Bachelor of Dramatic Art

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Bachelor of Dramatic Art

Duration: 3 years full-time/6 years part-time

Credit Points: 144 credit points

Delivery: On campus

Available to: Domestic (FEE-HELP available)/International

English: IELTS 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0)

CRICOS Code: 054987E

Tuition Fee: International students: $11,900 semester/$71,400 total tuition fee

AQF: Level 7

Associate Degree of Dramatic Art

Duration: 2 years full-time/4 years part-time

Credit Points: 96 credit points

Delivery: On campus

Available to: Domestic (FEE-HELP available)/International

English: IELTS 6.0 (with no band less than 6.0)

CRICOS Code: 081416E

Tuition Fee: International students: $11,900 semester/$47,600 total tuition fee

AQF: Level 6

Course overview

At Excelsia University College, we understand the immense potential of theatre and screen as dynamic avenues for creative expression and profound impact. Our Bachelor of Dramatic Art is meticulously crafted to ignite the spark of creativity and launch graduates into vibrant careers in the arts sector.

Uniquely designed, this program empowers you with a rich blend of practical, theoretical, and entrepreneurial skills essential for success. Our seasoned industry professionals will guide you on a transformative journey, whether your passion lies in production or as an actor. We foster an environment where your creative aspirations flourish, helping you unleash your artistic potential and chart a course towards an exciting career in the performing arts industry.

Career opportunities

Using the skills (and, in some cases, with further study) our current graduates have secured, and future graduates are expected to secure, employment at entry level as:

Actor
Director
Stage manager
Theatre technician
Writer
Producer
Dramaturg
Festival director
Voice over artist
Art department assistant (TV and film)
Production assistant (TV and film)
Drama teacher with further postgraduate qualifications in teaching and research

Practical experience

Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Dramatic Art can participate in a study abroad OZ to LA experience. Throughout the program, students will be immersed in the heart of the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. OZ to LA offers aspiring actors the opportunity to spend three months in a vibrant and dynamic acting school working with industry experts, renowned Meisner coaches, and directors. Students have opportunities to explore iconic film studios, attend live performances and gain exclusive insight through guest lectures and workshops.

Drama students super cut

What do our students say?

‘Studying drama at Excelsia means I am able to pursue all my passions to learn both the acting side of theatre, as well as the backstage side. We learn how to create a piece of theatre, be a director or a stage manager, or even be the designer, whether it be in costume, set or props. There is a chance for anyone who loves theatre to do what they are interested in. Coming into this course I thought I knew what I wanted to do, however now I really want to try everything and I have learned so much in only a year. The lecturers care so much and truly want to help in any way they can. There is also free counselling on site (with a therapy dog). Excelsia is truly a very special place to study, and I’m very excited for the years to come.’

Jessica Looyen

Bachelor of Dramatic Art alumnus

Two Strands

The Bachelor of Dramatic Art is a specialist degree with a holistic approach to theatre training. We seek to integrate higher education with professional development and spiritual formation in a supportive and caring environment. It provides an extensive introduction to all the major aspects of theatre.

The course is offered with two major strands of specialisation that students can choose depending on their passion and interests: Performance Practice and Theatre Practice.

Performance Practice

In three transformative years, our practical acting program empowers passionate performers for national and global stages and screens. Join a collaborative ensemble of like-minded actors, guided by dedicated teachers and industry pros. Here, creativity flourishes, providing a secure space to hone your craft and master collaboration.

We celebrate your uniqueness as an actor, equipping you with diverse skills in acting, voice, movement, storytelling, and directing. Our dynamic faculty and guest artists offer contemporary industry insights, including immersive exercises, scene work, and multiple live performances.

An extraordinary opportunity awaits if you choose our OZ to LA program, spending 3 months studying screen acting in Hollywood, gaining hands-on knowledge of the film and TV industry. Your final year culminates in a short film and graduation show, showcasing your versatility.

Upon completion, you’ll emerge as a flexible, future-ready artist, equipped for a lifelong career in the dramatic arts.

Theatre Practice

The Theatre Practice major is a dynamic journey for aspiring theatre-makers. Through this program, you’ll receive comprehensive training in various facets of the dramatic arts, including acting, directing, design, scriptwriting, stage management, and producing.

In the first year, you will explore the foundational aspects of acting, becoming immersed in a variety of techniques and methods. You will also gain introductory insights into a diverse range of theatrical disciplines. From the second year onwards, our program’s unique flexibility empowers you to follow your passion. You’ll acquire the skills and knowledge needed to craft original works, establish your own theatre companies, and put your creative visions into action through participation in multiple productions.

You will also have the opportunity to engage in industry placements, which provide invaluable real-world experience and foster valuable connections for future employment. Upon completion, you’ll emerge empowered and equipped to step confidently into the industry – well above industry standards – and ready to make your mark in the arts industry.

For detailed descriptions of course units, please download the Dramatic Art brochure.

Year 1 – FOUNDATIONS OF PERFORMANCE AND CRAFT

Year 1 Program units

Y1 Semester 1

Acting Fundamentals: Foundations of the Actor I
Develop confidence and stage presence through improvisation, scene work, and acting techniques. Learn to embody characters, respond to given circumstances, and refine your craft with constructive feedback.

The Expressive Body: Voice and Movement I
Train your voice and body to enhance performance, ensuring clear projection and fluid movement. Explore breath control, physical expression, and vocal techniques essential for compelling acting.

