Diploma of Performing Arts

Fast track your creative career with the Diploma of Performing Arts (Writing & Directing) at Collarts. A hands-on alternative to a longer bachelor degree, designed for emerging theatre makers, this diploma focuses on practical skills, studio based learning and real industry outcomes from day one. You’ill write, direct and develop original work while gaining a deep understanding of theatre studies, dramaturgy and contemporary performance practice.

Through shared studios and production environments, you learn by doing, building confidence in rehearsal room processes, directing actors, collaborating with designers and guiding technical teams. Acting foundations and theatre making units strengthen your ability to communicate with performers and bring scripts to life on stage.

With a strong emphasis on career readiness, the diploma develops pitching, grant writing and collaborative skills aligned to current industry expectations. Graduating sooner means you can enter the creative workforce faster, with a professional portfolio, industry connections and the practical experience needed to work across writing, directing and independent theatre practice.

Voted as Australia's #1 provider of creative arts courses for Teaching Quality and Engagement, Collarts will get you there.

Are you a born storyteller? Our Writing & Directing course is designed for those who can’t wait to write, direct, and create original work for the stage - or breathe new life into contemporary texts and the classics.  

Our experienced lecturers, who are currently working in the industry as writers, directors, and award-winning theatre artists, will help you to find your voice and shape your own unique style.

This comprehensive course covers directing and production, theatre studies and dramaturgy, playwriting workshops and script assessing - helping you to build an in-depth knowledge of both writing and bringing a script to life as a director, while laying the blueprint for character, action, performance and production. Learn techniques in rehearsal room practices, directing actors, working with designers, guiding technicians in world-building and bringing transformative stories to life. 

Our courses are made to help make you career-ready with pitching and grant writing, and you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sought-after industry placements. You’ll also collaborate with students from other courses to develop a well-rounded understanding of the arts and entertainment industries, and build valuable creative connections to become the theatre-maker of the future.