Actors College of Theatre and Television

I’ve never done an acting course in my life. Where should I start?

The best way to satisfy your impulse is to ACTT on it! Acting Essentials offers an enjoyable foundation in all the acting skills you need to get started. Each of its stages is 8 weeks long, with one class per week. It’s manageable timewise and is a lot of fun! If you’re not quite sure that you want to commit to a regular acting course, but know that you want to try it, come to one of our casual classes. We call these Drop In classes, and they’re a great way to find out about acting classes. Drop In classes are taught by tutors from our regular classes, so you’ll experience the real thing in an active, enjoyable, 1.5 hour class.

Do I have to audition to get into a course at ACTT?

This depends on the course you undertake. ACTT holds auditions for entry into all full time courses and any part-time course that is conducted over a whole year. No audition is required for the short course program. The audition requirements vary depending on the type of course you apply for and are designed to be a valuable experience and to ensure you are training at the level best suited to your current skills.

I want to get into the movies. What’s the best course to do?

ACTT recommends a solid foundation in acting, and specialised courses that train you to act in front of a camera. Our accredited part time courses Acting Essentials 1 & 2 and Screen Acting provide the perfect foundation. Or, you could consider the Certificate III in Theatre Performance & Practices, which covers these areas even more extensively.

Will I get work once I graduate from ACTT?

ACTT has an impressive and exciting alumni community who work in film, stage and television as actors, directors, producers and writers.Over 80% of ACTT’s Advanced Diploma of Arts in Stage & Screen Acting 2009 graduates were offered representation from a selection of Sydney’s top agents.

My teenager is doing the HSC this year and wants to start full-time acting studies next year. What do you advise?

That all depends on how they want to pursue their acting training, and what training they’ve already done. The best thing is to talk to one of our course consultants – they will be able to recommend the best course for your son or daughter. Call (02) 9213 4500, or email info@actt.edu.au.

Do you have a course for my 10 year-old child who’s really keen on acting?

The youngest age for entry into an ACTT course is 14 (or turning 14 in the year of the course), our ACTIVATE youth program. Your child will need to wait just a little longer to audition for our rigorous, year-long youth course, Activate, for 14 to 18 year olds. All other courses have a minimum age of 18 years.

What famous people have graduated from ACTT?

We like to think that our graduates leave ACTT not just with the potential to be famous but, more importantly, with the ability to make a long and fruitful career in the performing arts. Fame and stardom are achieved by only a small percentage of actors and others involved in the industry. Our graduates are out in the field establishing innovative theatre companies, taking roles in films and on TV and stage, writing, directing and producing. If you want to be a part of that too, and are prepared for the hard work and fulfillment that go into making such a life, then our courses provide a fantastic foundation. Check out our news page for more info about our graduates.

Are you close to transport?

Yes. We are located in Sydney’s Central Business District and easily accessible by public transport. Whether you arrive by train or bus, we are just a short walk from Central Station and Railway Square.

Is there a comprehensive acting course I can do AND keep my full time job?

Yes. Our part-time course, The CORE, combines evening and Saturday classes over one year. Known formally as Certificate III in Theatre Performance and Practices, The CORE is an ideal and cost effective way to achieve a superb foundation in acting training while working full time. There are two intakes each year: the first in February, the second in July.

I don’t think I can afford to pay my fees upfront. Can I pay by instalment?

Yes. All students can pay their fees by instalment if they cannot pay the full fees upfront. After paying the required deposit and administration fee, instalment payments are made under an agreement between the student and Ezypay Pty Ltd. Ezypay debits the student’s bank account, then forwards the payments to ACTT. ACTT also offers discounts to those students who do pay their fees in full upfront.

Can I get HECS for full-time study?

No. But our full-time, accredited courses are Austudy approved. Conditions apply for Austudy or Abstudy assistance. Keep in mind that student loans are also available from banks at special rates. Our Administrative staff are happy to answer your questions about Austudy, Abstudy and finances when you enquire about or apply for a full time course.

I am an overseas student; Can I study at ACTT?

Yes. ACTT’s full time courses are all CRICOS listed, which makes them open to students from all over the world. If you would like more information, please email us for advice.

Where is ACTT located?

ACTT has two campuses conveniently located within the centre of Sydney. The Main Campus is located at 505 Pitt Street just across the road from Central Station and the Theatre Campus is a ten minute walk from our main campus, located on Cleveland Street in the heart of the arts district.

Are all the courses at ACTT accredited?

All ACTT’s full time courses in Acting, Music Theatre and Technical Production along with the part time Core Certificate are fully accredited by NSW VETAB and are listed on CRICOS. Anyone completing all three levels of Acting Essentials or the two levels of Screen Acting are awarded a statement of attainment. ACTT is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) since 1993, and satisfies the national standards of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).

How long has ACTT been around?

2009 sees ACTT entering its 17th year as Australia’s leading independent college for the performing arts.