Introduction to Creative and Technical Storytelling in Performance
Discover how performance, direction, design, and technical elements come together to create impactful storytelling. Gain hands-on experience in theatrical production and learn how to bring stories to life on stage.

Designing Worlds: Introduction to Stage Design
Learn the fundamentals of stage design, from set construction to prop creation. Develop technical and artistic skills to design immersive theatrical environments.

Y1 Semester 2

Deepening the Craft: Foundations of the Actor II
Advance your character development skills by tackling complex scenes and monologues. Apply advanced acting techniques such as objectives, obstacles, and actions to bring depth and authenticity to performances.

The Dynamic Body: Voice and Movement II
Expand your vocal and movement abilities with advanced exercises to enhance flexibility, expressiveness, and control. Integrate physical and vocal techniques to create more dynamic and emotionally resonant performances.

Staging the Past: Theatre History I
Explore the evolution of Western theatre, from ancient Greek drama to the Renaissance. Understand how historical performance styles influence contemporary storytelling.

Behind the Scenes: Fundamentals of Stage Management
Learn the key responsibilities of a stage manager, from scheduling to coordinating technical elements. Gain the organisational and leadership skills needed to run a smooth production.

Year 2 – EXPANSION AND APPLICATION

Year 2 Program units

Y2 Semester 1

Character in Action: The Advanced Actor
Master psychological realism and deepen your emotional range through complex scene work. Strengthen your ability to transform physically and mentally into different roles.

The Empowered Body: Voice and Movement III
Enhance vocal resonance and physical expressiveness with advanced training in movement (Laban, Viewpoints) and voice (accents, breath control). Strengthen your ability to fully embody characters on stage and screen.

Performance Practice A: Combined Production
Apply your acting training in a fully staged production, working with directors, designers, and technical teams. Gain real-world experience in a collaborative performance environment.

The Visionary Director: The Foundations of Directing for Theatre
Step into the director’s role and learn the fundamentals of leading actors and staging scenes. Develop leadership, creative vision, and technical skills essential for directing live theatre.

Y2 Semester 2

The Actor on Screen: Foundations of Film Acting I (or Industry Placement Oz to LA)
Transition from stage to screen by learning on-camera techniques, subtle performance styles, and industry expectations. Develop screen presence, continuity skills, and audition techniques for film and television.

Industry Placement Oz to LA (Elective alternative to The Actor on Screen: Foundations of Film Acting I or II)
Train in Los Angeles with industry professionals, refining your on-camera technique and auditioning skills. Gain valuable insights into the global film and TV industry while building a professional network.

The Resonant Body: Voice and Movement IV
Further refine your vocal projection, resonance, and physical control for advanced performance demands. Develop expressive power and stamina to sustain emotionally intense roles.

Performance Practice B: Shakespeare Production
Master classical acting techniques and perform in a fully staged Shakespearean production. Learn how to interpret Shakespeare’s language, rhythm, and themes for modern audiences.

Formation I: Living with Purpose: Faith, Learning, Community and the Common Good

This core unit supports the holistic development of students within a Christian higher education context. It equips students to be intentional about their life-choices and helps students explore how faith and service can shape the learning communities that they create. It encourages students to reflect on Christlike Kingdom values including justice, compassion and human dignity.

Year 3 – REFINEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (for bachelor degree only)

Year 3 Program units

Y3 Semester 1

The Actor on Screen: Foundations of Film Acting II
Further develop your screen-acting craft with complex character work and advanced camera techniques. Refine your ability to deliver authentic, naturalistic performances for film and television.

The Integrated Body: Voice and Movement V
Achieve full integration of movement and voice to create seamless, embodied performances. Strengthen your ability to adapt physically and vocally to a range of professional acting challenges.

On Camera: Film Project
Collaborate with Bachelor of Screen Production students on a professionally shot short film. Gain industry experience in film acting and learn the technical aspects of on-set performance.

Performance Practice C: Combined Production
Take on leading roles in a fully realised theatre production, applying your refined acting, voice, and movement skills. Work collaboratively with directors, designers, and crew to create a polished performance.

Y3 Semester 2

The Master Performer: Advanced Acting Technique (or Industry Placement Oz to LA)
Refine your craft through intensive scene work and solo performances, developing a distinctive performance style. Master advanced techniques to create emotionally compelling and technically precise roles.

Industry Placement Oz to LA (Elective alternative to The Actor on Screen: Foundations of Film Acting II)
Train in Los Angeles with internationally recognised coaches, gaining hands-on experience in screen acting and industry networking. Learn how to secure representation, audition effectively, and navigate the entertainment industry.

The Masterful Body: Voice and Movement VI
Attain full command over your physical and vocal expression for professional performance demands. Refine movement precision, vocal strength, and storytelling through body and voice.

Performance Practice D: Graduation Production
Showcase your acting expertise in a final industry-facing production. Demonstrate your professional skills in a high-stakes performance setting.

Formation II: Designing My Creative Career

This unit provides students with the opportunity to critically reflect on how a Christian framework can guide their creative and business practices and enable them to proactively draw from biblical principles to undergird their business aspirations. Through a multidisciplinary lens, this unit investigates the spiritual, mental, physical, financial, social, and career management competencies required to build a sustainable career in the arts in Australia.