courses/diploma-of-specialist-make-up-services-cuf50407

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Music

36 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Australian National University http://music.anu.edu.au Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Laws Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Science Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Science (Psychology) Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Asian Studies Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Asian Studies (Specialist) Bachelor of Visual Arts/Bachelor of Music Post Graduate Specialised Offerings in Music The School of Music is a unique place to study. Graduate fields of study include, but are not limited to:  Australian Indigenous Musics, including Cultural Performance  Composition, including Australian Composition  Ethnomusicology, including Applied Ethnomusicology and Cultural Performance  Folk Music  Jazz Composition, Inprovisation and Performance  Music Business, Policy and Administration  Music Curation, including Musical Instrument, Audiovisual, and Digital Curation  Music Pedagogies and Cognition  Music Technologies and Media Musicology  Music Theory, Analysis, and Semiotics  Popular Music  Professional Performance, including Historically-informed Classical Performance Wesley Institute (02) 9819 8888 info@wi.edu.au www.wi.edu.au Bachelor of Music, with nested Associate Degree of Music The Bachelor of Music provides students with the technical, artistic and analytical training required to become professional musicians. The course features private tuition for voice and instrument studies, and extensive performance and studio experiences. Offering multiple performance genres, regular performance opportunities and a strong project emphasis, the Bachelor of Music is an industry-standard degree for aspiring musicians.

Prerequisites Admittance based on audition, and successful completion of the NSW Higher School Certificate, or completion of other tertiary studies www.wi.edu.au/courses/creative-arts-courses/music-courses Australian Institute of Music (02) 9219 5444 enquiries@aim.edu.au www.aim.edu.au Bachelor of Music - 2 years An AIM Bachelor of Music (BMus) qualification is an accredited and specialised music degree designed to give you professional education and training for a lifelong career in music and the entertainment industry. www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 37

Ballarat Open For Showbusiness

The Ballarat Arts Academy is celebrating the appointment of a host of exciting new lecturers.

Acclaimed conductor and music director George Torbay is the new lecturer in singing. Tom Hodgson, the former resident choreographer for Billy Elliott, is the new lecturer in movement.

Senior lecturer in performing arts Kim Durban also welcomes back lecturer in dance David Wynen, the inventor of the new software package Tap Rhythm, from a recent working trip to New York and Boston straight into his new role as program co-ordinator for music theatre. Associate Professor Durban is concentrating her energies on the Acting Degree and the development of new post-graduate qualifications in screen acting and interpretive theatre.

We asked George to answer a few questions Pillar Of Salt about his new role.

Q: You’re well known as a conductor, music director and educator. Why have you come to the Arts Academy?

A: I have been aware of AA for many years. Anyone who is passionate about musical theatre is aware of the great work happening here. I have been fortunate to have had a wonderfully varied career such as conducting and arranging music on large-scale events like the Olympic ceremonies, working in television as a music director, working in theatre and serving as a vocal coach and singing specialist. AA gives me the chance to use all these skills.

Q: What is special about singing at Ballarat?

A: Anyone who knows me knows that I am passionate about singing. Good singing begins with the freedom to sing with joy. From that comes the desire for hard work, to better develop skills and learn more about the voice. As you walk through the corridors here, you hear it everywhere.

The students we have are determined to be the best and I am determined to help them achieve that Q: Why does it matter where you train?

A: I had the opportunity to study with exceptional teachers in the United Sates. My voice and conducting teachers were great technicians. They demanded hard work from me and I respected them for it. The other students I studied with were as committed and as focused as I was. I was surrounded by excellence. Where you train does matter. I sought out the best teachers for my education - not the most famous - the best technicians. At Ballarat we have an exceptional staff. We are committed to our students. We are committed to excellence.

And if you want to hear about that from our graduates, look no further than these shining lights: Bart Walsh: (Graduate 2011, Dr. Blake Mysteries, Barassi) The Arts Academy was the ideal working environment for 38 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Bart Walsh

me. For three years I was exposed to a dynamic way of learning, from a diverse staff whose total focus is on student development. As a result I have just finished shooting a lead guest role in The Doctor Blake Mysteries and am about to commence rehearsals for the new stage show Barassi. Six months ago I was finishing my studies, and now I am doing things I never thought I would ever do. And the best thing is that the Arts Academy has given me the tools to keep learning, to keep growing, and to keep succeeding.

Scott McConnell (Graduate 2008, Hairspray, Mary Poppins) The Arts Academy gave me the chance to develop and refine - it gave me tools I use every day while working. I got the chance to learn, play and practice my craft while refining the skills needed in such a competitive industry. I came to the Arts Academy a dancer. I left a Triple Threat.

Chris Durling: (Graduate 2004, Fame, Jersey Boys) Being so close to Melbourne meant I could still see plenty of theatre during my studies to keep me inspired, but living in Ballarat allowed me to be fully focused on my craft away from the distractions of the big cities. I loved that. I’ve been lucky enough to perform in seven different countries.

Currently I have the honour of covering and performing six extremely different roles in my favourite show, Jersey Boys.

My years at the Arts Academy helped give me the belief in my skills and work ethic to know I’m capable of such responsibility.

Whereas you would normally study a single degree at a University in Australia over 3 years, the AIM Bachelor of Music degree can be completed in 6 semesters over 2 years of study, by completing 20 credit points per semester (120 in total).

