National Actors Intensive

TAFTA’s National Actors Intensive (NAI) is back - and bigger than ever.

Dates: Saturday 15th – Wednesday 19th November 2025

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, with a 1-hour lunch break in between, 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.

Age: Strictly for ages 16+
Price: $1500 plus GST (Payment Plans Available)
Venue: TAFTA Studios Melbourne | 20 Haughton Road, Oakleigh

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, the founder of McLeod Casting 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.

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

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.

Projects Cast: Gnomes, Scrublands, Gold Diggers, Crazy Fun Park, Escape From Pretoria, The Dr Blake Mysteries, Wog Boys, Preacher, Jack Irish, Moonrock for Monday, The Furies, Patrick: Evil Awakens, Ronny Chieng: International Student, White Fever, City Homicide, Worst Year Of My Life Again, Love In Bloom, The Whistleblower

DAY Two: Sunday

16th November

Dave Newman, co-founded McSweeney Newman Casting with Tom McSweeney in 2012. Working on both local and international projects for major networks like CBS, HBO and Disney +. Dave, with 35 years in the industry and 25 years in casting, believes that auditions aren’t about perfection, but about helping actors trust their unique interpretations of emotions and life. An actors greatest competition isn’t other actors, it’s usually within themselves and that inner battle to be honest, open, unfiltered and brave enough to show it to the world - there’s beauty in the imperfections and the messy.

Projects Cast: Blacklight, Love and Monsters, Dora and the Lost City of Gold, Nautilus, Australia Day, Mako Mermaids, Terra Nova, The Pacific, East West 101

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: Shayda, One Night, The Office Australia, Class of 07, Mystery Road: Origins, The Stranger, Warnie, Underbelly: Vanishing Act, The New Boy, Swift Street, The Office Australia, Ladies In Black, Underbelly: Vanishing Act  Warnie, The New Boy, Firebite, Mystery Road, Thou Shalt Not Steal, Bali 2002, Hounds of Love, With Or Without You, High Ground, Population: 11, Total Control, How To Please A Woman, The End, Rake, 800 Words, Cleverman

And that’s just the beginning… We have an outstanding lineup of casting professionals and directors still to be announced in the lead-up to the Intensive.

Stay tuned - more guests dropping soon!

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.

Secure your Spot Today!

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.

Limited Spaces!

Limited Spaces!

Spaces are strictly limited to ensure a high-quality, focused experience so early registration is strongly encouraged.