National Actors Intensive

November 22nd - 26th, 2026

Apply now for the Early Bird Discount!

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: Sunday 22nd of November – Thursday 26th of November 2026
Venue: TAFTA Studios Melbourne | 20 Haughton Road, Oakleigh

Age: Strictly for ages 16+
Price: $2000 plus GST

Preparation is Key!

Participants will be allocated 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.

What to expect:

NAI operates across two concurrent sessions, with two groups of 20 actors rotating between our incredible guest industry professionals. This format allows participants to work in smaller, more intimate groups, maximising their face-to-face time, individual attention, and opportunities for feedback with each guest.

Participants will be allocated to either Group A or Group B at the discretion of TAFTA upon enrolment. Both groups will work with the same guest professionals and experience the same content, with the only difference being the rotation schedule across 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

The NAI represents exceptional value for actors seeking to develop their craft through direct access to experienced industry professionals. Individual workshops with industry professionals can cost upwards of $310 + GST, meaning 10 comparable workshops would represent an investment of approximately $3,100 + GST.

Through the NAI, participants receive all 10 workshops for $2,000 + GST, providing a saving of more than $1,100 compared with the cost of attending 10 individual workshops. The program also offers the unique advantage of bringing together a diverse range of industry professionals and perspectives within one comprehensive program.

Program Pricing

  • Early Bird promotion is running from August 24th, 12:00 to Sept. 7th, 23:59.

    15% discount

  • Alumni discount is only available to those that have completed the Full or Part-Time course at TAFTA.

    Applicable from Sept. 8th to Nov. 4th.

    10% discount

  • Total: $2,200 (inc. GST) 

    Deposit: $500

    • Fortnightly payments (6 billing cycles): $283.33 per fortnight

    • Monthly payments (3 billing cycles): $566.67 per month

    • Full Payment

How to Apply

Please email us your application with the provided email template:

Deadline for applications are November 4th, 11:59pm.

Subject (choose from the following ) :

Early Bird NAI Application • Alumni NAI Application • NAI Application

Full Name:

Phone Number:

Email:

Age Range:

Agent (Please list "Freelance" if self-represented):

Emergency Contact Name and Number: 

Payment Method: Full Payment or Your Selected plan

Please attach a current headshot

Confirmed Guests Include…

Confirmed Guests Include…

DAY 1 : Sunday, November 22nd

Nick Kozakis – Kick On, Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism, Magnum Opus, Tones and I: Dance Monkey,

Amy Mete – Triple Oh!, Why Are You Like This, How To Stay Married & campaigns for brands and companies such as Toyota, Nike, Cadbury, Mercedes, Optus, Sportsbet

Nick Kozakis is an ARIA Award-winning director, with four ARIA nominations, an ADG nomination, and three AACTA nominations to his name.

Known for his ability to create cinematic tension and suspense, Nick has directed major music and film projects, including Tones and I’s internationally acclaimed Dance Monkey music video, which has surpassed 2.3 billion views on YouTube. His feature work includes the psychological thriller Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism, which screened at international festivals including MIFF and Sitges, where it won the People’s Choice Award for Best Film.

He is now in pre-production on the highly anticipated Sooshi Mango feature film Off the Boat, funded by Screen Australia with Village Roadshow attached as theatrical distributor.


Projects Directed: Kick On, Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism, Magnum Opus, Tones and I: Dance Monkey, Hilltop Hoods: I Love it, All About Valerie, Masked Wolf: Razor’s Edge, Written by Wolves: Goddess, Interface: Mechanica

Amy Mete is an award-winning Casting Director with over 15 years of experience across screen and advertising. Her credits span across television, feature films, commercials and branded content, working on a diverse range of Australian and international projects. She began her casting career at Nick Hamon Casting, progressing from Casting Assistant to Senior Casting Director under the mentorship of Nick Hamon and Megan D’Arcy. Prior to casting, Amy worked as a Talent Agent and Production Coordinator, bringing a strong understanding of both performers and production into her work. Known for her collaborative approach and strong creative instincts, Amy is trusted across the industry to deliver thoughtful, high-quality casting results.

Project Cast: Triple Oh!, Why Are You Like This, Planet Lupin, How To Stay Married & campaigns for brands and companies such as Toyota, Nike, Cadbury, Mercedes, Optus, Sportsbet, Coles, Bonds, Virgin Australia, Mazda, Holden, Kmart, Australia Post, Lotto, Officeworks, TAC and more.

DAY 2 : Monday, November 23rd

Lou Mitchell– Scrublands, Gold Diggers, Crazy Fun Park, Paper Dolls, The Doctor Blake Mysteries

Grant Brown – Home and Away, Last King of the Cross, Underbelly, Rush, Troppo, Stingers, Mako Mermaids

Lou Mitchell is an accomplished Casting Director with over 30 years of experience working across feature films, television dramas, soap operas, and international productions. Known for her strong eye for talent and versatility across genres, Lou has cast everything from crime thrillers and horror to children’s television and romantic comedies. Throughout her career, she has worked on productions featuring some of the industry’s biggest names including Daniel Radcliffe, Dominic Cooper, Chris Pang, Luke Arnold, Delta Goodrem and Guy Pearce. With extensive experience in both Australian and international projects, Lou is passionate about storytelling, collaboration, and discovering emerging talent.