Diploma of Music | Contemporary Performance This course is a comprehensive program of technical skills, musical knowledge and performance experiences. As a Contemporary Performance major you will have training in music industry knowledge and skills that will prepare you for your career. You will work with specialist staff and have access to a range of quality facilities for live performance, studio recording and music production. www.aim.edu.au/courses/contemporary-performance/undergraduate/diploma-of-music.asp Australian International Conservatorium of Music (02) 9555 1666 admin@aicm.edu.au www.aicm.edu.au Bachelor of Music Associate Degree of Music www.aicm.edu.au/web/future-students/courses.html Northern Rivers Conservatorium of Arts (02) 6621 2266 admin@nrcac.edu.au www.nrcac.edu.au Cert III in Music Diploma in Music Southern Cross University 1800 626 481 Bachelor of Contemporary Music Performance — allows specialisation in the student’s chosen instrument (guitar, bass, keyboards, voice or drums).

Practical tuition is provided through individual lessons and group workshops. These classes are supported by ensemble classes which provide industry-relevant training in playing in bands.

Industry and Audio Production — prepares students for working professionally in the music industry and allows students to train for a portfolio career that encompasses composition and music production as well as practical music. Other areas of specialised study include conducting business in the music industry, marketing musical products and managing a career as an independent musician.

Music Education — provides training for students who are pursuing a career in music teaching. Areas of study include western art music, ensemble direction and arranging, music theory and practical music. These units provide vocational skills specifically required for secondary music teaching, and also essential for teaching music in other contexts. www.scu.edu.au/coursesin2013/?action=matrix&command=matrix_temp_load&spk_no=10144 Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

University of Sydney (02) 8627 8200 student.centre@sydney.edu.au sydney.edu.au/current_students/student_administration/contacts/student_centre.shtml Bachelor of Music (Performance) Performance students take a vocal or instrumental Principal Study through eight semesters. Specialists in jazz take Jazz Performance as their Principal Study. Principal Study is taken together with Chamber Music and Orchestral Studies (for those playing an orchestral instrument) or Jazz Ensemble (for Jazz students), and other performance-related studies. In addition, students take core studies in aural perception, harmony and analysis (jazz music skills for Jazz students), as well as studies in analysis, history and culture, and pedagogy.

Principal study is available in the following areas:  Brass: french horn, trombone, trumpet, tuba  Early Music: baroque flute, harpsichord, lute, recorder, viola da gamba, baroque trumpet www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 39

Teaching From Experience The late great Noël Coward wrote a song called “Don’t put your daughter on the stage, Mrs Worthington”. He should have added “Unless she’s properly trained”. The reality is that talent will only take you so far, but you need strong craft skills to sustain a career, and those skills depend on the skills of those teaching you.

The APO Arts Academy in Melbourne knows this only too well, and they choose their teachers with care. It’s not about having done a course and then becoming a teacher. It’s about being a professional who has a career in dance, the theatre, television, etc., and is now passing on those skills to a whole new generation. You’re learning from people who have “been there, and done that.”

Take the Musical Theatre course. After a one year foundation course, students have the chance to commit full time to their Advanced Associate in Musical Theatre course. The course attracts interstate and New Zealand applicants, and Victorians grateful they can enter the industry without having to study interstate or overseas.

Course Co-Ordinator Derek Taylor is a firm believer in performance based tuition. “You can talk about theatre academically,” he says, “but until you set foot on a stage and are confronted by an audience who will either connect with you or reject you, you can’t possibly know what it means to be a performer.”

Taylor began as a violinist and graduated with a music degree in 1987. He had a burning desire to do Musical Theatre, but Derek Taylor as Monsieur Andre with Andrea Creighton as Carlotta in The Phantom of the Opera - Australian tour 2009. Photo: Jeff Busby.

Online extras!

Find out more about APO Arts Academy by scanning the QR code or visiting http://bit.ly/SlpXrn

40 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

the way in for him was through Opera. After three years performing with two state opera companies, he finally auditioned for Phantom of the Opera and got the part.

It was the beginning of an illustrious career of 3500 performances in Australia and the West End. His most recent credit was directing the Victorian Opera’s 2012 version of Cinderella, and while Derek is still performing, teaching a new generation of performers is giving him the most satisfaction.

“If you do any APO advanced course, don’t expect Theatre 101”. He tells me. “The academy is committed to giving its all to each student. We want to build our students’ confidence and belief in themselves. That takes hard work, discipline and dedication from students and teachers alike.”

Students of the Musical Theatre course do acting classes with professional actors, and dance classes with top professional dance instructors. Derek says the singing lessons are “about understanding what’s behind the notes; applying acting skills to lyrics; maintaining vocal and physical health; understanding how your voice works and the sounds you want to produce without damaging the instrument.

“We have people audition that come in and sing Defying Gravity from Wicked, relying on pure raw talent. That’s impressive, but they have no idea that they’re damaging their vocal chords, maybe permanently. Part of being in this industry is accepting that you might sing that song, eight performances a week, for 18 months. That’s when you need all your craft skills. That’s what we teach you.

“All facets are performance driven and all our teachers liaise and consult so that we’re all under the same umbrella. It’s a complete, integrated course.”

There’s even an accent and dialects coach who will train you in everything from American (North and South) to Scottish accents and everything in between.

There’s a strong belief at APO that the more strings you have to your bow, the longer your career life will be in the industry, and it IS an industry, not a hobby. Performers are judged by how good they are and how strong their work ethic is - so why not learn the best from the start?

Showcases are held regularly and students are encouraged to choose their own repertoire. It’s the best way of discovering what your strengths and weaknesses are. I’m excited to be seeing their Sondheim showcase in September. One thing is certain, if I had an eligible daughter, I’d be sending her to APO before I put her on the stage. And Mr Coward would approve.

