Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting)

Duration

2 years (6 trimesters) accelerated

Locations

Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

Fees

FEE-HELP Available

Domestic Fees

International Fees

Intake Dates

February, June
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International

CRICOS 104616C

JMC welcomes from all over the world.
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JMC's Acting program will prepare you to pursue a professional and sustainable career in performance - preparing not only the actor's knowledge and skill base but also the actor's process to meet the specific needs and nuances in this changing and diversifying performing arts industry.

The program has been developed by industry-leading experts as an address to an everchanging and constantly diversifying performing arts sector within Australia’s creative landscape, taking a contemporary and career driven approach to higher education in performance.

The systems taught at JMC involve unique and dynamic processes of learning that will equip you with a robust and logical pathway to producing theatrical and cinematic performance. We are committed to nurturing versatility and flexibility for our graduates, enabling them to move with confidence between a variety of performance media, locations and contexts.

Course Structure

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CURRICULUM

Foundations (Trimesters 1 & 2)

The Acting Foundation - ACT201

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit introduces the student to the foundation principles of acting, which provide the base from which the actor begins to build their process.

This acting foundation describes freedom and availability as core principles of the actor’s process. This approach to the work requires self-awareness to identify personal limitations or habitual behaviours and to then apply preparatory techniques to enable the actor to respond to stimulus moment to moment.

Students will undertake a range of practical preparation activities and exercises to develop these core skills, as well as developing conceptual understanding of these foundation principles and how these form the basis of the actor’s work. These foundation skills will be applied through both theatre and screen performance exercises and activities.

Small Theatre Company Production - ACT211A

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit builds upon the core foundation and introductory knowledge and skill developed in Trimester 1 and introduces the craft of theatre performance. This unit culminates in a performance of a contemporary Australian theatre text(s).

Craft skills of the actor involve meeting the obligations of a performance text and developing a role throughout a rehearsal period. Craft also requires the actor to apply acting principles and techniques to an audition context and whilst collaborating with a director, fellow performers and crew in meeting the performance and technical requirements of a theatre production.

Students will participate in the rehearsal and production of a contemporary Australian performance text. Knowledge and skills in the areas of; audition technique, research and analysis of a text, technical and blocking requirements, managing a script journal, taking direction and collaborating with others will be integrated through the rehearsal

Introduction to Voice and Movement - ACT202A

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit supports the Acting foundation and incorporates voice and movement training into the development of the acting process.

The synthesis of acting, voice and movement builds the essential embodiment of acting process. Acting requires a dexterous and flexible physicality, as well as the development of the vocal support infrastructure of body, breath, resonance and articulation.

Students will undertake a range of practical exercises and activities to build these skills, as well as developing an understanding of the anatomical processes and conceptual understanding of how this contributes to their acting process.

Voice and Movement in Performance - ACT212A

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit develops further physical and vocal technique and integrates into acting practice to meet the obligations of text and character for performance.

The actor’s craft requires the integration of voice and body into the development of a role for performance. Voice and movement are integral to the actor’s ability to embody a character and holistically apply acting, voice and movement techniques to meet the requirements of a performance.

Students will undertake a range of vocal and physical exercises and activities as well as incorporate research and analysis skills into the vocal and physical development of a character in performance.

The Creative Impulse - ACT203

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit introduces the student to creativity as applied through the impulse of the actor by means of improvisation and creative play exercises as well as the impetus to create as an individual and member of an ensemble.

The creative impulse not only informs acting process but also supports the genesis of innovative and creative thinking and approaches, which are integral to a successful portfolio career as an actor.

Students will undertake regular exercises and activities to build and strengthen their creative impulses, to collaborate as part of an ensemble and to generate performance responses to a range of stimuli, contexts and art forms.

Actor as Filmmaker - ACT213

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit develops the student’s understanding of the film aesthetic and how principles of acting, improvisation and creativity can be harnessed into the areas of script development, directing and performance. This unit culminates in the development of a short film scene.

