The National Drama School
Advanced Diploma of Acting - 10884NAT
The Advanced Diploma of Acting (10884NAT) is a nationally accredited, full-time, professional training course that prepares students for careers as actors and performance makers in theatre, film, television and new media.
The new two-year Advanced Diploma provides an intensive immersion focussed on the craft of acting for stage and screen.
Students work closely with a range of Industry professionals undertaking a rigorous program of actor training.
Students are encouraged to work with passion and engagement, demonstrate a strong commitment to develop their own individual approach, and to continuously refine their professional goals.
Year 1 – The Development Year
In your first year you will develop your craft, undertaking intensive training in acting, voice, movement and performance making.
- You will study acting techniques for stage and screen, including the Stanislavski and Michael Chekhov techniques.
- You will learn to connect with and trust your instincts and develop connections with your ensemble.
- Movement techniques, including Feldenkrais, the Suzuki actor training method and contact improvisation will develop your physical sensitivity, presence, precision and power.
- Linklater voice training will free your voice and extend your vocal range and expression.
- Your first year culminates in the creation of a solo performance in which you showcase your acting and performance making skills.
Year 2 – The Showcase Year
In the second year you undertake a concentrated year of Showcase performances that extend your skills, hone your craft and showcase your work to industry leaders.
Term 1:  Filming of Professional Showreels and Self-tape Classes.  Working with industry experts you’ll be guided through the process of bringing authenticity to your screen acting and self-tape performances.
Term 2:  Shakespearean performance. Engage with heightened performance text, enhance and refine your stage performance skills.
Term 3: Showcase Performance on The National Theatre Mainstage working with a leading Industry director. Your ensemble will present a contemporary performance on the mainstage at The National Theatre. Scenes from this performance will be professionally filmed as part of your showcase package to be featured on the website.
Term 4: Group devised performance presented at an external venue. This performance will be developed in collaboration with your ensemble during your final year and directed by a performance-making specialist.
Throughout the year you will connect with industry leaders through guest talks and masterclasses. You’ll refine your audition skills and develop self tapes, and freelance skills to be an entrepreneurial artist. You’ll graduate from the program with a series of professional headshots, showreels, and professional-level performance and performance-making experience.
