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 both Canberra and Brisbane - 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: $375
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CANBERRA - Term 1 dates:
Monday nights, 7:30pm-9:30pm
3 February - 31 March, 2025 (No class on public holiday 10/3)
Venue: Perform Australia studios, 2A Barker St, Griffith ACT
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BRISBANE - Term 1 dates
Tuesday nights, 6:45pm-8:45pm
4 February - 25 March, 2025
Venue: St Lucia Uniting Church, 7 Hawken Drive, St Lucia
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Yes, you can act!
Our goal in Acting 101 is to give you an introductory acting class that gives you confidence and supports you as you explore what it means to be an actor. Acting is an art form that anyone can learn. Whether you're looking to:
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Tap into your creativity
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Increase self-confidence
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Develop a new hobby, or
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Are curious about the industry
...you'll be able to take your first steps as an actor under the guidance of our excellent tutors.
In this eight-week course, you'll be introduced to:
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Improvisation - developing spontenaity as an actor
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Objectives and motivations - yes, you'll actually be able to ask - and answer - "What's my motivation?"
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Text analysis - how to read a script for clues about your character
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Warming up as an actor - knowing what's required, and why
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Auditions - what are they, and why the industry uses them
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Working from scripts - how to develop your character, memorise and deliver your lines, and use rehearsal processes.
Do I get to perform?
Yes, you do! - Live in our studio!
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Acting is about performance - it's about putting yourself in front of an audience or camera, and playing a role. Becoming an actor is about gaining the confidence to do these things.
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Partway through the Acting 101 course, you'll be assigned a character in a short script, and over the weeks of the course, you'll prepare yourself to perform.
But it's a low-pressure performance - we know that for many participants, it's their first one ever! And while that can be nerve-wracking, it can also be utterly exhilirating!
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Our tutors will walk you through any fears you have and will support you all the way to that performance. The performance is usually in the last week of the term, and you can invite your family or friends to come along. And then - you can enjoy their applause!
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Brisbane Tutor
Christiaan Kosmis
Originally from the Netherlands, Christiaan is known for his stage acting and musical theatre. He has appeared in many cabarets, as well as the musicals Sweet Charity, Sweeney Todd, Bring My Love To Poland, De Notenkraker, Shrek The Musical, and also in the movie, Hoboken.
Christiaan is pleased to bring you insights from the world of live performance as well as screen.
Canberra Tutor
James Scott
James Scott is an actor, director and teacher. He is co-founder and Director of Artistic Development at Perform Australia, and holds a Diploma of Performance from the Actors' College of Theatre and Television and a Master of Arts Practice in Acting from Charles Sturt University. James's performance credits include a wide range of stage and screen projects over more than 25 years of performance. Most recently he has been seen in 'Lies, Love and Hitler' (2010, 2014), 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged' (2015), 'Underneath the Lintel (2015, revived 2023), 'Henry Five' (2016), 'It's A Wonderful Life: The Live Radio Play' (2017), 'Mistakes Were Made' (2018), 'The Woman in Black' (2019), 'Danny The Champion Of The World' (2020), 'According to Mark' (2021), 'Anastasia Krupnik' (2022), and 'Waiting for Godot' (2024).
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. Whether you study in Brisbane or Canberra, you'll be taught by a wonderful professional performer who knows the ropes. You'll be 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.