The contemporary actor’s career demands flexibility of acting process to meet the nuance of screen performance media and a well-developed understanding of the process of cinematic storytelling. The actor’s portfolio career presents opportunities to utilise these skills and knowledge to develop work opportunities in the independent film and digital media industries.

Students will utilise acting, improvisation and other creative development techniques to develop their film concept. This collaborative process will require them to integrate knowledge and skills to fulfil the roles of actor, director and creator.

Introduction to Professional Practice - ACT204

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 1

This unit introduces foundation principles of safe practice, professional and personal boundaries and conduct as well as warm-up, cool down and preparation processes. It also introduces processes of reflective journaling, independent reading, research protocols and expressing a personal opinion.

The nature of the acting process, ensemble challenges and demands of an acting career create unique stresses on the professional actor. These require systematic processes and practices to ensure wellbeing is maintained and the actor is able to develop resilience in relation to these intrinsic stresses.

Students will develop thorough warm-up, cool down and preparation processes, as well as developing knowledge in approaches to journaling and reflection. Through participation in this unit the student will better understand the “connective tissue” of the course as well as their ability to positively contribute to a healthy, brave and supportive artistic ensemble.

Acting Process and Analysis - ACT214

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 2

This unit introduces the student to research and analysis skills as they relate to the building of an independent and reliable personal acting process. It is from this base that further writing, research and critical analysis skills are scaffolded throughout the course.

An independent and reliable acting process sits at the heart of a sustainable acting career. The actor must develop systems to analyse their own process and incorporate areas of new knowledge to build a robust, adaptable and flexible professional acting practice.

Students will develop skills and knowledge to reflect on and analyse their individual acting technique. They will undertake research into acting theory and practices and identify opportunities for skills development and the integration of new techniques into their personal practice.

Polish and Build (Trimesters 3 & 4)

New Media and Performance - ACT301

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit develops the actor’s ability to research acting theory and technique and to apply this knowledge to the development of their own personal practice. Through critical self-analysis and reflection, the student will identify skills gaps and needs and articulate strategies to develop a versatile, sustainable and robust personal, collaborative acting practice.

The working actor must have mechanisms to ensure a process of lifelong learning and development of skills and techniques. Theoretical knowledge of acting approaches and addressing issues of resilience and career sustainability are integral to the development of a successful portfolio career.

Students will research theoretical concepts and evaluate the application of new knowledge into their own practice.

Heightened Language Production - ACT311A

Credit Points: 12
Trimester 4

This double unit will involve studio-based training to develop an understanding of performance craft as it relates to the classical text. Students are then required to apply technique to the audition, rehearsals and performance of the Heightened Language Production.

The Classical Heightened text forms not only a significant part of the western theatre tradition, but remains a staple of contemporary theatre performance. The rigour demanded of an actor to perform the heightened text not only meets this industry imperative but extends their ability to adapt to a range of theatrical forms and styles.

Through this double unit the student will participate in the rehearsals and performances of the Heightened Language Production. This process will require the student to integrate acting technique, research and analysis, collaboration and performance craft skills, whilst working alongside a Director and other technical and creative personnel.

Heightened Voice and Movement - ACT302A

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit extends the actor’s theatrical capacity in voice and movement enabling them to meet the obligations of heightened text and theatricality. This unit develops knowledge and skill to perform a range of theatrical performance styles.

Theatrical performance requires a robust embodiment of voice and physicality in order to meet the demands of this performance media. Theatricality may also require the actor to embody physical and vocal extremes as well as a range of theatrical storytelling styles and forms beyond realism and naturalism.

Students will undertake voice and movement training to develop greater theatricality in their performance and to explore more range, style and form in vocal and physical characterisation.

The Actor as Creator - ACT312

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 4

This unit integrates the student’s knowledge and skills in performance with the principles of creativity and collaboration. With a focus on the entrepreneurial actor and diverse performance platforms, the student works to plan and develop a piece of performance as part of a festival production construct. This unit allows the individual student to develop and articulate their unique voice as intelligent, passionate, and vocal artistic citizens.

