Education Focus: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA)

Answered by: Anton Maz - Marketing Manager

What kind of courses do you offer? Aboriginal Performance, Acting, Arts Management, Costume, Dance, Design, Lighting, Music, Music Theatre, Performing Arts, Props & Scenery, Screen Performance, Sound and Stage Management.

Do you offer practical on-site learning or more of a theoretical base? All of WAAPA's courses are very hands-on, utilising our state-of-the-art facilities to deliver industry simulated training. The 34 performance seasons per year give all students plenty of practical experience in their chosen discipline.

What makes you different to other educational institutions? The scope of WAAPA is unique in Australasia, having everything under one roof from music and various performance programs to all the backstage and behind the scenes disciplines such as Sound Production and Arts Management. You will find WAAPA graduates at every level of the international arts, culture and entertainment industries, forming policy at various levels of government, on screen, on stage at Splendour or in a West End musical, or mixing the front of house sound at Metro City.

What kind of social activities do you offer? There is always so much on at WAAPA. Various theatre seasons, dance seasons, jazz, classical and rock concerts. Each discipline has its own student fundraising organisation so always plenty of parties to go to. The place is always buzzing.

Do you offer job opportunities, internships, or other ways to help students get ahead? All Arts Management and Production and Design students need to complete a work placement or secondment before graduating. WAAPA staff and alumni are really instrumental in helping students secure excellent placements. Graduating Acting and Music Theatre students do a national Showcase tour in November and get to perform in front of Australia's most influential movers and shakers and casting agents.

When and where is your next Info Day/Open Day? 13 Aug, ECU, 2 Bradford St, Mount Lawley, 10am - 3pm.

Website link for more info: WAAPA.ecu.edu.au