WAAPA (Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts) is one of three leading performing arts universities in Australia. Students Australia-wide and across the globe battle to gain entrance into the prestigious university, with courses such as Musical Theatre, Dance and Acting accepting less than 4% of applicants per year.
Each summer, WAAPA gives year 7-12 students the chance to attend arts courses taught by its own university lecturers and industry guests. These programs provide students with training designed to push them creatively, increase their confidence and teach them new skills to prepare for a successful career in the arts. The courses also provide the opportunity to get to know the staff, talk to current students and learn everything there is to know about studying at WAAPA.
Here are the five summer courses scheduled for January 2025.
1. Acting for Camera
Jan 10 – 16 (Mon – Fri)
This course is designed to help students develop skills and techniques involved in filmmaking.
Students will be shown how to utilise close-up shots, connect to their audience and practice scenes and monologues from iconic film scripts. Students also learn how to ace the audition process and film a self-tape. This will be put to the test on the final day through the One Shot Wonders project where family and friends get a front row seat to view the student’s work on screen.
Full price $650. Earlybird $620 (closes 16 December 2024).
2. Acting for Stage
Jan 13 – 17 (Mon – Fri)
This course centres on the art of performance fundamentals, teaching students how to make an impact on audiences through voice, movement and storytelling. Students are shown how to unlock their full potential and become a strong presence on stage through training in improvisation, acting and character building.
Full price $650. Earlybird $620 (closes 16 December 2024).
3. Dance Squad
Jan 13 – 17 (Mon – Fri)
WAAPA tutors and industry guests invite dance students to join an action-packed week of pushing creative boundaries and immersive dance training. Students will be directed through a variety of dance styles including lyrical, hip hop and jazz with a focus on technique and empowerment to be a powerful and technical presence on stage.
Full price $650. Earlybird $620 (closes 16 December 2024).
4. Jazz Summer School
Jan 13 – 15 (Mon – Wed)
WAAPA’s Jazz Summer School is run by WAAPA’s own university lecturers alongside special industry guests to help students master the ins and outs of jazz ensemble performance.
Students will dive into the world of improvisation, be shown how to craft and arrange their own songs and master their own solos. The last day of the program will give family and friends the chance to watch the students perform their new skills in an afternoon showcase with their jazz-enthusiast peers.
Full price $430. Earlybird $410 (closes 16 December 2024).
5. Music Theatre Kickstarter
Jan 6 – 10 (Mon – Fri)
Students at WAAPA’s Music Theatre Kickstarter program are given the opportunity to perform songs from their favourite musicals all while learning new dance and performance techniques, a fantastic way to increase their confidence on and off the stage.
WAAPA experts and guest staff will challenge students to push their performance boundaries and showcase their talents for family and friends in a concluding showcase performance.
Full price $650. Earlybird $620 (closes 16 December 2024).