Projects Cast: Scrublands, Gold Diggers, Crazy Fun Park, Paper Dolls, The Doctor Blake Mysteries, Love In Bloom, Wog Boys, Preacher, Jack Irish, White Fever, City Homicide, The Saddle Club, Escape To Pretoria, Worst Year Of My Life Again

Grant Brown is an award-winning Australian Film and Television Director with over 25 years of experience across television drama, comedy and children’s television. He has been nominated multiple times for AACTA and Australian Directors Guild Awards, with his work recognised across both Australian and international productions. Grant’s achievements include an AFI Award for Best Children’s Television Drama and a Silver World Medal at the New York Festivals International Television Awards. With extensive experience working with leading Australian performers and production teams, Grant brings a wealth of industry knowledge, a strong understanding of the actor-director relationship, and a collaborative approach to his work. He is highly regarded for his ability to create compelling performances and bring a clear creative vision to every production.

Project Directed: Home and Away, Last King of the Cross, Underbelly, McLeod’s Daughters, Rush, Troppo, Harrow, The Bureau of Magical Things, Stingers, Mako Mermaids, Janet King, House Husbands, Wicked Science

DAY 3 : Tuesday, November 24th

Micaeley Gibson- The Office (Australia), Ladies In Black, Shayda, One Night, The Office Australia, Class of 07

Awaiting Guest Confirmation

Micaeley Gibson is an independent Casting Director, currently affiliated with Barrett Casting. Known for her calm presence and an energy that instantly puts people at ease, Micaeley turns audition rooms into creative playgrounds rather than high-pressure zones. Micaeley kicked off her career in London, spending 10 years casting in-house for leading advertising agencies. For the last 25 years, she's been rocking the Australian scene, working across film, television, and commercials. She spent the last 15 years at Anousha Zarkesh Casting, as a Casting Director for TVCs and an Associate for TV and Film with 58 credits under her belt.


Projects Cast: The Office (Australia), Ladies In Black, Shayda, One Night, The Office Australia, Class of 07, Mystery Road: Origins, The Stranger, Warnie, Underbelly: Vanishing Act, The New Boy, Swift Street, Underbelly: Vanishing Act  Warnie, The New Boy, Firebite, Bali 2002, Hounds of Love, With Or Without You, High Ground, How To Please A Woman, The End, Rake, 800 Words, Cleverman

DAY 4 : Wednesday, November 25th

Thea McLeod –Neighbours, Aussie at Heart, A Melbourne Match, Measure For Measure, Pawno

Nicholas Verso- Invisible Boys, Crazy Fun Park, Boys in the Trees, Nowhere Boys, In Our Blood, Swift Street

Thea McLeod, founder of McLeod Casting, is one of Australia’s most respected and prominent casting directors, with over 20 years of experience across film, television and international productions. She is currently in her fifth year as President of the Casting Guild of Australia (CGA), where she advocates for the casting profession, supports industry standards and champions emerging talent. She is known for her work as casting director of the iconic Australian series Neighbours, a role she held for 14 years until the series concluded in 2025, helping discover and nurture numerous Australian actors who have gone on to successful careers both locally and internationally. Known for her passion for talent development and her deep understanding of performers, Thea continues to play a significant role in shaping Australia’s screen industry.

Project Cast: Neighbours, Love On Deck, A Melbourne Match, Measure For Measure, Pawno, Riptide, Heat, Spinout, Schapelle, Summer Coda, Lie With Me, City Homicide, Emo The Musical, Better Man, What If It Works?

Nicholas Verso is an award-winning Australian writer, director and creator with extensive experience across film and television. His work has received recognition from some of Australia’s leading industry bodies, including AACTA, the Australian Directors’ Guild and the Logie Awards, as well as international recognition at major film festivals. Nicholas is a Logie Award winner and a two-time Australian Directors’ Guild Award winner, with his work also receiving an AACTA Award for Best Short Film. His debut feature received international recognition following its premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and went on to win Best Feature at the Austin Film Festival. A passionate storyteller, Nicholas is particularly drawn to stories exploring youth, identity, mental health and queer culture, bringing a distinctive creative voice and strong understanding of character to his work.

Project Directed: Invisible Boys, Crazy Fun Park, Boys in the Trees, Nowhere Boys, In Our Blood, Swift Street, Grace Beside Me, The Unlisted, Itch, The Last Time I Saw Richard, Toys of Terror, Snake Tales, Hugo, Flight, The Apocalypse Bear: Beyond the Sea

DAY 5 : Thursday, November 26th

Colin Budds –H2O: Just Add Water, Mission: Impossible, Reef Doctors, Neighbours, Home and Away

Awaiting Guest Confirmation

Colin Budds is an award-winning Australian Film and Television Director with over 40 years of experience working across Australian and international productions. His career has spanned a diverse range of genres, from television drama and children’s programming to feature films and major international productions. Colin is a two-time BAFTA Award winner for Best Children’s Drama, and has also received a US Nickelodeon Award and recognition from the Chicago Film Festival, alongside four AFI Award nominations. Throughout his career, Colin has worked with established performers from Australia and Hollywood and has played an important role in discovering and developing emerging talent, with several actors he has worked with going on to successful international careers. Known for his strong understanding of screen craft and performance, Colin is highly regarded as both a director and mentor, bringing decades of practical industry experience and a deep understanding of what makes a compelling on-screen performance.

Project Cast: H2O: Just Add Water, The Elephant Princess, Ocean Girl, The Lost World, Mission: Impossible, The Flying Doctors, Stingers, Blue Heelers, Wicked Science, The Saddle Club, Thunderstone, Flipper, Reef Doctors, Neighbours, Home and Away

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.