Short Courses In Acting

Perform Australia runs a range of short courses in acting and related fields every year, in Brisbane and Canberra.

If you're looking to:

Upskill in a particular area as a performer
Try an acting class for the first time
Explore yourself creatively
Meet new people
Experience what it means to take your skills to the stage or screen

we'll have an option for you!

Every year Perform Australia offers a suite of short courses on evenings and weekends across a range of topics, like acting technique, acting for camera, how to audition, scriptwriting, voiceover artistry and podcasting, stage combat, theatre acting and more.

Most of our courses happen within school terms.

Keep an eye on this page to see what's coming up!

Beginner's acting class, age 16-adult

Acting 101

The perfect acting course for beginners who are curious about acting! You'll be introduced to the fundamentals of acting through a range of drama games, acting activities and... a mini-performance in the last week! You'll learn about what an actor does, how to work with scripts, how to improvise, and much more.

Canberra & Brisbane locations. Available every term.

Screen acting course

On Screen

Want to learn how to act for film and television? In this amazing introductory course, you'll gain a great understanding of the techniques you need as an actor to succeed in this field.

Canberra, 29 April to 24 June, 2025

Short film course for actors

Screen Experience

In this class, you'll learn about an actor's role and responsibilities in a film project, while you work on your screen acting technique. Under the guidance of a professional director, you'll play a role in a fully produced short film which can then become part of your actor's portfolio.

Canberra, 29 July to 21 September, 2025

Acting technique

The Elements of Acting

Want to learn how to develop "real", natural performances for stage and screen, that draw on emotion and captivate your audience? We show you how, in The Elements of Acting! Taught by Perform Australia's Director of Artistic Development, James Scott.

Canberra, 31 July to 23 September, 2025

Theatrical makeup workshop

Intro to Stage Makeup

Actors working on independent productions for stage and screen sometimes need to do their own makeup. In this weekend workshop, you'll learn some skincare essentials, as well as how to age your face, create bruises and scars and add some character traits.

Canberra, dates coming soon.

Auditions Workshop

Auditions: The Keys To Success

If you're keen to learn about auditioning and refine your technique, this weekend workshop will help you understand industry expectations. Self-taping, screen tests and live auditions are covered.

Canberra, 18-19 October

Past Short Courses

Scriptwriting course

How to write a script

Learn the principles of scriptwriting in this weekend intensive. By the end of the course you'll have learned about script format, character, dialogue, and other important elements of drama. You'll have all the tools you need to write a short play or short film. Taught by playwright Elizabeth Avery Scott.

Canberra, 7-9 February, 2025

Voiceover Weekend Workshop

Voiceover Artistry

Would you like to know what it means to be a voiceover artist? In this Saturday/Sunday workshop, you'll learn about vocal technique, microphone technique, different types of 'reads', and ways into the industry. Taught by broadcaster and podcaster Jen Seyderhelm.

Canberra, 22-23 February

Script analysis course

The Actor's Process

A lot of actors run on instinct - without any technique to back them up. If you're ready to add technique to your toolkit as an actor, then you need to join 'The Actor's Process'! In this class you'll learn a process you can use every single time you meet a new script.

Canberra, 11 February to 1 April, 2025

Improvised Theatre

Back To Improv

If you've ever wanted to try improvised theatre, now is the time! Learn to tap into your creativity, think on your feet, work dynamically with scene partners, and bring ideas to life on stage. Enjoy a performance for family and friends in the last week. This course is for people with some past acting experience.

Canberra, 12 February to 19 March, 2025

Stage combat workshop

Stage Combat Intensive

Fighting, hitting, fainting, dying... it's all part of the illusion of making movies and theatre. In this weekend intensive with Jim Punnett, you'll learn some of the physical feats of stage fighting.

Canberra, 3-4 May, 2025

Short Courses In Acting

Past Short Courses

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