The actor’s portfolio career demands a fluency in the business side of performance projects. Theatre companies, production houses and funding bodies have unique and specific compliance and policy requirements. It is therefore imperative that the working actor is able to incorporate skills and knowledge in these areas as part of their role as creative arts professionals.

Creativity and collaboration skills are developed through the realisation of the student’s artistic vision, while participation in the process of curation, and the meeting of technical and other compliance functions enable the student to refine and adapt their concept to meet production limitations and parameters.

Devised Theatre - ACT303A

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

This unit develops the capacity of the actor to apply knowledge of performance styles, principles of theatrical storytelling and creativity and collaboration to develop a short group devised performance piece for theatre.

Devised and experimental theatre contributes a significant and growing sector of the contemporary performing arts industry. The associated skills and knowledge required of the actor involves understanding of a range of theatrical forms and styles, improvisation and collaboration techniques as well as the recording of developmental processes through to the finalisation of a concept.

Students will undertake a process of creative concept development beginning with improvisations and other collaborative and creative activities, then leading to the documenting, planning and implementing of the performance concept.

Australian Performance History and Culture - ACT313

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 4

This unit will develop theoretical knowledge of the history of performance in Australian theatre, film and television, and how this history has evolved into creating the contemporary performing arts industry.

The function of performance in storytelling contributes to national identity and culture. In order to assure the performer’s role in this function the contemporary actor must possess knowledge of the cultural history of Australia and the influences on performance from indigenous ritual and storytelling to modern Australia.

Students will examine the role of performance from Australia’s Indigenous culture and ritual, through to major twentieth century Australian dramatists and the key players of the New Wave of the 1970’s. Students are required to examine present day social, cultural, political and environmental factors and articulate the relationship between these factors and the contemporary Australian storytelling palette.

Critical Analysis and Reflection - ACT304

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 3

Students will research theoretical concepts and evaluate the application of new knowledge into their own practice.

Showcase and Project (Trimesters 5 & 6)

Screen Performance for Showreel - ACT401

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit develops advanced screen acting technique, through a deepened understanding of the screen performance medium as well as studio-based training and practice. It culminates in a film shoot of a showreel scene suitable for industry.

The audience’s expectation and appetite for realism in screen performance is creating extended demands on the actor’s process. The demand for “truth” in performance is now a fundamental requirement of any working actor’s performance career.

Students will undertake practical exercises and activities in screen performance, whilst also examining modern techniques of film acting and process and beginning to embed these into their personal process. This unit will culminate in the filmed performance of an Industry Showreel project.

Industry Theatre Production - ACT411A

Credit Points: 12
Trimester 6

This double unit requires the student to integrate their personal acting technique and professional practices into the audition, rehearsal, and performances of their Industry Theatre Production.

Theatre productions which form part of mainstage theatre company seasons operate under industry award conditions. Apart from wages and conditions as dictated by these awards, the structure of rehearsals and other production protocols differ from the independent sector. This may include such differences as full time rehearsal schedules, longer technical and production periods and longer performance runs. The skills and knowledge required of the actor in this work environment therefore carry unique requirements.

Students will work across a full-time schedule of rehearsals, technical and production activities for a performance in a professional theatre venue. This production will involve external theatre directors, creatives and crew.

The Working Actor - ACT402

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit integrates industry knowledge, practice and processes into the workplace context of the actor. Students will acquire in depth knowledge of structure and the operations of the contemporary performing arts industry and how the actor may successfully navigate the sophisticated nuances of this work environment.

The contemporary performing arts industry presents a complex and unique structure. Work opportunities are diverse and the mechanisms to secure employment vary across the range of performance media and contexts. Networking and the building of professional relationships are intrinsic to the performing arts industry. The portfolio career places further demand on the actor’s ability to extend the application of their skills and knowledge to work opportunities both in and beyond the performing arts industry.

