Education

Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage and Screen)
(Partnership with Actors Centre Australia (ACA))

CRICOS 109434B

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What is the Bachelor of Performing Arts?

The Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage and Screen) is a three-year course delivered by Actors Centre Australia in partnership with Torrens University Australia. Progression through the course results in industry-recognised skills and knowledge that enable students to confidently move forward to more advanced learning and employment.

This degree lets you work collaboratively in all aspects of the production theatre, film, television and online media performances, while engaging in research, theory, and critical analysis of methodologies and philosophies of acting. The degree has been meticulously designed and conceived with each actor's learning outcomes and professional career employability as the prime considerations.

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Learning outcomes

Apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge and skills to a range of contexts, genres and styles for public performance.
Collaborate in the production of works in a variety of performance styles for theatre, film, television and online media, and consolidate an individual and ensemble performance-making practice.
Research and explore theoretical and practical knowledge in a variety of philosophies and methodologies of acting within the contexts of contemporary and classical performance practice.
Apply critical thinking and judgement in problem-solving and decision-making as it relates to the research and rehearsal of performance projects.

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Study mode

On campus

Campus locations*

Sydney

Student

Domestic

International

Course duration

Full-time: 3 years

Start date

Feb 2024

Fees & scholarships

Learn more

This course is accredited by Torrens University Australia ABN 99 154 937 005, RTO 41343, CRICOS 03389E and delivered by the Actor Centre Sydney.

*For more details on international student study options.

Learn more from education leaders

You'll be taught by academics who are also leaders in the performing arts industry. Know what they know, see what they see. Be inspired by some of the best and most recognised teaching experts in a nurturing environment.

Work to achieve social change

As a qualified educator, you have a real opportunity to generate positive change and shape your local community.

A Success Coach

An ally to encourage, inspire and guide, your Success Coach will help you achieve your goals and create the right trajectory for your career.

Career opportunities

Upon completion of their studies, students will be equipped with the required industry knowledge and skills to transition into a professional career in the stage and screen industries, nationally or internationally.

Potential career paths

Actor
Average salary: $73,629 - $124,730
Director
Average salary: $115,961 - $213,250

Learn more about careers in Education

Subjects and units

Each subject involves 10 hours of study per week, comprising of 8 hours of facilitated study and 2 hours of self-directed study.

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Year 1
Year 2
Year 3

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Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

Voice and Movement Foundations VMF101

This subject explores the foundations of vocal and movement training for the professional actor. Students will acquire and demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical, technical and practical concepts of voice and movement training. They will learn to comprehend the nature of the vocal process, as well as to use the voice with dexterity and effective vocal dynamics. They will explore a range of movement modalities, and develop an understanding of personal physical alignment, centring, transformation, and the connections between voice and body. Students will alsobegin to investigate the technical craft required of the actor, as well as explore their creativity and imagination within an acting ensemble.
Acting - Unpacking the Fundamentals | ACF101

This subject explores the fundamentals of acting. Students will learn to connect to other actors in the space with imagination, confidence, and with the full engagement of their voice and body, living within the world of their scene, telling the story with clarity and with a deep sense of truth. Classes will address the development of a personal acting process through exploration of well-written text. Students will be required to gain skill in the analysis of text, to personalise the world of the scene, and therefore the world of the play. Focus will be given to the integration of voice and body in acting.
Performance Fundamentals | PEF101

This subject explores the fundamentals of acting. Students will learn to connect to other actors in the space with imagination, confidence, and with the full engagement of their voice and body, living within the world of their scene, telling the story with clarity and with a deep sense of truth. Classes will address the development of a personal acting process through exploration of well-written text. Students will be required to gain skill in the analysis of text, to personalise the world of the scene, and therefore the world of the play. Focus will be given to the integration of voice and body in acting.
Voice and Movement Exploration | VME101

