Melbourne's Premier Acting Studio for Film and Television

FAQ

1. Do you provide classes for beginners?
We are pleased to now offer term classes at beginners to intermediate level. These courses are different from 8 week general courses you may see around town; they work in specific acting techniques so that you can build a solid acting craft from the earliest stages of your training.

2. What technique or techniques do you teach?
At 16th Street, we employ specialist teachers across many different approaches and techniques in order to give Australian actors the most cutting edge and comprehensive actor training. As every actor is unique, we do not believe there is only one approach to the craft of acting. To support each individual actor’s access point into the work, we offer varied modules and programs utilising different approaches to the craft of acting (principally the work of Lee Strasberg, Susan Batson, Uta Hagen, Ivana Chubbuck and Yat Malmgren).

3. What makes your programs different?
Our programs are wholly original; conceived and developed by the creative team at 16th Street. We have sourced - from Australia and beyond - the finest teachers in their specific disciplines. We believe in excellence in training and also aim to provide actors with access to existing industry professionals, who not only teach, but also work in their craft as actors, directors, filmmakers, writers and technicians across all platforms.
We take pride in our attention to detail with regards to class and course development, organisation, the sourcing of material, appropriate casting of actors as well as ensuring that our facilities provide an environment where actors are supported as unique and creative beings and mentored on the approach to industry and the business of acting.
We believe that this framework is what truly makes 16th Street Actors Studio a new approach to actor training. Our actors often comment that not only are they receiving premium training, but are also part of an artistic community, at the hub of creation and the development of new works.

4. Are course fees competitive with other training institutions?
Yes. If you break down our classes to an hourly rate, you will find they are as competitive, if not lower, than that of other acting schools who claim to provide similar courses. We believe in quality actor training. Our point of difference to other institutions is outlined in the question above.

5. I am an actor of considerable professional experience. Do you provide classes for me?
Yes. 16th Street is committed to supporting working actors. Overseas, seasoned professionals frequently attend ongoing classes and short courses to continue to hone and refine their craft. Our courses are designed with this in mind and we offer ongoing studio-style classes for working professionals, where they can be challenged and inspired, in a creative and supportive environment. We are very strict with selection procedures to ensure a sophisticated learning environment.

6. What is your audition process?
All of our existing courses require an audition or interview. Once you complete an application form for your chosen course, you will be informed of what you are required to prepare. For most of our courses, you are asked to prepare a 2-minute film scene (not a monologue) of your choice that you believe best serves your acting talent. A reader is provided at such an audition. It is expected that you read the entire screenplay and have prepared the scene thoroughly.

7. Can anyone apply for international masterclasses?
Our master classes are designed to provide professional development for highly experienced actors. Anyone is welcome to apply, however, we receive many applications for these programs and therefore the selection process is highly competitive. It is of benefit to all involved to have the greatest level of experience ‘on the stage’ to ensure a truly inspiring learning experience. This selection process therefore means auditors have the experience of watching great actors work with world-renowned teachers.

8. What is auditing?
The term “auditing” refers to the ability for actors to sit-in as audience members on some of our classes and master classes – a common practice in the US. Much learning occurs from observation, and we encourage actors to audit our masterclasses to learn not only from these teachers, but also from the experience and know-how of the seasoned actors working through the process.

9. Do you offer any classes for children or teenagers?
At this stage, 16th Street does not offer acting classes for children or teenagers.

10. How old do I need to be to apply for courses at 16th Street?
Actors must be at least 18 years of age to commence training at 16th Street. School leavers who will be 18 years of age at the commencement of the course are welcome to audition, however please note that our courses and classes are intensive and do require a high level of commitment and emotional maturity.

11. Do you have a detailed course outline for your courses?
More detailed information regarding any of our courses is available on this website. Simply click the appropriate course heading on the left hand navigation menu.

12. What is the Chubbuck technique?
Renowned US master teacher, Ivana Chubbuck, created the Chubbuck technique.

“The Chubbuck Technique shows actors how to use their emotions not as an end result, but as a way to empower a goal.” If you are interested in taking our Chubbuck classes, it is advised that you first read Ivana Chubbuck’s book, ‘The Power of the Actor’, which serves as the handbook for this technique. The book will give you a great insight into what will be required of you in these classes and will help you decide if the Chubbuck technique is for you. Ivana’s book The Power of the Actor is widely available at local bookshops and online.

13. Do you have any classes in other capital cities across Australia?
At this point, most classes are run from our studios in Melbourne, but please join our mailing list to be updated with any courses or master classes that may be coming to your area.

14. What material do you use for scene work?
We take a good deal of time sourcing a breadth of well-written material from theatre and screen, and specifically cast our actors in roles that compliment and challenge them as artists. Our actors work in-depth on the material -in and out of the classroom - with detailed critique from our tutors to keep advancing the actor’s craft.

15. What are the typical class sizes?
Class sizes vary across our courses. Our full-time and part-time courses take a maximum of 24 actors per year, while our Weekly Scene Study have fewer than this.

16. What happens if I have a casting or acting gig?
We support all professional work, or work opportunities. You are generally excused from class in such situations.

Weekly Scene Study Questions

17. How many times do I put up my scene?
Each scene goes up once every two weeks, therefore twice per month. The time in between is spent on rigorous homework and rehearsal with your scene partner.

18. What are the expectations for rehearsal and homework?
Actors are expected to rehearse with their scene partner up to three times per week as well as working on preparatory homework. A commitment of 10 hours per week is the average, not including class time.

19. What happens if I have an absent or slack scene partner?
If you have a scene partner who is not displaying the level of commitment to the work outlined above, we encourage you to speak to the office or your teacher to voice your concerns.
If your scene partner is away or unavailable, you will be allocated a new scene partner or provisions will be made to ensure your scene still gets up twice within the month.

20. What happens if I get acting work while I am doing Weekly Scene Study?
We want our actors to work! If you have a professional acting commitment that prevents you from coming to class, you will be given a credit for that class. Credits are only given for professional acting work commitments.