Coral Drouyn

 Jazz: bass, brass, drums, guitar, piano, vibraphone, woodwind  Organ  Percussion  Piano and Accompaniment  Strings: cello, double bass, guitar, harp, viola, violin  Voice (classical)  Woodwind: bassoon, clarinet, flute, oboe, saxophone. http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/undergraduate/b_music_performance.shtml Bachelor of Music (Composition) Bachelor of Music (Music Education) Bachelor of Music (Musicology) Bachelor of Music (Performance) Bachelor of Music Studies Bachelor of Music Studies (Honours) Combined with Bachelor of Arts Combined with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Diploma of Music Advanced Diploma of Opera TAFE Illawarra 1300 766 123 Diploma in Music Learn how to compose and orchestrate original music, lead music rehearsals and performances, coordinate technical production, test and repair sound equipment, make technical presentations, analyse music videos, or manage the production of sound designs and sound recordings. Gain employment in the music industry as a song writer, soloist and/ or member of a group, or behind the scenes in technical production, music promotion or teaching. Courses are available in: Music; and Sound Production.

University of Newcastle (02) 4921 5000 www.newcastle.edu.au//school/drama-fine-art-music/areas/music Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Music (Honours) Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Music University of New South Wales http://sam.arts.unsw.edu.au/areas-of-study/music-67.html The Bachelor of Music (UNSW BMus) - 4 years You will complete:  Core courses in music performance, musicianship and musicology  Your choice of specialist music stream (see options below)  Extensive training in ensemble skills and professional practices Free elective courses that give you the flexibility to combine your music studies with complementary areas www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 41

The Music Theatre Department at the Australian Institute of Music (AIM) in Sydney is a vibrant, noisy, energetic and exciting collective of talented students, committed to understanding theatre. Students are skilled in the four disciplines of singing, dancing, acting and creating, making students what AIM calls the Quadruple Threat.

Music Theatre students are constantly performing - in class, concerts, recordings or musical productions. Recently, around 20 students stepped into a local studio to record as a choir ensemble for the Animals Australia campaign. The students sang the song ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story for an animated video in protest against the inhumane slaughter of farmyard animals.

The Musical Director of the campaign, Russell Finch, worked closely with these students. “I was really impressed with the way the students and Jennifer Murphy, as head of Music Theatre at AIM, approached the whole project.

“At the rehearsal they were given reasonably complex SATB parts and with their sight singing skills, this was quickly mastered.”

Jessica Robertson was one of the students involved. “It was wonderful working outside AIM as it allowed us to use the tools we have been given by our teachers. It allowed us to see and experience what it was like in the industry” Jessica says.

As it was only a small ensemble, the students were required to record their voices in different positions to give a sense of greater numbers. The studio session was a lengthy process as the students had to find the right sound for the animation, constantly changing timbre and tone.

Jessica says, “It was so exciting hearing our final draft of the recording with the image on screen. It gave us joy to be helping in such an amazing project.”

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Music Theatre Students Go Animal Her strong passion for Music Theatre is celebrated at AIM. “It allows me to do all the things I love: sing, dance and act!

Choosing AIM was really easy as we are given the opportunity to be taught by industry teachers and learn how to perfect our craft! AIM gives me the experience I need for the industry.”

Gavin Brightwell was also a voice in the choir. He notes the similarities between working in AIM classrooms and Studios 301.

“We all work together to get the best sound possible and blend perfectly. Knowing each other’s vocal strengths and weaknesses, we were able to achieve the task at hand and nail the recording.”

Like Jessica, Gavin embraces an affinity to Music Theatre: “As time passes you feel attached to it and there is nothing you can do to lose this attachment.”

With purpose built facilities, a diverse student body and professional staff and industry connections, AIM students receive the best possible education in Music Theatre. Jennifer Murphy, Head of the department says, “Our students represent a vibrant and exciting collective of the industry’s next wave of talent.”

Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Arts (BMus/BA) Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Education (BMus/BEd) Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Science (BMus/BSci) Bachelor of Arts (Music Studies) (BA) Bachelor of Arts (Music Studies Extension) (BA) Bachelor of Arts (Music Studies Extension) / Bachelor of Education (BA/BEd) University of Western Sydney (02) 9852 5222 http://future.uws.edu.au/future_students_home/ug/creative_and_communication_arts/bachelor_of_music Bachelor of Music The UWS Bachelor of Music takes an eclectic, modern and inclusive approach to music repertoire, performance and sound design. It gives you an opportunity to develop your professional and creative potential in making and appreciating a range of different types of music.

You will focus on repertoire and media of the 20th and 21st centuries and also study music from earlier historical periods. You will have opportunities to use our recording studios, multimedia and MIDI labs, and digital audio/video suites. You can also gain practical experience in performance as a soloist and in groups, concert administration and production, recording, composition, audio production, library research and retrieval, film music and collaboration.