This subject further engages with the process of vocal and movement training for the professional actor. Students will understand and learn to use breath, and work towards removal of existing restrictive vocal patterns. This subject also continues the exploration of movement in relationship to observation of the self, as well as the physical neutrality needed by the actor. Movement disciplines explored may include yoga, pilates, biomechanics, and the Suzuki Method of Training.
Acting with Script | ACS101

This subject requires the analysis of a scene from an Australian play, focusing on developing the foundations of a basic acting process using accessible text. Students will analyse a scene with perception and clarity, rehearse it with motivated physical and emotional life, and perform it with precision and in connection with all the performance elements. There is also attention given to learning how to contribute to a collaborative rehearsal process with peers and director, and to learn how to use the acting space for clarity and effect.
Acting Languages | ACL101

This subject investigates the expressive potential of the body and of language. Students will explore the fundamentals of mask work and also address commedia dell’arte and other archetypes that have informed Western theatrical traditions since the Renaissance. Students will investigate the mask’s physicality as a means to define character and achieve transformation. Classes within this subject will also focus on the topic of language as a key to understanding character, as well as the use of language to create dramatic action and atmosphereon stage, film and television. Subsequent classes will focus on the actor’s ability to physically transform and use the application of the animal process as a working tool for understanding and expressing inner character for acting performance. They will recreate the physical and emotional life of the animal, identify physical habits and comfort zones that limit or pre-determine an actor’s ability, and work from impulse rather than from pre-determine outcomes.
Voice and Movement Behaviours | VMB101

This subject continues the student’s investigation into vocal and physical behaviours. Voice classes will focus on how the actor’s voice can reveal the emotional, intellectual and psychological dynamics of text. Students will continue to explore a variety of movement modalities in this subject, including yoga, Alexander Technique, ballet, in order to acquire a self-guided practice and develop a routine to assimilate body, mind and breath.This trimester has a specific focus on the application and integration of the vocal and movement techniques explored through the First Year of actor training.
Performance as Storytelling | PAS101

This subject explores three topics: devised performance, stagecraft, and improvisation. The devised performance requires the student to take part in a collaborative theatre project writing, structuring and then completing a public performance of a new piece of theatre. Students will also learn to use the basic rules of stage movement, incorporate the useof set and props to enhance performance, and apply stage movement rules, conventions and the principles of timing to a scene. Improvisation classes will enable actors to begin to build scenes, accept and build offers within a structured improvisation, anduse these techniques to explore characters. Focus will also be given to how an actor expresses ideas and impulses spontaneously, creates comic and dramatic improvisations, and develops the facility to tell an engaging story.

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

Voice and Movement Genres | VMG201

This subject aims to deepen the student’s understanding of how an individual or a group can more effectively harness physical capacity in performance. It requires the student to apply body training methodology and body mind/breath connection to a public performance of a text-based creation as well as a newly devised choreographed movement piece.
Acting Character and Play | ACP201

Students will explore the creation of character and develop a process to inhabit a character’s physical and vocal qualities, as well as create a history and psychological profile for the character. They will write a monologue for their character and definea process to transfer an observed character into performance. Students will also identify and discuss the physical actions and psychological behaviours of a character in an existing text, as well as identifying inciting incidents, crises and the climaxes of the text. This work will climax in a classroom presentation.
Voice and Movement Projects 1 | VMP201

This subject aims to deepen the student’s knowledge, understanding and experience of voice and body in a range of classroom situations. They will be required to reveal freedom of emotional impulse in voice and body, congruent with truthful connection to language and character. Students will further engage with the theoretical and practical aspects of movement for the actor as embodied in a variety of physical disciplines, which may include yoga, Pilates, Alexander and/or the Suzuki Method of Training.In this trimester students will also begin their study of regional accent and dialect in voice class.
Performance Realism | PER201

