In this six-week course, you’ll work with scripts across theatre, film, and fast turn-around TV, learning how to adjust your performance for each medium. From theatre’s bigger energy to film’s subtle detail and TV’s quick decision-making, you’ll develop the versatility needed to be audition-ready every time.

The course is led by Simone Buchanan, known for Hey Dad, the feature film Shame, and roles in Neighbours, McLeod’s Daughters, Blue Heelers, All Saints, A Country Practice, Upper Middle Bogan, and more. Her film credits include My Brilliant Career, Patrick, Boar, and The Girl at the Window. Simone is also a director, most recently on Neighbours.

Fast, challenging, and fun.

Unleash your creativity, step out of your comfort zone, and discover the joy of play! Over 8 weeks, you’ll learn the essentials of improv, active listening, “Yes, And,” building trust, and connecting with your scene partners. Through playful exercises, two-person scenes, and ensemble games, you’ll light up your spark, explore character, and learn to be fully present in the moment. Laugh, experiment, and discover how fun and freeing improv can be, all while gaining confidence, sharpening your instincts, and learning to trust yourself on stage and off (whilst making friends).

“It’ll be one of the most transformative things you’ve ever done”

Groundwork is TAFTA’s essential entry-level screen acting course, ideal for newcomers, returning performers, or theatre actors moving into film and television. Entirely on camera, the class builds core skills in script and character analysis, line learning, frame awareness, scene work, and audition technique, giving students practical experience and confidence before progressing to Act II: The Craft.

Mick Preston brings over twenty years of experience across film, television, theatre, and voice. Trained in New York under Uta Hagen, with credits including Preacher, Shantaram, and The Legend of Ben Hall, Mick is known for his grounded, generous teaching style and his ability to create a supportive, growth-focused environment for actors.

The Craft builds on foundational screen-acting skills, guiding actors toward deeper authenticity, emotional access, and refined on-camera scene work. Training weekly with acclaimed actor and educator John Orcsik, students develop truthful characterisation through advanced script analysis, emotional exercises, and targeted scene study.

A core element of the course is John’s signature emotional technique, a safe, repeatable method for accessing powerful emotions without relying on personal trauma. Designed for screen performance, it helps actors hit emotional beats consistently, even under audition pressure.

Actors engage in scenes, monologues, and emotional-readiness practices that strengthen presence, responsiveness, and vulnerability.

Some materials may include mature themes.

Master the General American accent with renowned U.S. Dialect Coach Tyler Coppin in this 8-week course designed for actors of all levels. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your skills, you’ll learn the full phonetic foundation of the accent, key sound shifts, rhythm, mouth placement, and practical techniques for applying the dialect confidently in scripts and performance.

American-born and Melbourne-based, Tyler is one of Australia’s leading U.S. accent coaches, having trained actors such as Heath Ledger, Joel Edgerton, Magda Szubanski, Ben Mendelsohn, and more. Known for his passionate and thorough approach, he helps actors achieve a natural, reliable, and audition-ready American sound.