Acting 101
If you've been wondering... Can I do it? Can I act? The answer is, yes, you can!
Perform Australia's 'Acting 101' acting course for beginners runs in Canberra - and it's the best place for you to start your journey as an actor!
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Through drama games, script work, improvisation and vocal exercise, you'll cover the fundamentals of acting for stage and screen from the ground up.
Duration: 8 weeks
​For: People interested in exploring acting. Minimum age 16.
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Cost: $380
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CANBERRA - Term 1 2026 dates:
Monday nights, 7:30pm-9:30pm
2 February – 30 March (No class on public holiday 9 March)
Venue: Perform Australia Studios, Shop 12/38 Reed St N, Greenway ACT​​​
Your Tutor
Piumi Wijesundara
Piumi Wijesundara is a theatre-maker creating socially conscious devised work as a director and actor, with credits across Australia, the UK and Rwanda. She holds a Master of Arts in Directing from East 15 Acting School (UK) and also trained at the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts.
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In addition to being a teaching artist with Perform Australia, Piumi is Programs Producer at Cultural Facilities Corporation, and previously managed young people’s acting programs at NIDA Open (Sydney). She also served as Co-Artistic Director of Stages Theatre Group (Sri Lanka). Her notable directing credits include Awa/Kaawa/Giya, award-winning Ovaryacting! (Colombo, Sri Lanka), and performances in Girls at Checkpoints (Mercury Theatre UK), Thought Curfew (Rwanda), and Ruins (Belvoir St. Theatre/ Seymour Centre Sydney).
Piumi also researches technology and performance with the University of Canberra’s Collaborative Robotics Lab and is a 2025 Diversity Arts Australia Shifting the Balance recipient.
Reasons to do this course
1 / It'll be lively and entertaining.
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!
2 / Your tutor knows what they're talking about.
If you want to learn acting, you want to learn from someone who knows what they're talking about. You'll be taught by a wonderful professional performer who knows the ropes. You're in good hands.
3 / No crazy actor types in class.
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, retirees, and students. It's a mixed bag of ordinary people, just like you. You'll fit right in.
4 / You'll tap into your creativity.
You'll find that acting unlocks your creative, playful side. If that's been sitting dormant for awhile - never fear! Acting 101 is a great way to switch on your creative psyche.
5/ You might even discover a new hobby or career.
People who've completed Acting 101 have gone on to:
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Participate in local amateur theatre productions and short films
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Become more confident as public speakers
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Found they have become more outgoing, and
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Some have even pursued further study in acting and later become professional actors.
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You never know where you'll end up! But for now - just enjoy the fun of it.
Ready to enrol?
YES, I'D LIKE TO ENROL!
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​TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENROLMENT IN THIS COURSE
1. I understand that by signing up to this course I am expected to commit to all scheduled classes, rehearsals and performances.
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2. I will notify Perform Australia by phone or email if I am sick or unable to attend a class. I understand I will not be able to attend a class if I am experiencing any signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
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3. I agree to pay all my fees before the course begins, unless arranged otherwise with the Perform Australia office (phone 1300 908 905).
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4. If a tutor is unable to attend a lesson, I understand Perform Australia may provide a substitute teacher.
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5. If, due to unforeseen circumstance the course needs to be postponed, Perform Australia will make every effort to contact me in advance to ask whether I would like a refund, or to transfer my enrolment to a new course date.
6. If I withdraw from the course after it has started, I understand I am not entitled to a refund.
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7. If I enrol into a course, but do not show up to any classes, I am not entitled to a refund.
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8. I understand that if the course is cancelled by Perform Australia, Perform Australia will arrange a refund for me.
To enrol, click 'Enrol Now' below. This will take you to our portal page. Set up your portal (click 'Register') and you will be able to enrol in the class.
Enrolment is only secure once payment has been made.