Adelaide College of the Arts is a centre of excellence in the performing arts, offering performance-based acting and dance courses in a modern facility that includes purpose-built theatres, rehearsal spaces and production studios.
Production students can specialise in stage management, costume, sound, lighting, vision systems and staging, design for live events and set construction and manufacturing.
AC Arts caters to students who wish to pursue careers as performers in the disciplines of dance or acting, or behind the scenes in stage, venue and event management.
Technical Production and Design students work with Performing Arts students in the staging of several theatre and dance productions during their study, giving them hands-on, practical experience in all facets of their craft.
Teaching appointments are made on the basis of qualifications, professional experience, industry profile and reputation. Every year AC Arts employs many highly respected specialist industry professionals to work with students on productions and performances.
Facilities
AC Arts has public performance spaces used for teaching, rehearsals and performances, including a 220-seat proscenium arch theatre and a 110-seat experimental theatre. Other purpose-built spaces include the David Kendall rehearsal studio, four dance studios and two acting rehearsal spaces with modern sound systems, image projectors to enhance performance training, and industry-standard flooring.
Rehearsal spaces are also equipped with modern sound systems and image projectors. All spaces are industry-standard, enabling students to work with the same equipment used by professionals in their field.
Employment
Acting and Dance students undergo curriculum-based training in career management. Students are encouraged to establish contacts within industry and AC Arts provides opportunities to form networks by hosting national and international festivals, workshops and conferences. Graduates are provided ongoing support through the Performing Arts Graduates’ Program, which gives priority access to rehearsal spaces, performance facilities, equipment, master classes and employment within the College.
Technical Production and Design graduates can be employed by theatres, theatre companies or concert staging companies. Most touring companies employ their own sound, lighting and stage technicians who will travel with a given play, dance production or concert.
Stage, venue and event management graduates may be employed by entertainment venues or individual productions, working in the planning and management of events.
Industry Partners
AC Arts has partners including sponsors, teachers and other arts-related bodies. Partnerships can be in the form of co-assessment, joint productions, curriculum advisory panels, industry reference groups, student work experience and staff industry placements. These provide improved student learning outcomes and graduated opportunities.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) and industry-update skills training can be arranged for schools or other industry partners.