In this subject the student will explore complex texts demanding the actor to live, in the project, as a character in a different culture from their own. The subject requires skills and knowledge to deal with the intricate psychological and emotional landscapes of complex texts. They will also connect to a deep inner monologue and understand its dramatic use and be required to fully utilise the physical and vocal skills necessary for performance while successfully serving the director’s vision. Students will move vocally, physically and professionally beyond their own interpretation in order to apply the director’s vision in practice.
Acting Disciplines | ACD201

This subject consolidates the student’s understanding and implementation of psychological action, emotional release techniques and detailed character embodiment. Investigation will also continue into defining a process of transferring an observed character into performance. Activities will include locating, observing and creating a challenging character from the real world and bringing that transformation onto the stage with physical and vocal precision and clarity. Students will also embark on research into Shakespearean text, beginning their investigation of its linguistic characteristics and using the full range of the emotional potential of these heightened texts. Students will also develop a methodology for reading and contextualizing a performance text, examining the theatrical conventions and cultural assumptions contained within it, as well as devising a performance that incorporates an exploration of the period and text in question.
Performing Shakespeare | PES201

This subject will focus on Shakespearean text in performance, teaching the student the technical skills necessary to use heightened language, in both prose and verse. It will also focus on the use of thought, action and charged emotional release through the rehearsal and performance process using quality classic writing. Students will be required to explore the linguistic precision of classic text, apply explore and demonstrate the characteristics and rules of classic text in rehearsal and performance, create charged and dramatic physical life onstage, utilise the full range of emotional potential available to the actor, and explore, expand and demonstrate the depth and range of the actor's physical and emotional instrument.
Voice and Movement Projects 2 | VMP202

This subject continues the student’s creative engagement with the vocal, physical and now also musical tools necessary for a professional actor. Topics include an investigation into flexible, dynamic delivery, a variety of movement modalities, the exploration of a consolidation of singing training through research and performance projects, as well as a continuation of the student’s study of regional accent and dialects.
Acting for Stage and Camera | ASC201

This subject explores acting in the mediums of television and film. Students will learn to prepare, rehearse and shoot a scene for these media. Topics include performing for camera with appropriate level of projection, rehearsing a scene using onset skills and knowledge including an understanding of hitting marks and directing focus, as well as shot sizes, framing and camera movement. This subject will also continue the student’s investigation into Improvisation, with a focus on accepting and extending offers, advancing an improvised narrative, investigating status relationships and introducing crisis into the narrative of story.

Requirements

These eight core subjects must be completed.

Core subjects

Voice and Movement Advanced Principles | VMA301

Students will extend their voice work in performance through the preparation of complex text and master the voice support needed to deal with sophisticated language. They will also apply self-maintenance of a healthy and resilient voice throughout a range of performance activities. Students will use physical resources instinctively as part of the actor’s physical practice. They will utilize principles of safety in a specialized area of physical practice [e.g. stage combat], as well as performed a choreographed sequence effectively and with style.
Acting - Reflection and Activation | ARA301

This subject will also focus on the student’s own sense of self through an exploration of the concept of Inner Mask. The construct of the self provides a large proportion of the raw material for creative artists. This exploration is about the relationship of the self to the world, within the context of a theatrical performance. Students are required to create a private and personal mask and bring it to life in a way that is public and revelatory. It also requires the extension of personal learning beyond element, animal and myth work to the discovery of the components of comedy through Mask. Students will rehearse, perform, produce and market a season of one-act plays for public performance.
Acting with Emotional Release | ACE301

Students will develop heightened emotional dynamics and detail in the transactions between characters, explore emotional release appropriate to the scene, play at high speed with high stakes, and implement stagecraft without requiring direction. The subject also advances the student’s understanding of how to prepare for and act a detailed and prolonged acting scene using advanced improvisation techniques, being able to release their energies with detail and dexterity through spoken text and action. They will also plot onstage transactions and devise and perform the scene’s emotional score, with the aim being to deepen and layer the actor’s onstage performance.
Voice and Movement Complex Performance | VMC301

