National Actors Intensive
TAFTA’s National Actors Intensive (NAI) is back - and bigger than ever.
About:
Join us this November for five transformative days with some of Australia’s most respected working casting directors and directors! TAFTA’s National Actors Intensive offers a rare opportunity to train directly with industry leaders in an immersive and fast-paced environment. Across five intensive days, actors will take part in two 4-hour sessions per day, gaining valuable insight, real-time feedback, and practical experience that sharpens both performance and professional readiness. Whether you're preparing to enter the industry or wanting to refine your craft in front of some of the biggest names in Australian film and television, the NAI is your chance to be seen, challenged, and inspired.
Info:
Dates: Saturday 15th – Wednesday 19th November 2025
Venue: TAFTA Studios Melbourne | 20 Haughton Road, Oakleigh
Age: Strictly for ages 16+
Price: $1500 plus GST
Preparation is Key!
Participants will be assigned scenes for each workshop ahead of time and are expected to arrive with their material prepared and memorised. This ensures you get the most out of your time in the room and can work at a professional standard, just as you would on set.
An Expanded Experience for 2025
This year, we’re expanding the experience with two tandem sessions running simultaneously, meaning two classes of 20 actors, rotating between our incredible guests. Participants will work in intimate groups, maximising face-time and feedback with each guest. Actors will be able to choose between Group A or Group B when enrolling. Both sessions include the same guests, just in a different rotation each day.
Limited Spaces!
Limited Spaces!
Spaces are strictly limited to ensure a high-quality, focused experience, so early registration is strongly encouraged.
Value That Speaks for Itself
This program offers exceptional value for actors who are serious about their craft. A single workshop with an industry professional can cost upwards of $280 + GST, meaning 10 workshops would normally be around $2,800 + GST. With the NAI, you’ll receive all 10 workshops for $1,500 + GST, which is almost half the usual price while giving you access to an unmatched variety of expertise in one program.
What to Bring:
To make the most of your time at the NAI, please bring:
SD card – for recording your work in class
Notebook and pen – there will be a Q&A session during each workshop, so bring a notebook in case you’d like to jot down insights, advice, or industry tips. You’ll also have the chance to get your own questions answered.
Water bottle – to stay hydrated throughout the day
Lunch and snacks – there will be a 1-hour lunch break between sessions. You’re welcome to bring your own food, or you can purchase from the café next door, which offers hot drinks and meals. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby, just a short walk from our studios.
Parking & Transport:
Please plan ahead to ensure you arrive on time and ready for your session.
All-day parking is available on Haughton Road, however it often fills up early.
There is on-street parking nearby, but please note it has a 2-hour limit on weekdays. If you’re driving, we recommend finding all-day parking to avoid having to leave the studio during class and causing disruptions.
TAFTA is located directly across the road from Oakleigh Station, making it very easy to access by train. There are also plenty of bus routes servicing the area.
Confirmed Guests Include…
Confirmed Guests Include…
We’re thrilled to reveal the first of our incredible industry guests for the National Actors Intensive:
DAY ONE: Saturday 15th November
Thea McLeod – Neighbours, Spin Out, Pawno, Measure For Measure
Lou Mitchell – Crazy Fun Park, Scrublands, Preacher, Gold Diggers, Jack Irish, Dr Blake, White Fever
Thea McLeod. Founder of McLeod Casting, Thea McLeod is one of Australia’s most prominent casting directors with a wide breadth of work ranging from international films to television. Thea has a passion for discovering and nurturing the next generation of A-list actors from Australia and beyond. Thea has been casting the very popular Australian classic Neighbours for 12+ years. Thea spent eleven years in the UK where she was both an actress and a casting director, gaining much experience on an international level for film, television, and commercials.
Lou Mitchell is a casting director that is part of the Maura Fay Casting team. With more then 35 years in the film industry, Lou is known for her versatility across all genres. Lou has successfully cast everything from horror to children’s television, crime thrillers to romantic comedies, ensuring the perfect actor is matched to every role. Her passion for storytelling, deep industry knowledge, and commitment to discovering new talent make her a powerhouse in the Australian and international entertainment industry.
And that’s just the beginning… We have an outstanding lineup of directors and casting professionals still to be announced in the lead-up to the Intensive.
Stay tuned - more names dropping soon!