FAQs
On this page you will find the answers to many common questions. If you would like to ask us a question directly, you can use the online form at the bottom of this page, e-mail info@actt.edu.au or call 02 9213 4500. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Have any famous people trained at ACTT?
The ACTT graduates most recognisable to the public on TV and Film include Firass Dirani (Pictured, in Underbelly The Golden Mile), George Houvardas (Packed to the Rafters), Leanna Walsman (Star Wars Ep. II) and Matt Holmes (Sea Patrol) and Valentino Del Toro (also a tutor) among others. We have trained renowned stage and music theatre performers including Chloe Schwank, Luke Joslin and Socratis Otto to name a few. Many of our recent graduates are now starting to break through and make a name for themselves. You might recognise some faces of our alumni on this web page. Read more about some of them here. Many ACTT alumni are out in the field establishing innovative theatre companies, taking roles in films and on TV and stage, writing, directing and producing. Our graduates leave ACTT not just with the potential to be famous but, more importantly, with the ability to make a long and fruitful career in the performing arts. To keep up to date with all the news about ACTT graduates SIGN UP TO OUR E-NEWS
Will I get an agent if I train at ACTT?
In the acting business it’s easy to get an agent but getting a good agent can make the difference between success and failure. Graduating students at ACTT perform a showcase in front of an industry audience and film an industry showreel. We help our graduating actors to navigate the process of choosing the right agent. At ACTT we stand by the training and skill of our graduating actors and as a result many of the best agents come to our productions and many ACTT graduates are offered good contracts, audition opportunities and representation upon their graduation. ACTTs best actors are often picked-up by Australia’s leading Actors' Agents. So, while we cannot guarantee that you will get an agent, at ACTT you have every chance. We feel the success of our graduates speaks for itself. READ MORE ABOUT THE PROFESSIONAL ACTOR PROGRAM
Do I get a Show Reel DVD to take home?
Absolutely. Training our Advanced Diploma graduates to deliver high quality performances on screen would be a waste if we didn’t compliment it with the best, no-expense-spared, industry-leading Show Reel in the industry (this is a series of short clips of the actors in specially chosen scenes on DVD that we distribute to agents, producers, directors and others). Throughout all your training you get a large number of specialist Screen Acting modules (for film & TV) which, in addition to all the voice, movement, accents and personalised training that you need to really make an impact and give your Show Reel added ...oomph! Final year students will have their Show Reel scenes played at special events attended by casting agents, managing agents and industry contacts. SEE THE 2011 SHOWREEL TRAILER HERE
Do I have to audition to get into ACTT?
This depends on the course you undertake. ACTT holds auditions for entry into all full time and part-time courses. No audition is required for the short course program. Technical Production applicants will be offered individual interviews and applicants to The CORE simply need to attend an acting workshop. Entry to the Professional Actor Program or Music Theatre courses at ACTT is by audition only and can be highly competitive: unlike some other acting schools, at ACTT we offer EVERY APPLICANT a private audition, with personalised attention and considered feedback. READ MORE ABOUT AUDITIONS HERE
When do Auditions for full time courses start?
Auditions and interviews for the 2012 intake into all our full-time and part-time courses are nearly finished. If you wish to apply to any of our Certificate, Diploma or Advanced Diploma courses in Acting, The CORE, Music Theatre or Technical Production you need to hurry, as the application process is competitive and the first round of applications has already filled up. There are still Audition opportunities available, so if you are not sure how best to proceed you are welcome to call our friendly and informed staff on 02 9213 4500 to discuss your options in more detail. READ MORE ABOUT AUDITIONS HERE
Will I find success if I train at ACTT?
Every individual’s success is down to their commitment to work hard but success is partly down to training. Here we use ‘The ACTT System’. This rigourous methodology has been developed and refined at the college over the past few years. It combines many effective acting techniques, including The Morris System and Meyerhold BioMechanics. Designed initially for our Advanced Diploma (Professional Actor Program) course, we have introduced elements of this system into our Certificate, Diploma and Music Theatre courses. In an industry with high rates of ‘burn-out’ we also ensure our graduates leave the college with a grounding in how to deal with the stresses and demands of professional life. READ MORE ABOUT OUR TEACHING STAFF HERE
What do ACTT students go on to other than acting?
As we have already mentioned ACTT has an impressive and exciting alumni community who work in film, stage and television as actors, directors, producers and writers. Our technical production students also work across the industry on some of the world’s leading stage productions, including “Jersey Boys”. Other students have used ACTT to help build their stage presence for other careers, including Sophie Lavers, Miss World Australia 2009. Luke Joslin has toured as Trekkie Monster with AVENUE Q (in Music Theatre). We also run a wide range of short courses from beginner to advanced level that help students who do not want a career in the performing arts, to excel in their workplaces through improved confidence, communication and presentation skills.
Do you run classes for complete beginners?
