Hand to Hand Academy offers the following qualifications

• 11434NAT Certificate IV in Acting

Specialisations:

• Acting for Stage and Screen

• Circus and Physical Theatre

• CUA50220 Diploma of Musical Theatre

• 1101NAT Advanced Diploma in Performance

• RIIWHS204E Work Safely At Heights 

Completing the Certificate IV in Performance is a prerequisite for the Advanced Diploma in Performance. In both courses you can learn about acting for stage and screen, or circus arts. 

Certificate IV in Performance: You must be 16 years of age or older, have complete year 10 or equivalent.

Diploma of Musical Theatre: You must be 16 years of age or older, have complete year 10 or equivalent.

Advanced Diploma of Performance: Certificate IV in Performance or equivalent qualification.

Applications are via a video audition and interview. You can submit an audition at any time but each intake will have a closing date to ensure your application can be processed in time to begin classes. After you complete the below steps, you will be notified of the outcome of your application as soon as possible

1. Read the Audition information

Read the Audition Information at the end of the course guide you can download it here (insert hyperlink). Check the upcoming intakes and audition closing dates for auditions on our website and ensure you submit your application prior to the deadline for the intake you are hoping for. Late applications may be considered but this is not guaranteed.

2. Choose your stream

Select your preferred stream - Acting for Stage and Screen or Circus and Physical Theatre. If you are applying for the acting stream, you should prepare a monologue audition. If you are applying for the circus stream, you should prepare an act to showcase your physical performance skills.

3. Prepare your Audition

Memorise your lines or decide on your act and choreograph it. Practice capturing the intention of the act in your performance - what are you trying to convey? Does your character or act express a particular emotion?

4. Record and send your audition

Use your phone or other device to film your audition. This does not need to be high quality but you should be fully in shot and spoken words in particular should be audible.

5. Attend an interview

After we receive your audition piece, we will contact you to arrange a time for an interview. We’ll ask you about your hopes and dreams as a performer and gain an understanding of your goals for completing the course. We’ll answer any questions you have about course logistics and use the information you provide to inform your individual study pathway.

Application to any course is $50.

Certificate IV in Performance: If accepted, The total course cost is $8,995. These fees go towards:

● Tuition by talented teachers - industry professionals who want to see you succeed

● Resources - online student platform subscription, online units, worksheets and booklets

● Facilities and equipment - studio and equipment hire

● Editing - of your screen work and showreels

● Theatrical productions - costumes, theatre hire, performance rights, technical assistance and logistics

● Your graduation package - qualification, access to casting database and more. 

Diploma of Musical Theatre – please contact our office

Advanced Diploma in Performance – please contact our office

If you have any other questions, please contact our office. 

Government benefits for students: The 11434NAT Certificate IV in Performance is eligible for Abstudy, Austudy, and Youth Allowance. Please contact Services Australia for more information. 

Student loans: Some financial institutions offer student loans and personal loans to cover tuition fees, equipment, and other costs associated with studying.

Make sure to consider your capacity to repay the onerous interest rates and repayment terms before taking on the burden of a loan, and carefully consider the reputation and legitimacy of the institution offering such a loan.

Certificate IV in Performance: 6-months full time, 12-24 months part-time.

Diploma in Musical Theatre: 1-year full time or 2-years part time.

Advanced Diploma in performance: 18-months full-time or 3 years part-time.

Yes, we offer flexible study options of full-time or part-time, daytime and evening classes.

For full-time circus & physical theatre students: 

Allow 10 hours per week in personal training to complete your custom conditioning program. Space will be made available at the Capital performing Arts Warehouse for you to train, but you may also complete this training at the gym or other appropriate venue.

Adhering to your conditioning regimen will see you accelerate your skills development in general and specialty circus skills.

For full-time acting students: 

Allow 10 hours per week in addition to class hours. 

10 hours every week may not be necessary - but you will need to complete:

● Reading scripts

● Learning lines

● Preparing homework for the next class

● Occasional research tasks: to find out more about a character you're playing, or to follow up on a suggestion from your teacher

● Online learning - two units in the course consist of weekly video and quiz tasks

● Written tasks 

● Rehearsing with a scene partner outside of class, if your scene needs more work to be performance-ready. 

Part-time students: 

Factor in time outside of class. for circus students, key times will be made available in the space for you to complete your conditioning program.

If working, studying elsewhere, or engaged in a caring role, ensure you can fit preparation around other life commitments, especially if taking two or more subjects at a time.

We have campuses in Canberra and Brisbane.

Canberra: Capital Performing Arts Warehouse, 70 Maclaurin Cres. Chifley ACT

Brisbane: Australian Acting Academy, 78 Musgrave Road, Red Hill OLD 4059

We aim to prepare you for industry as an actor, circus artist, or performance artist by giving you a strong foundation. 

Learn and develop:

- Acting technique and/or circus technique

- On camera confidence

- Theatrical performance skills

- Vocal technique

- Script analysis

- Cultural history of performance, theatre, film, and genres

- Knowledge of industry etiquette and how to conduct yourself as a professional performer

- An understanding of how to promote yourself as an actor or circus artist and how to prepare for auditions

- Important personal disciplines and how to prepare yourself for performance

You will also refine important soft skills needed in every workplace:

- Communication skills

- Creative thinking skills

- Empathy

- Collaborative skills

- Relational  skills

Live performances: In some units, your performance may consist of scene work or a monologue presented to an audience of family, friends, and classmates. These are assessments that occur throughout a unit to assess your progress. 

If you complete NAT10915008 Perform in a Theatrical Project, you will be part of a live performance at a theatrical venue; you will experience the full rehearsal process and be expected to conduct yourself in that context as a professional actor. 

Screen performances: If you complete screen units within the course, expect to participate in scene work filmed during your training. 

If you complete NAT10915010 Perform in a Screen Project, you will likely perform in a larger project; a short film directed by your tutor. 

Graduates of this qualification can find work in:

● Theatre, as actors and improvisers

● Circuses, national, international, touring, independent, and street

● Theatre, as backstage workers

● Theatre, as administrators, ushers and box office assistants

● Film, as actors

● Film, as crew

● Television, as actors

● Television, as crew and behind-the-scenes

● Children's entertainment

● Hospital entertainment, e.g. as Clown Doctors and Captain Starlight performers for sick kids

● Podcasting and radio

● Voiceover artistry

● Teaching drama

● Tour guide work and presenting work in museums