Diploma of Theatre Arts
Overview
11 months full time
1 year
February
February
Step into the spotlight
Work creatively and develop performance skills in voice, acting, movement and improvisation with Melbourne Polytechnic’s Diploma of Theatre Arts 22598VIC. From script-writing to performing, this hands-on diploma will allow you to push the boundaries of your own creativity as a performance artist. The course will teach you a balance of performance, technical, marketing, theatre event and production management skills. Home to over 50 theatres, the city of Melbourne and its inner suburbs are the perfect base for your theatrical exploration.
Unleash your creative potential
Learn how to develop, manage and stage your own plays and present them to a live audience. Our Diploma of Theatre Arts 22598VIC is taught at our Prahran campus, home to Melbourne Polytechnic’s lively artistic community.
You will take advantage of our many rehearsal and performance spaces, including the David Williamson Theatre. This is our 120-seat theatre with an industry-standard lighting and sound rig, flying systems, a set and prop construction area and foyer.
Melbourne Polytechnic has enduring connections with theatre companies such as Arts Centre Melbourne, La Mama, The Carlton Courthouse, Red Stitch Theatre Company and Impro Melbourne.
The world is your stage
Once you’ve completed your Diploma of Theatre Arts 22598VIC, you will have learned the skills to be an independent freelance creative, and develop a career in industry, working on and off stage, in performing, writing, stage management, front of house and event management. Your skills may open up pathways into work as part of a production team within small companies or performance venues, or as part of festival events, both in Australia and overseas.
Career Pathways
Where will the Diploma of Theatre Arts 22598VIC take me?
On successful completion of the Diploma of Theatre Arts 22598VIC you will be suitably qualified to enter job roles such as theatre makers in small companies and part of event management teams for venues and festivals. You will be a multi-skilled theatre worker capable of working in areas such as performance, script writing, or as part of a production team in set and prop making, stage and production management, including front of house management.
- Front of House Manager
- Script Writer
- Stage and Screen Performer
- Assistant in Set and Props Department
- Theatre Production Team Member
- Event Manager
Study Pathways
You may wish to take your theatre arts studies further and pursue a career in Creative Arts. For further study options, discuss with Melbourne Polytechnic teaching staff.
Course Details
Delivery methods
Blended delivery (combination of face to face learning on the Prahran campus, remote delivery, self-directed learning and project work including performances and productions)
- Performances and Productions
- Computer Lab
- Project work
How you will study
Each course has a dedicated learning method that is designed to let you thrive in your studies.
On-campus
Interactive learning in a face-to-face environment. Classes will be held at a Melbourne Polytechnic campus or partner institute.
Assessment Methods
A combination of observation, written assignments and project work, with small and large scale events based learning. The course is designed to engage students in hands-on practical learning wherever possible. This may be delivered on campus and online. Consequently, assessments will vary throughout the course, depending on the unit. As required by the training package, employability skills will form part of the assessment of the qualification, including communication, teamwork, problem solving, initiative and enterprise, planning and organising, self-management, and learning and technology. It is anticipated that learning activities and assessments will involve working with students and staff from other Dramatic Arts courses.
Units of Study
The hours displayed are nominal, actual classroom hours delivered may differ. Please contact us for the latest student contact hours information.
| Code | Subject | Elective | Hours |
| BSBCRT413 | Collaborate in creative processes | Core | 40 |
| CHCDIV001 | Work with diverse people | Core | 40 |
| CUAFOH211 | Undertake routine front of house duties | Core | 60 |
| CUAFOH212 | Usher patrons | Elective | 30 |
| CUAIND611 | Work professionally in the creative arts industry | Core | 70 |
| CUAINN511 | Adopt an innovative approach to creating production elements | Elective | 175 |
| CUALGT413 | Set up and operate lighting cues and effects | Core | 50 |
| CUAMKG511 | Manage the promotion of creative acts | Core | 35 |
| CUAMUP311 | Prepare personal appearance for performances | Core | 20 |
| CUAMWB401 | Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries | Core | 50 |
| CUAPPM511 | Manage small-scale live productions | Core | 30 |
| CUAPPR515 | Establish and maintain safe creative practice | Core | 40 |
| CUAPRF314 | Develop audition techniques | Core | 35 |
| CUAPRF511 | Refine performance techniques | Core | 95 |
| CUARES403 | Research history and theory to inform own arts practice | Core | 70 |
| CUASOU513 | Develop sound designs | Core | 50 |
| CUAWRT601 | Write scripts | Elective | 50 |
| SISXFIN001 | Develop and review budgets for activities or projects | Elective | 20 |
| VU23203 | Develop performance techniques for performing arts | Core | 95 |
| VU23204 | Rehearse the production | Core | 170 |
Theatre courses at Melbourne Polytechnic
Fees & Costs
| Government subsidised fee | Non-subsidised fee | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee | $12900 | $19200 |
| Materials fee | $0 | $0 |
| Maximum annual amenities | $250 | $250 |
| Total payable | $13150 | $19450 |
| Per year | $22100 |
| Per semester | $11050 |
The student tuition fees as published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment.