Charles Darwin University (08) 8946 7766 or 1800 061 963 student.admin@cdu.edu.au www.cdu.edu.au Bachelor of Creative Arts and Industries (Music) – 3 years The course offers two principal pathways of study: a classical music specialisation or a contemporary music specialisation. A third pathway is also offered as a combination of the two. This flexible course allows students to choose suites of study that best accommodate their individual career pathway. A close partnership with the Darwin Symphony Orchestra, the Darwin Festival, the Garma Festival and the Centre for Youth and Community provides a challenging and exciting environment in which to learn music and gain experience in community-based musical events. http://stapps.cdu.edu.au/pls/apex/f? p=100:31:6504209502244651::NO::P31_SEARCH_COURSE,P31_SEARCH_YEAR,P31_SEARCH_VERSION,P31_TAB_LABEL :BCAIMU,2013,3, Bachelor of Music (BMUSIC) – 3 years Students should have some formal training in music and be experienced on their instrument if selecting the performance specialization. This information can be gauged at the interview and audition and advice will be given as to the most appropriate sequence of study within the degree http://stapps.cdu.edu.au/pls/apex/f? p=100:31:6504209502244651::NO::P31_SEARCH_COURSE,P31_SEARCH_YEAR,P31_SEARCH_VERSION,P31_TAB_LABEL :BMUSIC,2013,1, Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music (07) 4940 7800 t.mcrae@cqu.edu.au

   

Bachelor of Music This course offers a variety of specialisations across different CQ University campuses:  Jazz and Popular Music (Rockhampton campus)  Classical Piano (Mackay campus) Classical Voice (Mackay campus) Contemporary (Noosa campus) Creative Music Technologies (Noosa campus) Music Studies (distance mode) www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 43

James Cook University (07) 4781 4111 www.jcu.edu.au Bachelor of New Media Arts (Music and Sound Media) – 3 years Digital sound and music skills are valuable for performers, sound technicians, producers and for those pursuing a career in new media, including electronic games and mobile technologies.

Music and Sound Media brings together composition, performance and the use of technology to give you the skills needed for careers in the music industry. You are able to choose from a variety of instruments and have access to a stateof-the-art recording studio.

You will also have the opportunity to experiment with digital or computer music technologies, enabling you to create or perform music in your own right or as part of a broader series of collaborative tasks. www-public.jcu.edu.au/courses/course_info/index.htm?userText=15910-BNM-MSM Queensland University of Technology (07) 3138 8114 ci@qut.edu.au Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sound Design) Bachelor of Music QUT's music course prepares aspiring musicians to adapt to the rapidly changing music industry. Music students are encouraged to create works across musical boundaries and strike out in bold new directions.

If production is your passion, you will focus on creating new music using songwriting, studio recording, sequencing, digital processing and writing for voices with acoustic and electro-acoustic instruments. If you are interested in performance you can focus on developing your unique performance style, such as new work, using digital technology, new interpretations of repertoire, and gain experience performing in a recording studio environment.

Graduate Certificates and Masters www.qut.edu.au/study/study-areas/study-music-and-sound Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium of Music (07) 3735 7111 (Brisbane) (07) 5552 8800 (Gold Coast) www.griffith.edu.au Bachelor of Popular Music Unique to Griffith, this program emphasises the musical innovation and creativity necessary to be successful in a wide range of vocations in the popular music industry. Through a mix of theoretical and practical training, you will learn how to develop creativity in music technology, production, performance, song writing and the business of music.

The program gives you the edge by enabling you to develop transferable skills including creativity and imagination, selfassessment ability, self-directed learning and information literacy. You will also acquire skills in problem-solving and decision-making, critical thinking and analytical ability, writing skills, oral delivery, numeracy, information and communication technologies, teamwork and planning and project management. You will have 24/7 access to extensive recording studio facilities so you can record, review and improve your songs and improvisations. As an integral part of this process, you will undertake both theoretical and practical training in popular music with particular emphasis on the development of creativity in music technology, production, performance, songwriting and the business of music.

Graduate Certificate in Music Studies

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Graduate Diploma of Music Studies Master of Music Studies Graduate Certificate in Music Technology Graduate Diploma of Music Technology

University of Queensland (07) 3365 1111 www.uq.edu.au Music Single Major You will approach the study of Western art music in a challenging and engaging way, incorporating critical perspectives and historical knowledge along with written and aural skills. Students contemplating the extended major will have a choice of two streams'a musicological stream which further develops the aspects described above, and a professional stream which combines elements of the above with a specially developed suit of courses designed for students interested to pursue the professional fields of Music Education or Music Therapy through the relevant dual-degree or postgraduate programs. www.uq.edu.au/study/plan.html?acad_plan=MUSICX2320 Diploma of Music Performance The Diploma of Music Performance is offered concurrently with any undergraduate program offered by this University. www.uq.edu.au/study/program.html?acad_prog=1605 Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide (08) 8303 5995 music@adelaide.edu.au http://music.adelaide.edu.au Certificate III in Music Certificate IV in Music Diploma in Music Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Music (Honours) Diploma in Instrumental Music The Bachelor of Music program is divided into the eight areas of specialisation:  Classical Performance  Composition  Jazz Performance  Musicology  Music Education  Performance and Pedagogy  Popular Music and Creative Technologies  Sonic Arts (formerly Music Technology) Conservatorium of Music University of Tasmania (03) 6226 7308 Heather.Monkhouse@utas.edu.au www.utas.edu.au/conservatorium-of-music Diploma in Music Performance Associate Degree in Music Studies Associate Degree in Music (Rock Studies) Bachelor of Music Bachelor of Musical Arts

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Bachelor of Music with Honours Postgraduate Courses Graduate Certificate in Music Studies (Specialisation) Graduate Diploma in Professional Music Practice Graduate Diploma in Music Studies (Specialisation) Master of Music Master of Music Studies Monash University Academy of Performing Arts Monash University (03) 9902 6000 www.monash.edu.au Bachelor of Music – 3 years To be the best, surround yourself with high-achievers. Our School of Music - Conservatorium is consistently ranked among the best music schools in Australia. And we've handpicked your mentors from the best in the business.