The best way to satisfy your impulse is to ACTT on it! ACTT offers a short course for the complete beginner, called Acting Essentials that offers an enjoyable foundation in all the acting skills you need to get started. Only one night per week for 8 weeks it is popular with people who are working or studying full-time and looking to ‘test the water’ in the Performing Arts. It’s manageable timewise and is a lot of fun! From thre, we have intermediate and advanced classes that can take you in whatever direction you prefer. If you’re not quite sure that you want to commit to a regular acting course, but know that you want to try it, come to one of our casual classes. We call these Drop In classes, and they’re a great way to find out about acting classes. *Drop In classes are taught by tutors from our regular classes, so you’ll experience the real thing in an active, enjoyable, 1.5 hour class. BOOK INTO A FREE ACTING WORKSHOP HERE
What makes ACTT unique?
ACTT is at the centre of a thriving artistic community of staff, students and alumni. We are an established, specialist acting school with over 50 leading expert tutors. We offer a vocational (non academic) acting pathway to a Bachelor of Arts University Degree in just four years (or Advanced Diploma after three). We transform students into confident, professional actors and music theatre performers and also offer technical production courses. We are also well connected throughout the industry at all levels (agents, directors, producers, writers, staff, students, alumni, technical student placements) and pride ourselves in being at the centre of a strong artistic community.
I am an overseas student: Can I study at ACTT?
Yes. ACTT’s full time courses are all CRICOS listed, which makes them open to students from all over the world. International students are eligible to apply for an international student visa, stay in Australia for more than three months and work for up to 20 hours a week in term time and unlimited hours in holiday periods between terms. Overseas visitors to Australia may also enrol in short courses that are less than three months duration. International students are also eligible to enrol in the one year part time CORE if they already hold a student visa for that time period. International students should email info@actt.edu.au so the college can assist them with their application, visa and other needs. INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS CLICK HERE
Can I study acting AND keep my full time job?
Yes. Our part-time course, The CORE, combines evening and Saturday classes over one year. Known formally as Certificate III in Theatre Performance and Practices, The CORE is an ideal and cost effective way to achieve a superb foundation in acting training while working full time. The CORE Part-Time caters to people who are looking for a complete acting course that develops essential skills and knowledge, provides practical hands-on projects and builds important connections within the performing arts. There are two intakes each year: the first in February, the second in July. Alternatively, you can start with our accredited part time courses Acting Essentials and Screen Acting which provide a perfect foundation. To find out more BOOK INTO A FREE ACTING WORKSHOP HERE
Can I study non-acting course at ACTT?
Yes, we have a selection of other courses including a one-year full-time Certificate IV course in Music Theatre, a one-year full-time Advanced Diploma course in Stage Management, a one-year full-time Certificate III course in Technical Production (Lighting & Sound Operations and a one-year full-time Certificate IV course in Technical Production (Lighting & Sound Operations. But also, don’t forget the part-time and full-time Certificate III in Theatre & Screen Performeance (The CORE) which is much more than an acting course and many people choose this because it’s a great all-round performance skills course that’s great for self-development and confidence ( note: some employers will contribute towards the costs of this course under corporate skills training budgets.
Can I claim my training against tax?
Because acting builds confidence, communications and presentation skills, if you are employed (or self-employed) you might be able to claim your training at ACTT as a work-related, self-education expense... Even if you’re not eligible, you could ask your employer to be a co-contributor towards your fees, or you could pay by small installments using Ezypay every week, fortnight, month or quarter, depending on your income payments. Try the ATO online self-education eligibility tool or ask your accountant about your tax eligibility and call 02 9213 4500 and talk to us about payment by installments.
Are all the courses at ACTT accredited?
All ACTT’s full time courses in Acting, Music Theatre and Technical Production along with the part time Core Certificate are fully accredited by NSW VETAB and are listed on CRICOS. Anyone completing all three levels of Acting Essentials or the two levels of Screen Acting are awarded a statement of attainment. ACTT is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) since 1993, and satisfies the national standards of the Australian Quality Training Framework (AQTF).
Do you have courses for teenagers?
Yes, but what they do depends on how they want to pursue their acting training, and what training they’ve already done. The best thing is to talk to one of our course consultants – they will be able to recommend the best course. The youngest age for entry into an ACTT course is 14 (or turning 14 in the year of the course), for our ACTIVATE youth program available to 14 to 18 year olds. All other courses have a minimum age of 18 years.
Are you close to transport?
Yes. We are located in Sydney’s Central Business District and easily accessible by public transport. Whether you arrive by train or bus, we are just a short walk from Central Station and Railway Square. ACTT is located at 505 Pitt Street just across the road from Central Station.
All domestic students can pay their fees by instalment if they cannot pay the full fees upfront. After paying the required deposit and administration fee, instalment payments are made under an agreement between the student and Ezypay Pty Ltd. Ezypay debits the student’s bank account, then forwards the payments to ACTT. ACTT also offers discounts to those students who do pay their fees in full upfront. Also, our full-time, accredited courses are Austudy approved. Conditions apply for Austudy or Abstudy assistance.
Ask us a question
Just complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible with more details.
Or you can call us on 02 9213 4500 or email info@actt.edu.au and we will be glad to help you.