Students will undertake analysis of industry structure, legislation, compliance and processes. Knowledge and skills will be applied in auditions and screen tests and in the independent analysis of the individual actor’s unique strengths and employability in the industry. Students will also develop fluency in written expression, documentation and communication processes relevant to the performing arts industry.

The Entrepreneurial Actor - ACT412

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 6

This unit explores creativity and innovation as a core principle of the artistic process and how these principles may inform career opportunities within the creative arts industry. This unit seeks to place the individual actor as a professional, self-sufficient and active industry participant.

The working actor must have the ability to move between artistic and business application of their skills. The development of creative projects is often born through artistic endeavour, whilst bringing such a project to realisation requires skills to be applied in a business and industry context. The synergies of these skill sets allow for the development of the entrepreneurial actor.

This unit requires the student to examine the impetus to create and to develop strategic approaches to the development and implementation of a creative project. The unit culminates in a Pitch Project to an industry panel.

Advanced Acting Technique - ACT403A

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit develops acting theory, technique and practice to prepare the student for professional standard performance projects. Studio based learning, coupled with theoretical and technical study, will develop a more sophisticated approach to personal acting process and performance.

The flexibility of the contemporary working actor to adapt to the vast range of performance media and platforms places extended demand on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge of technique, forms, styles and performance language. This unit will solidify a robust and reliable process to deliver impacting performances.

Students will undertake practical exercises and activities in a range of acting techniques and processes, coupled with theoretical and supporting knowledge in order to develop the individual’s personal process.

Career Sustainability - ACT413

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 6

This unit develops a self-aware, responsible and sustainable approach to long term participation in the performing arts sector. It examines established research and statistical sources, which give a reliable and authentic account of the experiences of working actors in the contemporary industry.

The creative arts industry is a unique work environment which places a variety of demands upon the working professional. The nature of portfolio rather than permanent employment opportunities demand a thorough understanding of industry structure and operation, business and financial skills as well as the ability to plan, forecast and examine self as a working professional.

Students are required to evaluate research outcomes, analysis, planning and business skills to construct a logical and achievable plan for artistic and professional career longevity.

Theatre and Performance Styles - ACT404A

Credit Points: 6
Trimester 5

This unit exposes the student to a broad and diverse range of theatrical performance styles, forms and significant dramatists from the late nineteenth century to today.

Style and form build a theatrical language and is used by dramatists and performers to fulfil a performance aesthetic. The contemporary actor must have a theoretical understanding of the use of form and style as a theatrical construct, but also the particular requirements this places on the practical application for the actor.

Students will begin with theoretical lectures on key pieces of the canon throughout this period. Scene studies will then commence, which involve tutorial-based classes to develop theoretical knowledge and practical workshop scenarios to explore these works in performance.

Our Lecturers

Glen Hamilton

Head of Acting (Sydney, Brisbane)

Glen was Course Director for Acting at JMC's sister school Academy of Film Theatre and Television and is an experienced teacher, director, producer and arts professional. He has directed over one hundred theatre productions, including small independent shows, touring performances and a range of fringe and festival productions.

As an arts professional, Glen founded his touring theatre restaurant business, Leading Arts in 2006, producing original theatre restaurant shows to more than forty venues across Sydney and regional NSW. Through his own business, Glen has also developed and facilitated training services to a range of medium and large corporate clients as well as successful community acting and performance programs.

Glen’s expertise has been recognized by Bauer Media, through his invitation to judge the Most Outstanding awards for the TV Week Logie Awards, for the past five years. He has also accepted judging appointments with the Short and Sweet Festival, and Sydney Festival.

Glen defines a successful career in the performing arts where the skills of performance, creativity and innovation are brought together to develop the actor not only as a versatile, dynamic and spirited performer, but as an artistic entrepreneur, able to claim their unique space in an exciting and challenging industry.