Tutors and lecturers have studied at leading overseas institutions like the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Manhattan School of Music in New York, and even our new Vice-Chancellor's Professorial Fellow in the School of Music is an industry heavyweight.

You'll receive one-on-one instrumental teaching to develop your solo and ensemble performance skills. You'll have a number of opportunities to study overseas. You will also benefit from fantastic facilities. Our Performing Arts Centre contains a recital hall, drama theatre, music technology studios, an Early Music Room, an Asian Orchestras Room and a suite of practice studios (with quality pianos). www.monash.edu.au/study/coursefinder/course/0821/?courseview=domestic Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music – 4.5 years Victorian College of the Arts University of Melbourne (03) 8344 4000 http://vca.unimelb.edu.au Bachelor of Fine Arts (Contemporary Music) - 3 years Dedicated to providing students with the education and training needed to become a professional contemporary musician. The curriculum provides you with the opportunity to participate in an eclectic range of concerts, events and interactive projects reflecting our commitment to music making in a broad range of musical styles and media.

The course allows students to major in one of two areas: Contemporary Music Performance The Contemporary Music Performance major embraces improvisation in a diversity of music genres, including: jazz, world music, popular music, folk music, experimental, electronica, crossover music, a cappella and multimedia.

Students will also choose one elective per semester of study. Offerings include: Making Music for Film and Animation, The Laptop Recording Studio, Pop Song Writing, Creating Music for Advertising and Contemporary Composition Uncovered.

Interactive Composition The Interactive Composition major focuses on commercially driven cross-art modes of composition, and may include writing Peer Gynt. Victorian College of the Arts 46 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

music for events, film, television, animation, theatre, music theatre, dance, pop song, advertising, video gaming, online sites, installation art and sound design.

Students will also choose one elective per semester of study. Offerings include: Making Music for Film and Animation, The Laptop Recording Studio, Pop Song Writing, Creating Music for Advertising and Afro-Latin American Percussion Ensemble. http://vca.unimelb.edu.au/bfamusic Diploma of Music Box Hill Institute of TAFE 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445) info@boxhill.edu.au Bachelor of Applied Music (Composition) Bachelor of Applied Music (Performance) Advanced Diploma of Music Diploma of Music Certificate IV in Music RMIT (03) 9925 2260 Bachelor of Arts (Music Industry) www.rmit.edu.au/programs/bp047 Victorian University (03) 9919 4000 Certificate II in Music Certificate IV in Music Advanced Diploma of Music The University of Western Australia (08) 6488 2051 music@uwa.edu.au www.music.uwa.edu.au The study of music can now be undertaken as part of the new undergraduate degrees in: Bachelor of Arts [BA] Bachelor of Commerce [BCom] Bachelor of Design [BDes] Bachelor of Science [BSc] Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) [BPhil(Hons)] www.music.uwa.edu.au/courses/undergraduate

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WAAPA Edith Cowan University 134 ECU (134 328) (08) 6304 0000 enquiries@ecu.edu.au Bachelor’s of Music and Advanced Diploma of Music.

Classical Performance Classical Performance students follow one of three streams: vocal studies, instrumental studies or keyboard studies. All students receive individual lessons and specialist performance classes and participate in a large range of ensembles, which may include chamber music groups, the symphony orchestra fully staged operas and cutting edge new music.

Composition and Music Technology This major offers specialisations in classical, electronic, film, popular and jazz music as well as sound art installation. It is designed for musicians wishing to create their own music (electronic or acoustic) for recording, performance, film, installation or software developments.

Contemporary Music The Contemporary music course is aimed at musicians who wish to pursue a career as performers, songwriters, artists, and producers.

Jazz Performance The jazz program at WAAPA has long been recognised as one of the strongest jazz courses in the southern hemisphere, producing many nationally and internationally renowned jazz musicians.

Music Education In a four year program of study, the double degree program in music and education integrates music studies at WAAPA with coursework in the School of Education.

Music Studies A generalist course that provides a broad musical education (including music history, music techniques, practical musical studies, and ensembles), this major caters for students not intending to pursue a performance-based vocation www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/music

48 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Sound and Light

NIDA Lighting Production students. Photo: Olivia Martin-McGuire

www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 49

Actor’s College of Theatre and Television (02) 9213 4500 info@actt.edu.au Certificate III in Live Production Theatre & Events (Technical Operations) (CUE30203) Certificate IV in Live Production, Theatre & Events (Technical Operations) (CUE40303) www.actt.edu.au/live-production NIDA (02) 9697 7600 info@nida.edu.au Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Production) - 3 years The course is structured into two areas: the formal teaching component delivering detailed theoretical and practical applications of technical production subjects combined with a practical component where students take active roles in the staging of NIDA events and productions. Industry placements or professional work placements are a feature of the final year of the course. They allow students the opportunity to experience first hand a professional working environment through an extended period of observation and professional practice.

These provide the opportunity to establish industry contacts and can often lead to future employment prospects. www.nida.edu.au/default.aspx?FolderID=65 JMC Academy (02) 8241 8899 Diploma of Audio Engineering and Sound Production Based on full time status, students complete the programme in 2 trimesters (30 weeks) Associate Degree of Audio Engineering and Sound Production Based on full time status, students complete the programme in 4 trimesters (60 weeks) Bachelor of Creative Technology (Audio Engineering and Sound Production) Based on full time status, students complete the programme in 6 trimesters (90 weeks). www.jmcacademy.edu.au/Course/Audio-Engineering-and-Sound-Production.cfm University of Wollongong Faculty of Creative Arts 1300 367 869 uniadvice@uow.edu.au Bachelor of Performance - 3 years Technical Theatre This major allows you to focus on all the creative, organisational and technical skills necessary to bring a professional theatre production into being and to work in theatres and other venues. You’ll acquire skills in stage management, sound, lighting and audio visual design, and learn to apply those skills by working on theatre productions, performances, installations and events.

