Welcome to Drama with a Difference!

Drama and Acting Classes Melbourne

Teaching Location: The Theatre Husk, 161a Heidelberg Road, (Northcote/Fairfield border) [VIEW MAP]

Welcome to Drama with a Difference 2012. We are the only resident drama school at The Theatre Husk, 161a Heidelberg Road, Northcote, Melbourne (see map). The Theatre Husk is also the home of Winterfall Theatre Company. The space is an intimate theatre that seats 60 people and is equipped with a professional lighting and sound system.

In 2012, the focus at Drama with a Difference is performance.

The fact that Drama with a Difference has its own performance space means that all our students can perform in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and/or The Melbourne Fringe Festival and you do not need any prior experience to participate! See the respective Term/Weekly Class pages for more information.

These festivals have a variety of sections – from major international artists, to emerging artists and recreational adult groups, and both offer shows for and/or by children and teenagers.

We will still teach all the valuable skills of acting and the subjects as listed, however they will be done with a view to the end product – that being a “show” in one of Melbourne’s theatre festivals.

We welcome all students to take part in these performances, at whatever level they feel comfortable. There will be extended opportunities for people who are serious about being actors, and those attending for recreational purposes can choose to play large or small roles. In the event that anyone is truly overwhelmed by the idea of performing to a live audience, they will still benefit from the classes, and are welcome to work on the performances in a backstage position.

We look forward to meeting you in 2012.

Why is our Drama unique?

As one of Australia’s finest independent drama schools we have the success stories, reputation, connections and experience to assist people who are, or wish to become, professional actors.

We are equally committed to students who attend for personal development and fun! Our classes offer a safe environment where people of all ages can discover the magic and power of their own imagination.

For those who wish to use drama classes as personal and/or professional development

  • A supportive and safe environment
  • An environment which will get you in touch with the power of your imagination – an invaluable tool for people from all walks of life
  • A range of classes for all ages and levels (see the menu to view details)
  • An understanding of the uses of drama for a wide variety of purposes and outcomes
  • A history of past students who reinforce how much our classes have helped them gain self esteem, self understanding, confidence and personal charisma – all of which have greatly assisted them as individuals (see Testimonials)
  • A fantastic starting point if you are thinking about going further with acting at some stage (even in the near future)
  • The opportunity to perform in one of Melbourne’s major theatre festivals

For actors and aspiring actors – additional film and TV tuiton

Students who wish to become professional actors will benefit enormously from taking part in the performances.

We will invite casting consultants and agents, who will receive a list of names of anyone who would like to be considered for ads, auditions, TV roles etc.

We also offer private tuition to people who are interested in going to full-time drama schools such as NIDA and/or the VCA. This tuition is offered by either Michele Williams or Trent Baker, both of whom have extensive experience in this area.

Show reel making – via private tuition: If you are looking to approach an agent, most of the established/reputable ones require a SHOW REEL. This is a series of scenes and/or monologues, edited together onto a DVD. It is important to know what kind of pieces to look for, and to understand the requirements of length, type etc.

Other features:

  • A solid 15-year history
  • An impressive industry record – our students have worked in major and smaller roles in almost every Australian TV show over 15 years, many feature films, and for most major theatre companies – including several overseas (see Students of note)
  • A genuine list of well-known past and present students for whom Drama with a Difference was the launching pad into the industry
  • Integrity – a grounded and realistic approach to people wishing to be actors – we present a realistic picture of the industry
  • Inspiration and encouragement – as much assistance as possible in helping you realize your dreams
  • Genuine connections with major casting consultants, producers and agents – as a highly respected drama school, these people contact us on a regular basis for suggestions – including children and teenagers. (see Students of note)
  • A casting space – for short film and show reel making, giving you something concrete with which to approach agents
  • Experienced teachers who possess hands on experience as actors/directors/agents
  • Guest teachers from the industry who are highly experienced in casting / acting / directing (see Guest teachers)
  • A theatre space which encourages innovative work.

Film and TV classes

Throughout the year, Drama with a Difference runs a series of short courses in Film and TV, as well as weekend workshops. These courses are taught by some of Australia’s most experienced casting consultants, and agents – who will also give feedback and advice about the industry. The Film and TV short courses and weekends are open to everyone. Whether or not you wish to become an actor, these courses are an interesting and invaluable experience.