Glen Hamilton

Head of Acting (Sydney, Brisbane)

Ben Samuel

Head of Acting (Melbourne)

Having recently moved from New Zealand, Ben has immersed himself in the performing arts industry in Melbourne. In New Zealand, Ben has performed in several musicals, concerts, cabarets & music festivals across the country. His performance credits include singing, acting & dancing in major stage productions such as Carmen, Cats, Fiddler on the Roof, Hair, Curtains, Coca-Cola CCITP & Nelson Opera in the Park.

Ben has also performed alongside many New Zealand artists, with production companies such as Showbiz, Canterbury Opera & Chant et Danse, and was involved extensively in the New Zealand Jazz & Arts festivals for many years. During his time in Melbourne, Ben has been building a career in singing & teaching whilst standing by the words of Stephen Sondheim “..if I cannot fly, let me sing.”

Ben Samuel

Head of Acting (Melbourne)

Jane Angharad

Senior Acting Lecturer (Sydney)

Jane is an Actor, Director, Theatre Producer and Teacher and the Artistic Director of independent theatre company Secret House. Jane has performed in London, Edinburgh, Wales and Sydney. Recent theatre credits include Albion (Seymour Centre), For the Grace of You Go I (KXT), Pomona (KXT), Crime and Punishment (Limelight), The Seagull, Troilus and Cressida, The Winter’s Tale and Cymbeline (The Depot), Henna Night (Old Fitz) and Blink (107 Projects). Directing credits include Gundog (KXT), Bird (Old Fitz), The Dazzle (Meraki) and Orange Flower Water and Charles and Larry (Flight Path Theatre). Producing credits include Iphigenia in Splott and Hush for NGTC. In 2022 Jane was nominated for a Sydney Theatre Award for Best Performer in a Supporting Role in an Independent Production (Albion).

Jane Angharad

Senior Acting Lecturer (Sydney)

Megan Hind

Acting Lecturer (Movement)

Megan Hind graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) from NIDA in 2016, where she was the recipient of the Keith Bain OAM Scholarship in Movement. Credits include Emerald City (Melbourne Theatre Company/Queensland Theatre), Cowboy Beebop (Netflix), Friday on My Mind (ABC), Secret Bridesmaids’ Business(Channel 7), Supine (Short) and Yellow Spit Fish or: How I Learnt to Dogwhistle (Short). Prior to NIDA, she had a successful international modelling career, predominantly working for international companies such as L’Oreal, Dior and Shiseido, and featured in such magazines as L’Officiel, Vanity Fair and Marie Claire.

Megan Hind

Acting Lecturer (Movement)

Robert Maxwell

Acting Lecturer

Rob is a voice, dialect and acting teacher based in Sydney. He has worked extensively as an actor and teacher both here in Australia and overseas, including residencies at Yale School of Drama and Carnegie Mellon University.

Rob’s coaching credits include: Ghosts, Marat/Sade, Waiting for Godot, The Changeling, Lunacy, The Show That Smells, 27 Wagons Full of Cotton (all for NIDA), Hamlet (Blue Cow Theatre Company), Jess and Joe Forever (Sugary Rum Productions) and Gruesome Playground Injuries (Tasmanian Theatre Company). He teaches at numerous institutions around Sydney, including JMC, NIDA, Actors Centre Australia, Australian Theatre for Young People, TAFTA, Screenwise, Sydney Actors School, and the Hub Studio.

Rob is passionate about helping actors acquire a psycho-visceral connection to text and language. His teaching philosophy is steeped in an array of techniques that advocate a more holistic use of self – integrating body, soul, mind, imagination and voice.