Prerequisites: None. Recommended studies include English and Drama. www.uow.edu.au/crearts/futureundergrad Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium of Music (07) 3735 7111 (Brisbane) (07) 5552 8800 (Gold Coast) www.griffith.edu.au Graduate Certificate in Music Technology These programs provide professional, industry-targeted tertiary qualifications designed for musicians, music technologists, multimedia authors and music educators who wish to enhance their professional development in those disciplines that rely upon sound recording and production. www148.griffith.edu.au/programs-courses/Program/OverviewAndFees?programCode=3095&studentType=Domestic Graduate Diploma of Music Technology 50 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Gold Coast Gets Top New Technical Theatre Course

Just a short stroll from Dreamworld is a dream new facility for those wanting to work in the technical side of live theatre.

Last year the Queensland Government opened a 27 million dollar extension to the Gold Coast TAFE. Michael Sutton, the lead vocational teacher for the Live Production Theatre and Events course took Stage Whispers on a tour. It made all notions of crusty old TAFE buildings fly out the window.

Pride of place was a shiny new 150 seat theatre with all the newest sound and lighting gear. “I don’t know anyone else in the country equipped to this extent,” he said.

As I walked around, the latest conventional and LED lights were being unpacked. Behind the theatre is a black box space that can be used for photography, cabaret events, or green screen videography.

All parts of the TAFE had the latest facilities for sound recording, music performance, digital design, graphics and web design.

“Many people are overwhelmed by technology. First thing I teach students is to make sure they don’t burn the place down or get electrocuted.

“Once you get around the technical aspects all the rest is creative. It’s like painting with sound and light,” he said.

TAFE offers students a 12 month course - with lots of opportunities for part work time work in the Gold Coast and Brisbane.

The Live Production Theatre course is very practical. Students work on a fully fledged musical staged by a local community theatre - The Spotlight Theatre Company.

“We use their productions to train students. This is how a lighting design is put together, this is how to rig and focus. They get to work on a big show with 20 or 30 people,” he said.

Michael Sutton says it is a partnership which should be followed around the country.

“Students get the experience and the community theatre gets a band of workers. It’s a match made in backstage heaven.”

The first thing the technical students are taught is what the show is about. They need to understand the show first so they can work on it.

His back stage team gets great reviews.

For Little Shop of Horrors the Gold Coast Bulletin reported “Michael Sutton and a team of 15 TAFE students built the set, looked after the puppets and did the

Michael Sutton

sound and lighting as part of their certificate four course in live production.”

“A series of puppets grew throughout the play. This was a technically demanding show.”

Michael Sutton is also a great collector of vintage lighting. Pictured are some of his favourite ‘bulbs’ that he’s collected over the years.

Students love the place. The most recent student satisfaction survey saw GCIT receive a 92% satisfaction rating from its students, the highest of any TAFE in Queensland. Some commute from Brisbane - others are relocating from interstate.

GCIT will expand the Live Production department (Cert. 3 and 4 in Technical Operations) by adding a new Diploma in Entertainment and Technical Production qualification in 2013.

The GCIT open day is on Thursday September 6th, but visits are welcome at other times.

David Spicer

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These programs provide professional, industry-targeted tertiary qualifications designed for musicians, music technologists, multimedia authors and music educators who wish to enhance their professional development in those disciplines that rely upon sound recording and production. www148.griffith.edu.au/programs-courses/Program/OverviewAndFees?programCode=4119&studentType=Domestic Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (07) 5581 8300 Certificate IV in Live Production, Theatre and Events (Technical Operations) This qualification allows you to perform a range of skilled tasks such as sound and lighting system operations, sound and lighting system installations, set construction, theatrical design and stage management. http://gcit.edu.au/cis/?script_name=coursedetails&course_id=3061 Diploma of Sound Production http://gcit.edu.au/cis/?script_name=coursedetails&course_id=2417 Queensland University of Technology.

(07) 3138 2000 askqut@qut.edu.au Bachelor of Fine Arts Technical Production Prepares you to work as a production manager, lighting and sound designer, or theatre technician for ballet, dance, opera, concerts, conferences and large public events.

Study lighting, sound, stage and production management.

Opportunities to work on theatre productions, fashion parades, music and dance performances and film shoots as part of your course.

Gain experience through internships and industry placements at music festivals, state and local theatre, opera and dance companies, entertainment venues and touring shows. www.qut.edu.au/study/international-courses/bachelor-of-fine-arts/bachelor-of-fine-arts-technical-production TAFE South Australia Helpmann Academy (08) 8207 8279 Diploma of Live Production, Theatre and Events (Technical Production) course www.tafesa.edu.au/xml/course/in/in_2013XDS.aspx

University of Ballarat 1300 BALLARAT (1300 225 527) info@ballarat.edu.au www.ballarat.edu.au Diploma of Live Production, Theatre and Events (Technical Production) Inc. Certificate IV This course will provide graduates with the skills required to work as technicians in the live entertainment industry, with a special emphasis on the lighting, sound and audio-visual areas.

The qualification has been designed by the industry itself and is nationally recognised.

