Led by the award-winning Lynne Bradley, founder of Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre, this innovative practice-based program provides emerging artists with a unique opportunity to acquire the skills and contacts required to make the transition into the professional performing arts industry. If you’re an established artist, this is an excellent opportunity to take your professional experience and qualifications to the next level.

You’ll meet and learn from some of Australia’s leading Arts leaders and become industry-ready through a series of intensive training units in acting, physical theatre, directing, devising, producing, auditioning, networking, marketing, grant writing, administration, finance and sports psychology.

Bridging the gap between academic study and artistic pursuit, this program will see you develop your own niche area and future-proof your career in the performing arts industry. You'll focus on:

• Building your creative entrepreneurial skills – Aimed at making the connection between artist creativity and business savvy, you’ll upskill in the areas of business and peak performance psychology, increase your financial literacy, and meet and network with a number of key leaders and creative entrepreneurs currently working in Australia.

• Strengthening your career plans – Through exposure to a number of different artistic fields, including directing, producing, teaching, administration, finance, and one-on-one career coaching, you’ll identify your strengths and weaknesses and plan your future career pathway within the arts industry.

• Honing your leadership skills – Through sessions on sports psychology, a focus on health and wellbeing, a rigorous and truthful learning environment, and regular assessment meetings, you’ll build your mental, emotional and physical tenacity.

• Advanced actor-training, specialising in physical theatre – Be immersed in weekly physical theatre and acting lessons, and a unit on auditioning. The year will culminate with a graduating performance.

Career opportunities

Career options include performing, directing, producing, arts management, marketing, teaching/actor training in the performing arts industry, other aligned creative industries, community organisations and government departments.

Admission requirements

To be considered for admission, candidates are required to:

1. Possess an AQF Level 7 undergraduate degree in the Performing Arts or related Creative Industries field; and
2. Complete a short personal statement addressing the criteria (refer to application form)

Short-listed applicants will be required to complete an audition and interview. If you are unable to attend an audition, there may be capacity for you to submit a video audition.

Image: Zen Zen Zo’s IN THE COMPANY OF SHADOWS. Photographer: Simon Woods.