Diploma of Performing Arts (Writing & Directing)
The Diploma of Performing Arts in Writing & Directing provides a practical introduction to storytelling, script development, and directing for live performance and screen. This course focuses on building core creative skills through hands-on projects, collaboration, and guided mentorship, preparing students for entry-level creative roles or further study.
Course Duration: 8 months full-time
Study Modes: On Campus
Campus Location: Melbourne (Collingwood), Sydney (Waterloo)
Intakes: February | June | September
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Writing & Directing)
The Bachelor of Performing Arts in Writing & Directing is an advanced, industry-focused degree for creatives ready to deepen their craft and creative skills. You’ll develop original work across writing and directing disciplines while collaborating on productions that reflect real-world creative environments, preparing you for professional careers or postgraduate pathways.
Course Duration: 2 Years full-time
Study Modes: On Campus
Campus Location: Melbourne (Collingwood), Sydney (Waterloo)
Intakes: February | June | September
Melbourne - Collingwood
Collarts’ Melbourne campuses in Collingwood place Writing & Directing students at the centre of the city’s theatre, film, and live performance scene. Students work in rehearsal studios, performance spaces, and collaborative creative rooms that support writing, directing, and production development.
On campus, students develop scripts, workshop scenes, direct performers, and stage original work. With strong cross-discipline collaboration and regular production outcomes, Melbourne-based students gain practical experience creating and directing work in professional-style environments.
Sydney - Waterloo
At Collarts’ Sydney campus in Waterloo, as a Writing & Directing student, you’ll learn in modern creative facilities designed for rehearsal, directing, and production. The campus features flexible rehearsal spaces, performance areas, and collaborative studios that reflect current industry practice.
Use on-campus facilities to write, rehearse, and direct original work while developing creative leadership and communication skills. Located close to Sydney’s performing arts and screen industries, the Waterloo campus supports hands-on learning and professional creative pathways.
Choosing the Right Qualification For You
Choosing the right Writing & Directing course depends on your creative goals, timeframe, and how you want to work as a storyteller. Whether you’re starting out in performance and screen, developing original scripts, or aiming to lead creative productions, Collarts offers Writing & Directing qualifications designed to support different stages of your creative journey.
Diploma
The Diploma of Performing Arts in Writing & Directing is an ideal entry point for emerging writers and directors. This course focuses on foundational skills in story development, scriptwriting, directing performers, and rehearsal practice, making it well suited to beginners, career changers, or those seeking a fast, practical pathway into the performing arts. If studied full-time the diploma can be complete in 8 months. You’ll gain hands-on experience creating and directing original work while building confidence in collaboration, creative communication, and production processes.
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Bachelor
The Bachelor of Performing Arts in Writing & Directing provides more in-depth education and training for students seeking a comprehensive creative degree. With a strong emphasis on original work, creative leadership, and industry-aligned projects, this course supports the development of distinctive creative voices across theatre and screen. You’ll work on productions, collaborate across disciplines, and graduate prepared for professional writing and directing careers or further creative study.
LEARN MOREEntry Requirements and Eligibility
Collarts Writing & Directing courses do not require an ATAR, making them accessible to students from a wide range of educational and creative backgrounds.
We use an admissions process focussed on your skills, potential and interests. At Collarts we look beyond academic results to identify applicants with strong storytelling instincts, creative curiosity, collaboration skills, and an interest in writing and directing for performance or screen.
Application pathways include:
Direct applications for domestic and international students
Year 12 applicants applying through VTAC or UAC
After submitting an application for a Diploma or Bachelor of Performing Arts (Writing & Directing), a Collarts Future Student Advisor will contact you to discuss your creative interests, study goals, and next steps in the application process.
Successful applicants will receive a formal offer to commence their chosen Writing & Directing qualification at Collarts.
Speak with a Future Student Advisor for any questions at 1300 818 777 or admissions@collarts.edu.au
Why Study Writing & Directing at Collarts?
Studying Writing & Directing at Collarts gives you practical skills to develop original stories and lead productions for stage and screen. You’ll build experience in scriptwriting, directing performers, and creative collaboration through hands-on projects in professional facilities. Guided by industry-experienced educators, you’ll graduate with a strong creative portfolio and the confidence to pursue careers in writing, directing, and contemporary performing arts.
Industry-Led Learning
Learn from experienced writers, directors, and creative practitioners who bring current industry knowledge and professional insight into the classroom.
Professional On-Campus Facilities
Create and develop work in rehearsal studios, performance spaces, and collaborative creative environments designed to support writing, directing, and production workflows.
Hands-On Live Productions
Write, rehearse, and direct original work through live productions and practical projects that mirror real-world creative processes in collaboration with students studying other disciplines including acting, screen and media, and stage management.