The course work is very practical; you will be involved in a range of in-house productions and you will also be given assistance in gaining practical placement in a variety of workplaces.

The staff involved with this course have a wealth of experience, and a number of practising professionals will be called upon to pass on their skills as well. While this course will offer you the opportunity to gain a broad range of skills, there is also room for specialisation. www.ballarat.edu.au/ub-search?sq_content_src=% 2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZ3VlcmluLmJhbGxhcmF0LmVkdS5hdSUyRmNvdXJzZWZpbmRlcjIwMDYlMkZkaXNwbGF5L nBocCUzRklEJTNEMTg2JmFsbD0x

52 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Box Hill Institute of TAFE 1300 BOX HILL (1300 269 445) info@boxhill.edu.au Advanced Diploma of Sound Production You will develop a high level of skills and practise within the recording industry, including skills of the studio engineer and record producer. This course incorporates advanced studies in industry standards of software and hardware, including ProTools, as well as advanced microphone techniques and session management skills. www.bhtafe.edu.au/courses/local/Pages/MUSP6.aspx Certificate III in Sound Production Victoria University (03) 9919 3204 music@vu.edu.au Advanced Diploma of Sound Production A variety of music technology and related fields will be open to you, including the studio, live sound, MIDI, digital audio editing, collaboration and management. www.vu.edu.au/courses/advanced-diploma-of-sound-production-cus60209 WAAPA Edith Cowan University 134 ECU (134 328) (08) 6304 0000 enquiries@ecu.edu.au Advanced Diploma of Live Production, Theatre and Events (Lighting) This course is available to those students who demonstrate potential for, and wish to acquire expertise in the technical and production aspects of the entertainment industry. The program is structured to provide skills and experience consistent with the growing needs of the entertainment lighting industry.

The skills and knowledge gained will assist graduates to find employment in the following areas: 1.

Lighting Design for stage, events, film and television 2.

Lighting Operator 3.

Production Electrician The course provides theoretical and vocational training in lighting design and lighting technology for all lighting applications, from theatre to live concert, events and more. Studies include electronics, optics, cinematography, documentation and drafting, budgeting, crew management, script analysis and control systems. the following year. www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/lighting Advanced Diploma of Live Production, Theatre and Events (Sound) - 3 years The course provides training in operational and creative skills in order to enter the arts and entertainment industry as a theatre sound designer/operator, live sound engineer, recording engineer, location sound recordist and post production sound engineer.

Graduates of the WAAPA sound course are employed in theatre, radio, television, film, music, AV, and live sound industries..

The Sound course focuses on the student working as part of a functional production team that supports all performance streams at WAAPA. As part of a production team, the student works in a variety of sound positions as their course and experience progresses. The hands on production units help the student practise and strengthen the skills learnt in timetabled classes.

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Stage Management

Breaking Out (2012) - WAAPA. Photo: Sarah Duyvestyn

54 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Staging the Biggest Shows on Earth NIDA has upsized its old Scenery Course. So it’s out with making boxes and in with technical extravaganzas. Frank Hatherley chats to Nick Day, Head of Staging.

What was your favourite moment of the London Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies? Mine was a digitally resurrected Freddie Mercury leading the live 80,000 audience in a blissful recreation of his famous riff-along. How did they do that? In fact, how did ‘they’ seamlessly manage the two huge events with their astonishing mix of live mega-action, complex video, sound, lights and animation?

Now there’s a new undergraduate course at NIDA that aims to cover this brave new territory. The new Bachelor of Dramatic Arts (Staging) course starts next year and Head of Staging, Nick Day, can’t wait to get it going.

“When I first started teaching at NIDA,” he tells me, “we had a Diploma in Scenic Construction which was about fabrication in steel and timber with a bit of history of theatre thrown in. We were in competition with TAFE carpentry courses.

“Then all the NIDA courses were re-accredited. At that time [2005] I had a clever student by the name of Joe Au and I got him a secondment in London with a massive staging company called Stage One which was just getting Priscilla Queen of the Desert into the West End. Now Joe had come to us from the University of NSW having done a couple of years of a computer science course so he had this great skills mix of computers and then building and mechanics. The head of Stage One rang me from London and said, ‘Have you got any more Joes?’ I said, sorry, I was fresh out of Joes, but then later I thought, ‘Well, we could make some’.”

The increasing complexity of modern theatre production outdoors and indoors - demands new design and construction skills.

“I worked on the Sydney Cats bump-in 30 years ago,” says Nick,

“and I thought ‘this is just enormous,’ but it has just kept on growing. All the region’s production facilities come out of Sydney now. Big companies like Stage One, Qmotion and Stage Technologies are all here to service the South East Asia, Philippines, South Africa circuit.

“Within the large-scale musical milieu where everything opens and shuts there’s a need for a much more technically complex skill base, part structural engineer, part mechanical engineer, with a knowledge of computing and of data.

“And then there’s all the other areas- like film special effects, or major civic art installations.

“In events like the Olympics ceremonies the hardest part technically is knowing exactly where everything is at any point in time. Obviously it only takes one little thing to go wrong for the whole thing to become a horrible train wreck. So the tracking of all those movements is probably the most incredible, mindboggling part of the whole process.

“It’s all become so enmeshed these days - from film to animation to 3D manipulation of staging elements.”

Applications for the new Staging course close at the end of September. How many students will there be in the first year?

“Between four and six,” says Nick. “Most of our courses Costume, Properties - have that number. There’s only so many people that the industry can take up on an annual basis.”

