Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting)

Overview

• The only undergraduate degree for aspiring professional actors in Queensland
• Graduate as an employable stage and screen actor, prepared to perform in both studio and on-location shoots
• Opportunities to work with professional directors and production designers, and nationally known directors and cinematographers
• Your stage and screen work will be showcased in Sydney and Brisbane, and your showreel distributed nationally and internationally to directors and management agents 

QTAC course code	421912
QUT course code	KK34
Attendance	Full-time
Course duration	3 years full-time
Start month	2013 February
Deferment	You can't defer your offer in this course. You must start in the semester you apply for.
Delivery	On campus Kelvin Grove
Faculty	Creative Industries Faculty
Course contact	Student Business Services (SBS) Admissions: Email: askqut@qut.edu.au Telephone: +61 7 3138 2000
CRICOS code	060810B
Careers	Actor Artist Drama Teacher Film/Television Producer Theatre Professionals

Details

This conservatoire-style acting course will educate, train and nurture your creative potential from a novice to a professional. It offers a rich program of study that fosters the development of bold, truthful, and passionate actors. The staff are committed to offering you a learning environment that challenges and inspires you to be an innovative and imaginative actor. You will graduate with an understanding of the profession, ready to identify your niche within it.

Why choose this course?

The QUT acting course is the only undergraduate degree in acting in Queensland and is designed for those who want to become professional actors. It is highly regarded in the profession for the readiness of its graduates to work across the media, and for the rigour and dedication of the teaching staff. We offer you a strong focus on acting for the screen as well as traditional actor training for the stage.

You will experience three years of intensive training and performing, and graduate as an employable stage and screen actor. Your screen work will include both studio and on-location shoots. QUT’s Gardens Theatre includes Acting’s five main stage productions in their professional subscription season. This means you will be working at a young professional level during year two and as an industry-ready graduate during your final year.

Our strong links with industry mean that you will graduate with networking skills and contacts. Public performance seasons in your second and third years will provide opportunities to work with professional directors and production designers. Your film shoots will be under the guidance of a professional film crew.

At the end of your final year, your stage and screen work will be showcased to industry in Brisbane and Sydney. Your showreel will be distributed nationally and internationally to directors and management agents.

Career outcomes

Graduates work as actors for stage, film and television both nationally and internationally. They have won leading roles in national and state theatre companies, television series, mini-series and feature films. For example, Gyton Grantley from Underbelly won both an Australian Film Institute Award and a Logie for Best Actor in 2009. Others such as Oliver Torr and Matt Zeremes successfully write and self produce their own work in film and in theatre.

Units

Your course

Year 1

The first-year acting studio is the basis for your future career. You will also study voice, singing, improvisation, Alexander, combat, and movement. You will learn the foundations of organic (or method) acting which is based on a fierce commitment to emotional honesty.

Year 2

This is your development year. You will continue to refine your talent through acting studio and rehearsals, and continue your studies in voice, movement and combat. Your acting studio work is designed to address the whole artist: to bring your voice, mind, body and emotions together through a range of role and performance opportunities. You will undertake film shoots, contemporary and classical stage productions, stand-up comedy, clowning and Shakespeare. You will study complementary areas through your electives, e.g. theatre and film history.

Year 3

This is your professional year which comprises performance for both stage and screen in a variety of venues. Typically, this includes a theatre season of three plays and two film shoots. Your professional development and readiness for the industry are anchored to the real world by your connection with professional directors and management agents. You will identify relevant issues relating to your planned career and learn how to position yourself effectively for entry into an international industry. QUT Acting Showcase (also known as Industry Day) in Brisbane and in Sydney will show your stage and film work to employers, management agents, casting agents and directors.

Entry requirements

2013 registrations have closed

Registrations for the 2013 intake were due on the 12 October 2012 and are now closed. If  you had not registered and you are considering applying to study in 2014 we recommend you read the following information as a guide only as it details requirements for entry in 2013 and these may change prior to the 2014 intake.

Prerequisites

Successful audition

Closing date

Register online and submit your additional supporting documentation with QUT by Friday, 12 October 2012.

Additional entry requirements

In addition to applying through QTAC and you must also before the closing date:

1. Complete the Online Registration Form and print the confirmation page
2. Post or submit the following documentation to the Creative Industries Faculty:

• Online registration confirmation page
• A current passport sized photograph
• A resume or curriculum vitae,no more than two pages long, listing any performance experience, workshop attendance or other acting work you may have done
• A copy of your most recent school report and/or results of previous tertiary studies
• A copy of the QUTpay confirmation page from your online credit card payment for the $33 service charge (Please note: Q-Step and ATSI applicants are exempt from the service fee)
• YouTube link/ DVD of your work only if you are unable to attend the first audition

Please Note: Registering plus submitting your supporting documentation with QUT is separate and in addition to listing the course as a preference with QTAC. To successfully apply for entry into this course you are required to do both. The audition process is managed by Creative Industries Faculty; however, all offers for the course will be made through QTAC in December.