This subject explores the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to perform choreographed dance routines, as well as combat sequences. It is focused on the realisation of the actor’s choreographed movement practice in performance. This subject also focuses on the development and adaptability of vocal technique to professional requirements in theatre, film, television and voice-over. Focus is also given in both topics to consolidating a personal practice in regard to vocal and physical self-maintenance
Performance Graduation Play | PGPT301

This subject deals with both complex text and cultural idioms, with an additional focus on accents and dialects. The subject requires an advanced understanding of language, style and accent, leading to a dynamic physicality in the delivery of the text. The student will research, analyse, interpret and physicalise the text and character, rehearse the text using effective rehearsal processes, and perform the text in a public presentation
Acting Laboratory | ACL301

This subject explores a number of acting scenarios and learning environments: working on texts for simulated auditions for theatre and for screen in a workshop laboratory situation. Students will analyse text and bring the choices made to life in rehearsal with speed, clarity and skill. The subject also deals with increasing an actor’s personal employability by uncovering and overcoming their personal blocks and limitations, as well as developing skills and knowledge that address the demands and specific requirements of the professional audition process. Subsequent classes will address the more intricate and detailed elements in the actor’s onstage process, including advanced improvisation techniques, being able to release energies with detail and dexterity through text and action, and being able to plot onstage transactions and score a scene with dexterity. Within this subject, the students will continue their investigation into the skills and knowledge to act professionally in film, tv and online media, interactive media and commercial arenas. They will prepare for and film screen tests, analysing the different types of tests they might do and what they might require. Students will respond to direction given during the screen test and work safely and with emotional maturity and consistent focus throughout the screen test. There will also be a number of masterclasses offered in for example, script writing, editing, and sound editing.
Voice and Movement Mastery | VMM301

This subject explores the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to demonstrate the development and adaptability of vocal technique to professional performance requirements in theatre, film, television and radio. Students will master the use of their voice for stamina, consistency, flexibility and extended cadence. Students will continue to attend singing classes and acquire knowledge, understanding and experience of singing in a range of public performance situations [duets, solos].
PEC301 Performance Capstone

This subject includes skills and knowledge required for developing audition techniques for the professional actors. Students will demonstrate effective sight-reading technique, make bold choices, and collaborate with a director to identify the director’s vision and to build an empowering relationship. This subject explores the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required for detailed television and film acting on a professional, film and television context. It deals with analysing, rehearsing and performing scenes for camera or multiple camera coverage. The subject requires a high standard of professionalism and adherence to onset protocols. In the final part of this subject, students rehearse and perform a monologue or scene, from either theatre or film/television, to industry directors and agents in order to showcase their talent, technique and contribution to the profession and to prospective industry employers. Students will produce, in collaboration with a professional director and camera crew a complete, edited, professional show reel for screening at their industry showcase, to maximize employment opportunities.

International students must not enrol in more than one-third (33%) of online subjects over their course, and must study at least one face-to-face subject each study period. For more information, visit Study in Australia.

International students on a student visa are required to study full time (i.e. must complete a minimum of 1.0 EFTSL of study per year). For the latest information on study locations, please check the entry requirements flyer.

Entry details

Domestic
International

Fees

Check the domestic course fee schedule for the cost of your course.

FEE-HELP

Eligible Australian students may choose to defer some, or all, of their tuition fees through FEE-HELP, a loan scheme repaid through the tax system based on income.

Learn more about fees and FEE-HELP

Scholarships

If you are truly passionate about education, we want to hear from you. We have a variety of education scholarships on offer to assist you in becoming a key part of the education industry:

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as a domestic student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent

OR

Work/life experience demonstrating the ability to undertake study at the required level.

Successful completion of two rounds of auditions.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Fees

Check the international course fee schedule for the cost of your course. Onshore international students requiring a student visa should choose campus-based / blended options.

Fee payment

Course fees can be paid across three study periods. Each instalment to be paid before the beginning of the academic stage census date.

