A beginner's acting course
If you've been wondering... Can I do it? Can I act? The answer is, yes, you can!
Perform Australia's 'Acting 101' course in Canberra is the best place for you to start your journey as an actor! Get out of your skin and find the performer within.
Through drama games, script work, improvisation and vocal exercise, you'll cover the fundamentals of acting for stage and screen from the ground up.
Prepare to play!
WHEN: 7:30pm-9:30pm, Monday nights, 29 April through to 1 July. No classes on public holidays.
DURATION: 8 weeks
VENUE: Perform Australia Studios, 2A Barker St, Griffith ACT 2603
COST: $365
Need a little light in your life? Acting 101 is it. Expect to be lively. Bring your sense of humour to class - because your tutor is going to make you laugh sometimes - as will your classmates - and no doubt you'll also laugh at yourself! Part of the fun is that there'll be quite a few activities that feel like games, because they're a great way to learn acting skills. But you'll also work with scripts and learn about the 'serious' work of the actor!
If you want to learn acting, you want to learn from someone who knows what they're talking about.
Your tutor is Jena Prince. She is a director, movement specialist and teaching-artist. She is passionate about creating extraordinary theatre with students. She has a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology/Drama) from the University of Queensland, part of which involved a semester abroad studying acting at the University of California, Berkeley. Jena has been teaching acting since 2007 and is currently a teaching-artist with Canberra Theatre Centre, Imagination Theatre, the Australian Theatre for Young People, and Sydney Theatre Company. She has also directed, choreographed, and run many specialty workshops for high schools throughout Sydney and Canberra.
One of the things you might be worrying about is that your acting class will be full of kooky actor-types. Weird characters who are a bit "out there", with intimidating, wacky personalities... Want to know the truth? Acting 101 is usually full of public servants, tradies, school leavers, over-50s, stay-at-home mums, and students. It's a mixed bag of ordinary people, just like you. You'll fit right in.
Your average Acting 101 class will start with a warm-up - perhaps a physical or vocal warm-up, or even a game.
Then there'll be some learning - something about the aspect of acting technique you're be working on that week.
You'll do a range of exercises and activities to consolidate the learning.
Then you might work on rehearsing a script for your little performance at the end of the term.
Expect to connect with others, working in groups and individually.
Yes, you do! - Live in our studio!
But it's a low-pressure performance - for most participants, it's their first one ever! So we know that can be challenging for you. The performance usually in the last week of the term, and you can invite your family or friends to come along and see you (or not!).
You'll be in a little scene, most likely with one or two other people. So yes, there are some lines to learn - but your tutor will guide you every step of the way, working with you every week to help you make the most of your performance. Everybody gets nervous about the prospect of being in a show - that's COMPLETELY NORMAL.
But there'll be lots of encouragement and learning along the way. And it's OK to make mistakes. Plus you'll have the buzz of getting up on stage and strutting your stuff!
Perform Australia Studios, 2A Barker St, Griffith ACT 2603
Acting requires you to stand up in front of others. For some people, that's a scary prospect. But for others, that's just where they want to be. They want the courage to do that boldly and confidently. To play a role on stage. To become a character, someone different from yourself. Acting 101 will help you do just that.
Acting helps you develop communication skills, creative thinking skills, and team skills as you work with others to create a performance. From there, self-confidence grows. These are the wonderful side-effects of being involved in dramatic art.
When you do a course at Perform Australia, you meet your "tribe". You'll meet other actors - people to network with, to work on projects with, and simply to dialogue with. Our students say they enjoy being a part of our artistic community.
"I just wanted thank you guys... I enrolled and attended your 'Acting 101' class last year. I had no experience whatsoever in theatre and acting.
"After attending the course, I later auditioned for the lead role of “Jesus” in the local production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'... I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to play the role. I believe the experience I gained with your classes gave me the confidence and ability to perform under the audition pressure - so thank you for your great work."
- David
"Acting 101 has been the best introduction to acting - I always wanted to try, but never had the chance till now. The classes were fun and friendly and I really felt like I could get involved in all the activities without being shy. It was great! Highly recommend."
- Kylie
Term Dates
29th April - 1st July
No classes on public holidays.
To enrol, simply complete the form below