Delivery details

In person

QUT Creative Industries Faculty
Z6, Level 1 The Hub-foyer delivery slots
Creative Industries Precint
Musk Avenue
Kelvin Grove, QLD 4059
(opening hours from 8am to 6pm)
 

Post

QUT Creative Industries Faculty
L Block, Room 209
Victoria Park Road
Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059

Service fee

A $33 service fee applies to all applicants, excluding applicants who seeking admission assistance via QUT’s Q-Step and/or Oodgeroo schemes. This payment is to be made via QUTPay and please ensure you print the confirmation page as you will need to attach it to your portfolio.

Frequently asked questions

I am unable to attend any of the audition locations. Is it possible for me to submit a YouTube link/ DVD of my work?

Yes, you can for the initial audition (only). If successful, you will be required to attend the recall dates in December. Please ensure your YouTube link/DVD reaches us by Friday 12 October 2012.

Information on where to send your YouTube link/DVD is part of the online registration procedure. When making your YouTube link/ DVD, you should use the following format:

1. Include a brief description of who you are, where you are from and your expectations and goals for a career in acting any why you’re choosing QUT for your course of study.
2. Perform two contrasting monologues ensuring that one monologue is shot in medium close up and one is full body. Perform monologues that you can see yourself being cast for (be it theatre or film and television).

Are there any specific audition pieces for me to prepare?

Prepare two contrasting audition pieces no more than two and a half minutes long per piece

Download the Acting Audition Pieces (PDF file, 644KB). These pieces are not compulsory. If you decide to present pieces not on the list, please choose monologues not more than three minutes in length and ensure the two pieces you choose are contrasting.

When choosing material for your audition, pick two pieces that will make us listen and feel something for you:

• How does this piece affect you?
• What emotions does the character go through?
• What does your character want?
• What are the circumstances?
• What is the character doing physically?

Am I required to present Shakespeare as my second audition piece?

You can use Shakespeare as one of your pieces if you wish, however it isn’t mandatory.

In preparation for your audition

1. Know the lines well enough so that nervousness will not paralyse you. Understand that fear and nervousness is a part of the acting process. It is the adrenaline that allows you to show your best work.
2. We encourage you to make bold choices in your interpretation and in your performance.
3. Do not use audition pieces you have devised or written yourself as those auditioning you want to see how you apply your imagination to another writer's words.
4. Do not use audition pieces extracted from poems or novels as they are mostly inherently undramatic.
5. Bring food and drink on the day
6. We encourage you to read Dean Carey's book, The Actor's Audition Manual, Currency Press. His advice on preparing and performing pieces is invaluable.

Do I have to audition in costume/make-up?

No, you don't. Nor do you need to bring props. Instead, we suggest that you:

• Wear footwear and clothing that allow you to move and work easily
• Avoid wearing jewellery that could fall off, get tangled, or become lost or damaged
• Remove any tongue or facial piercing.

How do I know if I am required to attend a recall?

The process will be explained to you at the time of your first audition.

What are we looking for in an applicant?

In auditioning potential students, QUT looks especially for the following qualities:

• Serious commitment to an acting career in stage, film and television.
• A potential for vital, individualistic, trainable growth.
• Energy, openness of mind, enthusiasm, and a readiness to take risks.
• A body, voice and imaginative/emotional powers promising significant dramatic development.
• A potential for identification with the thought process of their text.
• A sense of humour, a sense of language, a sense of rhythm, and a capacity for sustained concentration.
• A readiness for hard, rigorous work

Audition locations and dates

First audition

If you’re not submitting a DVD or YouTube audition you are required to attend one of the following auditions, depending on your location:

• Brisbane - QUT Kelvin Grove Campus, from Monday 26 until Friday 30 of November 2012
• Sydney - Sydney Actors Centre, from Friday 09 until Saturday 10 of November 2012
• Melbourne - Malthouse Theatre, Sturt St Southbank, Saturday 17 of November 2012

Recalls

If you are successful, you will receive a call back for a first recall. Successful applicants from the first recall will then be required to attend the final recall.

If you are successful in receiving a recall you must make yourself available to attend an in person audition at Brisbane, QUT Kelvin Grove Campus on one of the following dates. You will perform the same pieces from your first audition.

• First Recall - Tuesday 4 or Thursday 6 of December 2012
• Final Recall - Friday 7 of December 2012

Who do I contact for more information?

Please contact the Creative Industries Faculty by:

Phone: (07) 3138 8114 and press option 4

Email: ci.additionalentry@qut.edu.au

Course fees

Your actual fees may vary depending on which units you choose. All fees are based on current fixed fee prices. We review fees annually.

HECS-HELP: loans to help you pay your course fees

You may not have to pay anything upfront if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan.

Find out if you're eligible for a HECS-HELP loan

Scholarships and financial support

You can apply for scholarships to help you with study and living costs.

These scholarships are available for this course:

View all scholarships

You may also be eligible for Centrelink payments