Displayed course fees are indicative only. There are many variables that impact the total amount of your full course costs including qualification for government subsidies, concessions or recognition of prior learning. Tuition fees do not include the cost of student amenities or material costs.
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for a Government subsidy.
Melbourne Polytechnic offers a range of payment options to help you pay your tuition fees, so you can get on with your studies.
Fees displayed are effective for new applications received on or after 1 November 2021. Tuition fees do not include textbooks, course materials or overseas student health insurance and visa fees.
After initial deposit, international students are able to pay tuition fees in installments, four times per year.
For more detailed information please read the International Student Fees.
Fees explained
The fees for those ineligible for a government-funded enrolment.
The cost of tuition for those eligible for government funding.
Additional expenses
The Student Services and Amenities Fee is charged at forty cents (40 cents) per student contact hour and is capped over a twelve (12) month period, effective from the enrolment date, to:
- $250 for full fee-paying students; and
- $175 for concession-paying students studying Certificate I, II, III, or IV.
Amenities fees are used to improve non-academic services including libraries, counselling services, student support, and recreational activities.
Book an interview
Requirements
- Apply through VTAC or directly to Melbourne Polytechnic
- Attend an interview
- An interview,
- An audition, and/or
- Folio of works.
- Resume or CV of work and study experience, including all experience in performance, either as performer or technical crew.
- A Written Statement with the reasons for wanting to undertake course.
- Photograph of themselves – head and shoulders only.
English: Academic IELTS 5.5 with no individual band below 5.0, or Melbourne Polytechnic recognised equivalency.
Other: An interview is required before an offer can be processed.
Applicants to 22598VIC Diploma of Theatre Arts are required to provide evidence of basic performance and/or technical skills. This may be evidenced via:
- An interview,
- An audition, and/or
- Folio of works.
- Resume or CV of work and study experience, including all experience in performance, either as performer or technical crew.
- A Written Statement with the reasons for wanting to undertake course.
- Photograph of themselves – head and shoulders only.
Next Steps
We're really excited for you to join the Melbourne Polytechnic community and we look forward to supporting you on your education journey.
The first step to enrolling is completing the application short form from the Apply Now page.
You'll then receive a link to complete a few more personal details.
You will be asked to attend an interview to ensure that this is the right course for you.
It is a mandatory government requirement for all prospective students to complete an online literacy and numeracy assessment.
Once you are ready to enrol, you will be invited to attend our Skills and Job Centre, or come to campus to complete your enrolment in person.
For Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas, you may be eligible for a VET Student Loan. Read more about them here.
If you need assistance with your application and the next steps, you can contact one of our Education and Course Advisors on 1300 635 276 or follow a step-by-step guide to enrolling for vocational education local students.
When we receive your application, the International Office will be in contact with you shortly to discuss your application and provide you additional instructions.
If you'd like to speak to one of our International Office staff directly, call 1300 635 276
Theatre at Melbourne Polytechnic
Costume Design student Jarred hits the big time - and the big top
A thread of fabulousness runs through Jarred Dewey’s practice as an artist. He’s a circus performer, a contortionist, an aerialist on the trapeze, performing amazing feats high up in the air. He’s also a scholar of all things camp, of taste that is so bad that it’s good – and a Melbourne Polytechnic costume design student.
Learn More
A Theatre Career Behind the Scenes
A year of full-time study and hands-on experience is creating multi-skilled theatre technicians who can take their pick of careers in the live production industry.
Learn More
Theatre Arts Interview
Information for your Theatre Arts interview.
Learn More
Costume for Performance Interview and Folio Presentation Advice
How to interview for Costume for Performance courses.
Learn MoreLocal student means; you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, a New Zealand citizen or a permanent humanitarian visa holder.