Best Drama Schools in Australia

Best Drama Schools in Australia

• If you’re dedicating yourself creatively,

emotionally and financially to a course,
you want to make sure it’s worthwhile.
National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

• NIDA is the national school for acting and with that grand title comes a
grand reputation. NIDA is the training ground of many of Australia’s
leading film, theatre and TV actors.
• It’s the highest-funded drama school in the country.
• Course length: 3 years
• Notable students: Mel Gibson, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collet
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

• WAAPA has always been nibbling at NIDA’s toes. By many industry experts
it is considered the superior of Australian drama schools, and has been
steadily building it’s reputation as the place for hot new grads.
• Course length: 3 years
• Notable students: Hugh Jackman, Jai Courtney, Francis O’Connor
Actors Centre Australia (ACA)

• ACA has gone through many changes over it’s history, including a recent
relocation of the entire school.
• Headed up by Dean Carey, it offers a slightly shorter course than the rest
of the acting schools and has a strong industry focus.
• Course length: 2.5 years
• Notable student: Rose Byrne, Jonathan Lapaglia