The Advanced Diploma of Acting (course code 10884NAT), updated for 2021, is a nationally accredited, full-time, vocational-training course that aims to prepare students for professional careers as actors and performance-makers in theatre, film, television and new media.

Working closely with a range of experienced Industry professionals students undertake a rigorous and highly integrated program of skills training while also working autonomously to further nurture and develop their talent. Students are expected to continuously maintain and refine their professional goals, demonstrate a strong commitment to themselves and their chosen art-form and work with passion and engagement to realise their full potential.

The First Year of the course focuses primarily on the physical and vocal development of the performer as well as the study of the elements of theatre. Regular voice classes, improvisation, and a variety of movement techniques prepare the actors’ instrument for the next stages of actor training. In the Second Semester, students begin a concentrated study of text analysis and scene presentations, from both Australian and American works; this work forms the basis of the work in the first half of the Second Year.

The Second Year develops the skills and techniques required for film, television and new media are introduced. Rehearsal techniques for stage and the demands of public performance are also introduced throughout this period, with the study of the classics such as The Greeks and Shakespeare. Movement and Voice classes are continued throughout this year. Two full productions are staged for public performance over the course of the year.

The focus in the Third Year is to bring all the elements of actor training together and prepare for entering the performing arts industry. Advanced screen acting and audition techniques, live performance skills and the development of performance-creation are all directed towards building a career following graduation. The presentation of an Acting Showcase (stage performance), a full scale Stage Play on The National Theatre main stage (stage performance), four Showreels (screen performances), and an original piece of theatre created in conjunction with a playwright (stage performance) ensures that graduates have four opportunities to be seen locally and nationally by a wide range of agents and key industry figures.