The University of the Sunshine Coast is set to introduce a new postgraduate Performing Arts degree, led by the founder of the award-winning Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre.

To start in Semester 1 next year, the USC Master of Professional Practice (Performing Arts) will provide emerging and established artists with the skills and knowledge to forge sustainable careers in the professional performing arts industry.

The program will be coordinated by award-winning actor-trainer Lynne Bradley, best known for founding the internationally renowned Zen Zen Zo performance centre in Brisbane.

The one-year degree will include a series of intensive training units in acting, physical theatre, directing, devising, producing, auditioning, and administration.

USC Lecturer in Drama Dr Jo Loth said Ms Bradley’s appointment as program coordinator would give students a unique opportunity to learn from an industry leader.

“This intensive degree bridges the gap between artistic pursuits and academic study, and will help artists ‘future-proof’ their career,” Dr Loth said.

“We’ll be honing students’ artistic skills, through courses in physical theatre, acting and directing, but also teaching the practical skills necessary for a successful, long-term career as a performer.

“Having those career planning, business and administrative skills, such as grant writing, can really be the make-or-break for many performers.”

The program will be taught from USC’s study hub at Noosa, with many classes taking place in the professional theatre spaces in the precinct.

Dr Loth said the final trimester of the program would see students apply their skills by devising, producing, and performing a theatrical production under the guidance of a professional director.

“We’ve got a major focus on helping people find their niche in the industry and teaching them how to capitalise on that,” she said.

“It’s not just about creating great directors, designers or performers – we’re providing a high-performance, academically-supported setting where people can develop their own sustainable career around their passion.”

For more information, go to www.usc.edu.au/learn.

— Gen Kennedy