Study a Diploma of Performing Arts in Acting at Collarts, and immerse yourself in hands-on acting training, performance creation and industry-informed learning.
8
4
On Campus
June 2026
Melbourne (Collingwood) and Sydney (Waterloo)
The Diploma of Performing Arts (Acting) at Collarts provides a practical foundation in acting, performance, and creative collaboration, preparing you for further study and entry into the performing arts industry. From day one, you’ll develop essential skills in theatre studies, improvisation, writing for performance, voice, movement, technical theatre, and directing, building the core techniques required for professional performance.
Guided by industry-recognised actors, directors, and theatre-makers, you’ll gain hands-on training that strengthens your ability to use your body and voice effectively on stage. The course also builds your confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills, helping you grow as both a performer and a creative collaborator.
You’ll work on real productions and cross-disciplinary projects through Collarts’ industry partnerships, gaining valuable live performance experience while connecting with a supportive and professional creative community.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be equipped to pursue opportunities as an emerging actor in theatre and live performance, supported by your practical training, performance portfolio, and industry networks developed throughout the diploma.
Voted as Australia's #1 provider of creative arts courses for Teaching Quality and Engagement, Collarts will get you there.
Explore Collarts' in-depth courses and discover your creative future. Speak with a careers consultant or download our course guide today.
A creative journey that fast-tracks your way to the spotlight.
Our Diploma of Performing Arts is a program nestled within a suite of Diploma's degrees in Acting, Writing and Directing, and Stage Management.
In just eight months, you'll gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to set you up for success on stage and beyond in acting, stage performing, and all things theatre.
Throughout this Performing Arts in Acting Diploma, you will:
Build a strong foundation in acting, movement, voice and stagecraft, gaining confidence in live and recorded performance.
Develop broad and practical knowledge of performance techniques, creative methodologies and the core principles that shape contemporary acting practice.
Analyse acting theories, rehearsal processes and artistic approaches while exploring how cultural and creative ideas influence performance.
Communicate your craft through expressive, purposeful performance suited to different audiences, settings and storytelling styles.
Refine your acting skills through creative experimentation, innovation and reflective practice that deepens your artistic range.
Gain real-world experience through industry engagement opportunities and hands-on performance projects.
Collaborate with students across creative disciplines to build versatile skills and expand your artistic network.
Study on campus with access to Collarts’ purpose-built studios, rehearsal spaces and production facilities.
No ATAR requirement and no individual subject or score requirements.
Acting can be an unpredictable industry. In order to build a sustainable and viable career in acting, you need to be flexible, resilient and open to using your transferable skills while you are waiting for the next acting job.
Portray characters in theatre, film, TV, commercials and live performances. Interpret scripts, rehearse scenes, collaborate with directors and fellow performers, and bring storytelling to life through movement, voice and emotion.
Voice actors use vocal skills to perform character voices for animation, video games, radio, commercials and audiobooks. Interpret scripts, deliver expressive performances purely through voice, and often record in studio settings. Strong vocal control, versatility, and timing are essential.
Roles such as event MC, kids’ entertainer, or immersive experience actor. Engage audiences directly, perform scripted or improvised entertainment, and often adapt performance style to suit event contexts (parties, corporate functions, experiences)
A theatre director, dramaturge and acting coach, Briony is an arts leader with particular focus on interpreting her experience as artist practitioner into educator. Briony's most recent position was Literary Manager at Theatre Works where she was also Festival Director of the Radical Acts playwriting festival.
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Nicholas Coghlan is an accomplished teaching artist, actor, and creative producer with over two decades of experience across stage, screen, education, and the creative industries. His career spans acting, arts leadership, and multidisciplinary practice, including producing theatre and film, directing creative companies, and running his own professional photography business.
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A NIDA graduate, Justin has over 30 years of experience in the industry, working with companies such as Belvoir Street, the STC, Queensland Ballet, and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Justin has years experience in teaching production, and as an academic researcher for Indigenous Arts and Culture.
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Experience life at Collarts through a vibrant creative community shaped by industry insight, cultural relevance and real-world learning—explore campuses, events and student life via Collarts Life. This ethos is embedded throughout our courses, including the Bachelor of Graphic and Digital Design.
Student life at Collarts mirrors real-world creative industries, offering a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment where students learn alongside peers from across the creative spectrum. From hands-on projects to campus events, students are supported by dedicated wellbeing and academic services throughout their studies. Discover what student life at Collarts is all about and how it shapes your Bachelor experience via Student Life at Collarts.
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"It's a community that fosters all of these new creatives that want to put stuff into the world."
Join an online or in person information session to meet your teaching staff, visit the campuses, and ask questions.
Your Diploma of Performing Arts course can’t wait. Neither can you.