Robert Maxwell

Acting Lecturer

Anthony Gooley

Acting Lecturer

A NIDA Acting graduate, Anthony’s many theatre credits include Bernhardt/Hamlet (Queensland Theatre), Boy Swallows Universe (Queensland Theatre/QPAC/Brisbane Festival), A View from the Bridge, Death Of A Salesman (Ensemble Theatre), The Glass Menagerie (State Theatre Company of South Australia), Calamity Jane (Belvoir/The Comedy Theatre/Arts Centre Melbourne), Assassins (Sydney Opera House/Hayes Theatre Co.), Replay (Griffin Theatre Company) The Crucible, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, Othello, Twelfth Night, The Comedy of Errors (Sport For Jove), Good Works, All My Sons (Eternity Playhouse) and The Lost Echo (Sydney Theatre Company). As director, Steve Martin’s The Underpants (GLUG Award nominee for Most Outstanding Independent Production and Broadway World nominee for Best Professional Production and Director of a Professional Production), Orphans (Red Line Productions) and Gruesome Playground Injuries (The Kings Collective). Anthony recently appeared in the feature film Buckley’s Chance (Blacklab Entertainment) opposite Bill Nighy, and Venus and Adonis (Sport for Jove). Television credits include Young Rock, Joe vs Carole, Sheilas, Australia: The Story of Us, Underbelly, Packed to the Rafters, Tough Nuts, Satisfaction and Home and Away. Anthony is a Sydney Theatre Award winner for his performance as Rochester in The Libertine (Sport For Jove/Darlinghurst Theatre Company) and was also nominated for his performances in Inner Voices (Old Fitz Theatre), Of Mice and Men and A Doll’s House (Sport For Jove).

Anthony Gooley

Acting Lecturer

Why Study Acting at JMC?

Become a commercial and sustainable actor with experience in acting for stage, screen, audio, game design, animation and more

Focus on production and performance-based training, designed to align with industry best practice

Be career ready with courses designed in response to the latest industry trends

Are you ready to take the next step toward your career in Acting?

Apply now →

FAQs

Are JMC courses available to study online?

No, our courses are hands on and practical. Students are required to attend classes to receive ongoing mentorship, learn new skills and work with the equipment provided. We do encourage our students to use online study resources, however our courses would not be as immersive as they are without the practical component.

Is a JMC Academy degree of equal standing to a university degree?

Yes. The JMC Academy is registered and regulated by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) which is Australia’s independent national regulator of the higher education sector, both public and private.

What are the benefits of studying at JMC Academy over a larger university?

The ultimate benefit of studying at JMC Academy is the reassurance and relief in knowing that we are leaders in creative industries education and have been delivering quality education in the Creative Industries for over 30 years. We were the first to be accredited in Australia for education in Audio Engineering, Digital Television and Multimedia.

Our courses have always been practical, with hands-on projects and an intense focus on industry and outcomes undiluted by extensive, non-essential electives.

In choosing to study at JMC Academy, our students are opting for the benefits of an intimate classroom size where the lecturer knows their name and learning needs. They are choosing to learn at an award-winning institution that fosters collaboration and creative vision. At JMC Academy the student's experience becomes an integral part of their learning and the institution's own values defined by quality, integrity, diligence and innovation indelibly become their own.

Is JMC Academy a recognised institution?

JMC Academy is broadly recognised and accredited:

Registered Higher Education Provider.
Accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA)
Registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).
Accredited by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
Member of the Australian Council of Private Education and Training (ACPET ).
Nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Our strong industry links also ensure that JMC Academy qualifications are recognised within the creative industries.

Do you help students find jobs after graduation?

Many jobs in the creative industries are found via direct recommendations or referrals. At JMC Academy, many of these recommendations are made while students are completing their studies and via organisations that approach JMC for graduates. That is why we stress the importance of networking through our industry connected lecturers and taking advantage of the many work experience and internship opportunities that arise during your time at JMC. Throughout their studies, students are progressively adding to their portfolio of work, networking with lecturers and students, and learning how to run their own businesses. All of this directly contributes to their ability to generate an income in a field they are passionate about and enjoy.

You owe it to yourself and the art that's inside you - you have to honour that will and that drive. Studying Acting at JMC has allowed me to honour that, and it's really rewarding.

Campbell Briggs

Acting Alumni