Someone should tell that to the Acting teachers.

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Actor’s College of Theatre and TV ( JMC Academy) (02) 9213 4500 info@actt.edu.au www.actt.edu.au Advanced Diploma of Stage Management (CUE60303) - 1 year  Nationally Endorsed Training  Approved for Austudy  Approved for international student visas  Recognised by the industry  Excellent industry secondments  Good employment prospects www.actt.edu.au/stage-management University of Southern Queensland 1800 269 500 study@usq.edu.au Bachelor of Creative Arts (Stage Management Major) www.usq.edu.au/arts/studyareas/creativearts TAFE SA 1800 882 661 Advanced Diploma of Stage Management www.tafesa.edu.au/xml/course/aw/aw_XDW.aspx

Tasmanian Polytechnic (03) 6220 3133 enquiries@academy.tas.edu.au Diploma Of Live Production, Theatre And Events (Technical Production) The course aims to provide graduates with the broad-based knowledge and practical skills required to gain and sustain professional employment in the arts and entertainment industry;  as a member of the technical crew on a show/event  as an employee of a theatre based or independent production company  as a member or leader in events at a variety of venues.

WAAPA Edith Cowan University 134 ECU (134 328) (08) 6304 0000 enquiries@ecu.edu.au The Advanced Diploma of Stage Management - 3 years The course provides training in the organisational and management skills needed for managing rehearsals and performance. This includes the development and use of the prompt copy, production documentation, score reading, movement and voice instruction, safety in the theatre, communication, people/time management skills and production and company management.

A range of technical production skills and techniques, as well as an understanding of the staging and performance requirements for drama, dance, music, music theatre and opera are developed.

The outstanding venues provided at WAAPA are an asset to the practical on the job learning that all WAAPA students experience. The venues include a proscenium arch theatre, a black-box theatre, a court style theatre, an ampitheatre, jazz studio and a music auditorium. Students also experience the thrill of working on outdoor productions and touring. www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/disciplines/stage-management 56 Stage Whispers Directory of Performing Arts Courses 2013

Emma Dean performing live at USQ Arts Centre, Toowoomba.

Photo: Kate Davies

Voice

Sydney Conservatorium of Music University of Sydney (02) 9036 6530 Graduate Diploma (Opera) | Master of Music Studies (Opera) The study of opera within the Master of Music Studies and Graduate Diploma (Opera) is designed to meet the needs of graduate opera students who wish to extend their technical knowledge of the repertoire and performance practice. It is intended for graduates and professional singers who wish to enhance the skills required on the opera and music theatre stage. http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/postgraduate/coursework/opera.shtml Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium of Music (07) 3735 7111 Graduate Diploma of Music - Opera Performance - South Bank (QCGU) (Vocal or Opera) www14.griffith.edu.au/cis/p_cat/require.asp?ProgCode=4112&Type=require www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 57

And Melissa’s advice for young musicians wanting to apply for the course?

“If someone is applying to me as a vocal student I’m looking The University of Southern Queensland in Toowoomba is for some evidence of vocal technique, but I’m not after the leading the way for tertiary music education with its new well-developed technique - that’s what you come here to workshop model. study for. In all applicants I’m looking for a sense of musicality, and even more important than that, a real love of An exciting new musician training model at USQ was music. launched at the start of this year.

“I would encourage anyone who feels that they want to The co-ordinator is jazz singer Melissa Forbes, who also pursue music further after school to be always actively teaches singing for contemporary commercial music styles, listening to lots of different types of music, thinking about popular music history and a popular songwriting course. what appeals to them and why, and starting to really think “We’ve come up with an exciting model of teaching the deeply about music rather than thinking of it as something practical elements of music. It’s more of an ensemble-based that’s just playing in the background. If you want to spend approach, where students break into groups and work on your life as a musician, you have to absolutely immerse repertoire to come up with their own arrangements of songs yourself in music. in accordance with whatever instrumentation they may have “If the applicants are singers, they should also be trying to at the time, and teaching them certain musical fundamentals use their voice as much as possible, because it consists of in that type of environment. And so far, so good - it’s been a cartilages and muscle, and just like anything physical, if we real injection of enthusiasm and vitality for both the students don’t use it much it’s not going to be in very good shape. So and staff. they need to be singing a reasonable amount, and being “We’re hoping to further expand that model in future years.” guided by someone locally who can help them with some Melissa explained her philosophy on teaching contemporary basic technique. It’s also important to have good vocal role voice. models and analyzing what it is about their voices that is “I’m really keen for people to understand how their voice healthy and functional - and looking at what makes those works, from a physiological and scientific perspective; singers great artists.” because our voice is our body and our instrument, and we Student Jess Berwick says of the course at USQ, “The lecturers need to understand that. Obviously we work on basic singing are extremely supportive and cater to each individual’s needs technique, and I also have a particular passion for making greatly. The course content is equally relevant and vastly sure that singers are also musicians. So in a lot of our classes interesting, and I hope to continue performing and one day we work on aural work as well to make sure that singers are embark on my journey of teaching others the joy of music!” honing their ears as much as honing their voices.”

The Joy of Singing

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industry magazine’ le b ta n se re p ly h ig dh - Simon Gallaher ‘a truly credible an

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IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE: Lucy Durack’s Blonde Moments The Art of Comedy Williamson’s Footy Frolic Why Some People Hate Theatre Singing For Your Supper Making Great Musicals Hot Theatre Courses O.H.&S. In Theatre Broadway’s Latest www.stagewhispers.com.au Stage Whispers 59