Live your dream of becoming a performing arts professional
ACPA is a Registered Training Organisation offering performing arts courses in the genres of acting, dancing and singing.
Our individualised learning framework has resulted in 90 per cent of ACPA graduates securing full-time or part-time employment, or progressing to further education.
We welcome Indigenous and non-Indigenous students from all over Australia to learn from our global network of industry experts, and to develop their potential as an arts leader of the future.
Performance program
Performance is the focus of all our training activities. With experienced directors and teachers, our students produce works for public presentation, including:
- An end-of-year show at a major Brisbane venue
- Corporate and community performances (with industry agents watching)
Plus – ACPA students are invited to perform with such major companies, events and venues as:
- Brisbane Festival
- QPAC
- Brisbane Powerhouse
- Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts
- Queensland Theatre Company
- Opera Queensland
- Queensland Music Festival
- NIDA
Support services
Our students come from all backgrounds, and many from rural and remote communities. Sometimes these students find it difficult to adapt to ‘big city’ life.
Recognising that it’s important to look after our students’ mental health and emotional well-being, we connect students to culturally appropriate support services on issues such as:
- adapting to a different lifestyle
- homesickness
- meeting local community and elders
- managing money and dealing with Centrelink/AbStudy
- relationships/family
- getting a job
- general, mental and sexual health
Academic support
Because ACPA wants all students to succeed with every aspect of their training, we offer extra help with:
- Numeracy and language literacy
- Computer literacy
- Time management
- Employment preparation
Start your career with a nationally accredited Certificate II, Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma course
All of our programs run full-time over 12 months, in four terms aligned with the Queensland school system.
Study benefits
At ACPA, you’ll learn in a fun and nurturing environment.
Practical and theoretical classes teach you technical skills while building your social and emotional strength through teamwork, public performance and values like commitment, respect and responsibility.
Assessments include class participation, practical demonstrations, performances, oral presentations, research, and short essay writing.
You’ll interact with positive role-models, lecturers, tutors, industry professionals and peers . Our specialist teachers have contemporary, ‘real world’ experience and respond to the dynamic nature of the performance industry.
Importantly, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to pursue a career or more specialised training as a dancer, singer, musician or actor.
Student life
ACPA is more than a place to train. We’re a community of lifelong friends and valuable connections who want to help you succeed. We know student life is tough, so we try to make every day at ACPA as easy and as stimulating as possible for you.
We’re based in Fortitude Valley, close to the Brisbane CBD, so you can get to class by public transport and make the most of our facilities without too much hassle.
We’ll encourage and support you to take advantage of every artistic opportunity that comes your way. We understand you are young and creative, and we want to inspire you to be the best and most successful version of yourself.
Accommodation
Although we can help students find initial accommodation, ACPA is not responsible for accommodation costs or legal arrangements. Our staff refer students to appropriate accommodation services and are always available to discuss any concerns about your accommodation arrangements.