Outrage and fear: QUT’s cuts following a national trend

QUT's announcement of changes to its performing arts programs comes at a time when courses may be suffering a crisis nationally.
Under new recommendations, opportunities to appear on stage like these QUT students may no longer be an option for the university. Image: QUT Acting.

Last week, Queensland University of Technology (QUT) released the results of its internal review of performing arts programs. Its decision to cut its dance major and refocus its drama and acting programs has caused angst among some alumni and industry, but sources close to ArtsHub say the shift is less dramatic than it seems. 

The removal of the dance major directly responds to a rapid decline in enrolments. The report also bluntly assesses the current acting and drama programs. It encourages the removal of stage acting from the acting program, instead focusing solely on screen and digital performance. 

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David Burton is a writer from Meanjin, Brisbane. David also works as a playwright, director and author. He is the playwright of over 30 professionally produced plays. He holds a Doctorate in the Creative Industries.