Bachelor of Arts (Acting)

Edith Cowan University

About

Studying acting at WAAPA is an inspiring and all-consuming experience.

This degree produces graduates who are thoroughly prepared for a career in a wide variety of media, including theatre, television, film and radio, both in Australia and internationally.

The course has evolved as an extensive conservatoire training program guided by a philosophy of discovery, application and embodiment, delivered at all times in a diverse and inclusive environment.

The core innovation of the program is to unite rigorous skills-based actor training with local, national and international guest directors and organisations, to simulate real-life industry programs and productions.

The combination of all these factors means that students graduate with more than just acting skills;

they are self-determined, autonomous strategists who are resilient and elite performers at the top of their game.

Structure

Year 1 - Semester 1

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT1101 Acting Skills 1 15
ACT1102 Foundations of Performance: History and Context 15
ACT1003 Foundations of Movement for an Actor 15
ACT1004 Discovering the Performer's Voice 15

Year 1 - Semester 2

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT1105 Acting Skills 2 15
ACT1006 # Integrating the Skills of the Actor 15
ACT1007 Movement for the Actor 15
ACT1008 Words and the Body 15

Year 2 - Semester 1

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT2101 # Theatre Production 1 15
ACT2002 The Dynamic Actor 15
ACT2003 Extending Vocal Knowledge 15
ACT2104 * Acting Skills 3 15

Year 2 - Semester 2

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT2105 # Theatre Production 2 15
ACT2006 The Embodied Actor 15
ACT2007 Dynamic Voice 15
ACT2108 Extending and Exploring Acting Techniques Through Character and Screen 15

Year 3 - Semester 1

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT3101 # Theatre Production 3 15
ACT3002 The Creative Physical Actor 15
ACT3003 Professional Voice 15
ACT3004 Acting for Screen 30

Note: ACT3004 Acting for Screen is a full-year unit.

Year 3 - Semester 2

Unit Code Unit Title Credit Points
ACT3105 Professional Preparation: Business Skills 15
ACT3006 Acting for the Stage 15
ACT3108 Professional Preparation: Audition Techniques 15

# Designated Unit - a Unit or Unit of Competency which a School has designated as a fundamental course requirement and may only be attempted once unless otherwise determined by Board of Examiners. * Students will be assessed to see if they have achieved the ECU minimum standard of English language proficiency in this unit. Students who don't meet the minimum standard will be provided with appropriate English language support and development.

Entry requirements

Admission requirement (Band 3)

All applicants must meet the academic admission requirements for this course. The indicative or guaranteed ATAR is as published (where applicable) or academic admission requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • AQF Cert IV;
  • Successfully completed 0.25 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent);
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
  • University Preparation Course;
  • Indigenous University Orientation Course;
  • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment; or
  • Experience Based Entry Scheme.

English Language requirement (Band 3)

English competency requirements may be satisfied through completion of one of the following:

  • Year 12 English ATAR/English Literature ATAR grade C or better or equivalent;
  • Special Tertiary Admissions Test;
  • IELTS Academic Overall band minimum score of 6.0 (no individual band less than 6.0);
  • Successfully completed 1.0 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher in the UK, Ireland, USA, NZ or Canada;
  • University Preparation Course;
  • Indigenous University Orientation Course;
  • Aboriginal University Readiness Assessment;
  • AQF Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree;
  • Successfully completed 0.375 EFTSL of study at bachelor level or higher at an Australian higher education provider (or equivalent); or
  • Other tests, courses or programs as defined in the Admissions Policy.

Course Specific Admission Requirements

All applicants are required to attend an audition. Entry into this course is talent-based, and prospective students will be comprehensively assessed through an audition process which is held in November-December each year. Australia-wide auditions are conducted in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Overseas students are assessed by auditions sent electronically. The audition includes a thorough assessment of inherent and trainable ability, the ability to meet the technical requirements of the course and suitability for the industry.

Portfolio pathway applications are not accepted for this course.

Learning outcomes

  1. Demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge of the theory, and methods encompassing the fundamental aspects of drama, acting, and theatre required for professional actors.
  2. Analyse the relationship between movement and acting in diverse contexts to successfully communicate knowledge and ideas in a variety of intentions and actions.
  3. Exercise critical thinking and judgement to identify and solve problems related to the research, rehearsal, development, and management of collaborative performance projects through effective preparation and performance.
  4. Review, analyse, and synthesise knowledge to adapt vocal use for a variety of acoustic environments or demonstrate intentions through movements to engage audiences.
  5. Demonstrate cross-cultural awareness, including awareness of Australian indigenous culture in relation to the creative industries, including the development and interpretation of media, design and visual culture.
  6. Adapt knowledge and skills in diverse contexts and genres to the rehearsal, production, technique, performance, management and evaluation of theatre ensemble productions.
  7. Demonstrate responsibility and accountability for own learning through reflective analysis of performances in rehearsals and technical aspects throughout the performance season.
  8. Demonstrate methods and philosophies of acting through creative resourcefulness to judge plan, solve problems and make decisions in auditions, rehearsals and performances.
  9. Collaborate in the production of works of creative expression for public display with the ability to evaluate team processes and outcomes.
  10. Apply innovation through the development of original products, using information, numeracy and technology literacy skills.
  11. Apply and evaluate principles of sustainability and global perspectives in problem solving related to creation, the exploitation of intellectual property and other issues relevant to creative industries.

Institution