Scholarships

We want you to have the best possible chance to succeed, which is why we offer a range of financial scholarships to support our international students during their study journey.

Admission criteria

Before you begin your application to study as an international student, check that you meet the requirements listed below.

Australian Year 12 or equivalent; and Portfolio of experience in a similar field of study or work.

Academic IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Applicants must be 18 years of age or older at course commencement.

View full course admission information

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have already completed a qualification or gained skills through life or work experience, you may be able to credit this against your degree with us. Check information about Recognition of Prior Learning and Course Credit transfer. We also offer pathway opportunities to further your learning.

Learn more about study pathways

Frequently asked questions

What are Torrens University Australia’s ATAR requirements for domestic students?

Torrens University Australia no longer considers ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) as our primary entry requirement. We have removed ATAR as the key admissions criteria for applicants aiming to study at Torrens University Australia. We strongly believed an alternative to the ATAR system should be found, which more broadly assesses students, especially when soft skills are emerging as important employability attributes. So, students with a recent secondary school education are now considered for admission if they have a Year 12 (Australian secondary school) certificate. Exceptions may apply to some courses.
What if  I don’t meet the entry criteria for a degree?

Torrens University Australia has a range of application pathways to help you gain entry into our degrees based on different criteria.

To find out more, visit Study Pathways or contact our Future Student Advisors.
Am I eligible for FEE-HELP?
If you are a domestic student attending university or an approved higher education provider, you can get a FEE-HELP loan to pay all or part of your tuition fees.

You are eligible for FEE-HELP assistance for a unit of study (i.e. subject) if you:

Undertake study with an approved provider.

Meet the citizenship and residency requirements:

An Australian citizen or a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets the long-term residency criteria and who will undertake, in Australia, at least one unit of study contributing to your course; OR

A permanent humanitarian visa holder who will be a resident in Australia for the duration of your unit; OR

Are a permanent visa holder who is undertaking bridging study for overseas-trained professionals, and will be a resident in Australia for the duration of the study.

Enrolled in an eligible unit of study by the census date for the unit.

Have not exceeded the FEE-HELP limit.

For full details, visit the Australian Government website Study Assist.

If you are still unsure, please contact our Future Student Advisors who can talk you through the information.

Can I get course credit for previous experience?

Yes, course credit is available for most courses upon application and academic approval (excluding Higher Degree by Research programs). 

If you have already completed a qualification or have relevant work experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course. This credit can take the form of credit transfer, block credit or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Review our Course Credits page or chat to our Future Student Advisors.
What are Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer (CT)? How do I apply?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that recognises experience, previous study and qualifications, and other forms of informal and non-formal learning, to determine if you meet course requirements.

If you have relevant qualifications or experience, you may be eligible for credit towards your course and a reduction in tuition costs.

Please speak to our Future Student Advisors to discuss your prior learning experiences.

For more information, please visit Course credits.
How do I apply for a scholarship?

Torrens University has a wide range of scholarship options to support new, returning, international and Australian students. They all include a reduction in tuition fees, and some scholarships include a mentoring component with our industry partners.

Domestic students

When you speak to our Future Student Advisors, let them know you wish to be considered for a scholarship in your application form. They will show you how to apply for a scholarship.

International students

Please contact your Education Agent for further information. Alternatively, you can call us on 1300 575 803 or by email.

For more details, explore our range of scholarships.

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Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage and Screen)(Partnership with Actors Centre Australia (ACA))

What is the Bachelor of Performing Arts?

Learning outcomes

Career opportunities

Potential career paths

Subjects and units

Requirements

Core subjects

Requirements

Core subjects

Requirements

Core subjects

Entry details

Fees

FEE-HELP

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

Fees

Fee payment

Scholarships

Admission criteria

Guaranteed pathway and Recognition of Prior Learning

How to apply

Get started

Apply

Offer

Frequently asked questions

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Torrens University Australia

Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage and Screen)
(Partnership with Actors Centre Australia (ACA))