Established in 1936 by revered arts pioneer Gertrude Johnson OBE, The National Drama School (formerly National Theatre Drama School) is Australia’s longest-established vocational training organisation for acting and a leading cultivator of stage and screen talent.
Under the inspired leadership of Director of Drama Dr Jo Loth, the School’s teaching faculty of industry experts impart their professional skills and techniques with budding young actors in the heritage listed National Theatre complex in the bayside suburb of St Kilda, Melbourne.
The National Drama School Melbourne offers a suite of regular classes in acting technique for aspiring youth and adults, along with seasonal intensives, specialist workshops and the industry leading bridging program, Foundation in Acting.
The flagship Diploma of Acting prepares young acting talents for a fulfilling career in front of live audiences and on the big – or small – screen.
Our esteemed alumni comprise Australian stars of stage and screen including Kat Stewart, Richard Cawthorne, Tosh Greenslade, Esther Hannaford, Lawrence Mooney and Geraldine Quinn.
Renowned for its industry connections, intimate class sizes, and passion for the craft of acting, The National Drama School Melbourne celebrates and champions diversity, while cultivating excellence and authenticity.
YAP – School Holiday Programs
The National Drama School’s holiday programs for primary and secondary school students offers budding young actors a fantastic opportunity to create an instant ensemble and work with our professional teachers to devise and perform works for stage and screen.
In a safe and supportive environment, learn performance skills that harness your understanding of voice, physicality and focus to convey ideas and stories.
Find out how to response to stimulus, create scripts, edit and collate, follow threas, distil concepts and extend ideas further.
All School Holiday Programs culminate in a public performance for family and friends.
Our age-based groups and strictly limited capacities ensure that each young actor receives the appropriate training and attentions – and can make friends!
learn moreFoundation in Acting
Working with expert industry teachers, you’ll learn voice, acting, screen acting and theatre making techniques. In collaboration with your ensemble, you’ll develop skills in theatre making and character-based comedy, culminating in a small showing for family and friends at the end of the 16 weeks.
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Adult Short Courses
The National Drama School’s suite of acting classes for adults offers the perfect opportunity for you to tap into and expand your creative talents!
Our acting classes for adults are offered in four streams delivered weekly over two 10-week terms. Choose from The Craft of Acting, Will Power, Movers and Shakers, or Me, Myself and I.
Course are suitable for beginners, aspiring actors and industry professionals to refresh and update their skills.
Engage, connect and upskill under the guidance of expert industry teachers – we look forward to seeing you in our studios!
learn moreYoung Actors Program
Creative play, confidence and ensemble are central to all our classes – building skills for life. Our Young Actors Program is available for primary and secondary school children aged 8-18.
Primary school ages Secondary school ages
Advanced Diploma of Acting
The Advanced Diploma of Acting (10884NAT) is a nationally accredited, full-time, professional training course that prepares students for careers as actors and performance makers in theatre, film, television and new media.
