Complete a Diploma of Performing Arts in Brisbane

Get to know the industry better and bring your creative vision to life with our 11071NAT Diploma of Performing Arts.

ACPA’s diploma equips you with the technical ability and knowledge to accelerate your career from the start.

It develops your artistic style and creative thinking, setting a strong foundation for working with new people and opportunities as you journey through different jobs and life situations.

Over 15 units (six compulsory, nine Stage & Screen, Music and Dance electives) you’ll learn:

performance skills and theory
improvisation and rehearsal skills
audition techniques
storytelling through different genres, with respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
which of your talents have stronger potential
how to refine your abilities to excel in your chosen major
how to plan and develop your career as an artist
about workplace expectations and processes

This diploma also teaches you about the commitment required for a professional career in your chosen genre and develops life skills that will serve you well in any career.

Both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people are encouraged to apply.

11071NAT Diploma of Performing Arts

This qualification is made up of six compulsory core units and a minimum of nine elective units as described in the Course Units section. Electives are selected by trainers year by year according to what the cohort needs and what we have to offer.

Total supervised hours: 615 – 1,280 hours comprising 280 core hours and the remainder in elective hours depending on specific selections.

Total unsupervised hours: 255 – 480 hours which may comprise individual or group warm up sessions, external performance activities, research, individual practice times for such things as vocal development, choreography, learning of performance parts or lines, character development, rehearsals, meetings, interviews or interactions with relevant personnel in the performing arts and related industries.

There are no pre-requisites for any of the units, nor are there any sequencing requirements; they may be completed in any order.

There are no specific exits points from this course to provide for vocational or educational outcomes.

Diploma Core Units

Unit Code	Unit Title	Core/Elective	Nominal Hours
CUAIND311	Work Effectively in the Creative Arts Industry.	Core	35
BSBWHS211	Contribute to Health and Safety of Self and Others.	Core	20
CUAPRF314	Develop Audition Techniques.	Core	25
CUARES503	Analyse Cultural History and Theory.	Core	70
CUAPRF511	Refine Performance Techniques.	Core	95
CUAPRF513	Prepare for and Perform in Competitive Environments.	Core	35

Stage & Screen

Unit Code	Unit Title	Core/ Elective	Nominal Hours
CUAPRF311	Create and Perform Stories for Theatre.	Elective	25
NAT11071001	Play a Character.	Elective	100
NAT11071002	Extend Skills in Improvisation.	Elective	80
NAT11071003	Develop Acting Skills for Film.	Elective	60
NAT11071004	Develop Vocal Skills for Acting.	Elective	80
NAT11071005	Develop Physical Theatre Skills and Techniques.	Elective	60
NAT11071006	Investigate and Perform Classic Texts.	Elective	80
NAT11071007	Perform Theatre from a Range of Styles.	Elective	160
CUAACT411	Use Acting Techniques in Performance.	Elective	45
CUAPRF414	Develop Movement Skills for Performance.	Elective	50

Dance

Unit Code	Unit Title	Core/ Elective	Nominal Hours
CUADAN516	Refine Cultural Dance Techniques.	Elective	75
CUAWHS511	Maintain a high level of fitness for performance.	Elective	80
NAT11071008	Create Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Dance Fusion.	Elective	60
CUADAN511	Refine Ballet Technique.	Elective	140
CUADAN515	Refine Contemporary Dance Technique.	Elective	120
CUADAN305	Increase depth of jazz dance technique.	Elective	50
CUADAN315	Increase Depth of Jazz Dance Technique.	Elective	50
CUADAN518	Develop Expertise in Allied Contemporary Dance Techniques.	Elective	80
CUADAN415	Develop Expertise in Street Dance Technique.	Elective	70
CUADAN512	Refine Ballet Performance Skills.	Elective	140
CUADAN517	Refine dance Partnering Techniques.	Elective	100
CUACHR413	Develop Choreography Skills.	Elective	50

Music

Unit Code	Unit Title	Core/ Elective	Nominal Hours
CUAMPF511	Develop Programs for Performances.	Elective	70
CUAMPF414	Perform Music as Part of a Group.	Elective	70
CUAMPF415	Develop and Apply Instrumental Techniques.	Elective	50
CUAMLT202	Apply Knowledge of Music Culture to Music Making.	Elective	25
CUAVOS411	Develop Singing Techniques for Musical Theatre.	Elective	70
CUAVOS312	Develop Vocal Techniques for use in Performance.	Elective	30
NAT11071009	Examine a Cross Section of Contemporary Music Styles.	Elective	45
CUAMCP412	Compose Musical Pieces.	Elective	35
CUAMPF420	Perform Music from Written Notation.	Elective	70
CUAPPR414	Develop Self as Artist.	Elective	60
CUAMLT511	Refine Aural Perception and Memory Skills.	Elective	60
CUAMCP312	Write Song Lyrics.	Elective	30

A Certificate IV in Performing Arts and a Year 10 or equivalent education is desirable, but not mandatory. Participants seeking entry must be physically capable of developing the required performance skills for a diploma qualification.

Entry flexibility is possible for a person without Year 10 equivalence. Considering individual personal circumstances will include, but is not limited to mature entry, portfolio of work, and/or a performance audition.

Students who wish to submit evidence of prior learning are requested to complete the Recognition of Prior Learning Form (available from ACPA administration), attach supporting evidence, and submit everything to ACPA for consideration at admin@acpa.edu.au. Further information is available upon request.

It’s important for all potential students to also note that in line with the Queensland Department of Education and Training’s policy guidelines, after completing a diploma or advanced diploma level qualification, students will no longer be eligible for a government-subsidised training place in an equivalent program at another Registered Training Organisation (RTO).

Diploma of Performing Arts

Get to know the industry better and bring your creative vision to life with our 11071NAT Diploma of Performing Arts.

Course Outline

Course Units

Entry Requirements

FEES

Diploma Core Units

Stage & Screen

Dance

Music