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 Jaime Dörner, 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.
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.
Register Now to Audition for 2025 in Melbourne on Monday 2 December
YAP School Holiday Programs
The National Drama School’s holiday programs for primary and secondary school students offers budding young actors ged 8-18 a fantastic opportunity to create an instant ensemble and work with our professional teachers to devise and perform works for stage and screen.
BOOKINGS NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER 2025
Young Actors Program Primary
Creative play, confidence and ensemble are central to all our Young Actors Program for Primary school students in grades 3-6. Choose from On Screen or On Stage actor training.
Young Actors Program Secondary
Building skills for life our Young Actors Program Secondary is suitable for budding young creatives in Years 7-12. Choose from On Screen or On Stage actor training.
Adult Short Courses
The National Drama School’s suite of acting classes for adults offers the perfect opportunity for you to discover, tap into or expand your creative talents!
Our acting classes for adults are offered in three streams delivered weekly over two 10-week terms. Choose from The Craft of Acting, Movers and Shakers, or Script Intensives.
We look forward to seeing you in our studios!
Foundation in Acting
The National Drama School’s Foundation in Acting course will immerse you in the craft of acting over two eight-week terms.
Foundation in Acting is an excellent bridging course for individuals considering full time studies or a future career 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.
