ACPA & The Cultural Program: The Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA) is Australia s largest Indigenous performing arts training organisation. It offers a three year pathway, from a Certificate III to an Advanced Diploma VET qualification, across three performing arts genres. Every week, students undertake four days of training in acting, dance, music, or a combination of each: Monday to Thursday. Fridays are committed to what makes ACPA stand apart from alternative performing arts training organisations: the ACPA Cultural program. ACPA has built, and continues to grow, a team of established Indigenous Performing Artists to oversee and deliver the Cultural Program. This includes performing artists with over a collective century of experience in promoting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the contemporary Australian arts landscape. ACPA students, while building their skills in Acting, Dance and Music, also build their sense of cultural identity through the Cultural Program and the Student Services Program. Student Services Program: Delivered by a team of dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, the Student Services Team provides support and mentorship in all areas of life challenges that are faced by students. As well as one to one contact and support in areas of budgeting, finance, ABSTUDY, travel and emotional health and well being; the Student Services Team also has an established network of external service providers that can be accessed by students through referral to their outreach programs. Student Services also runs a scheduled program within the weekly timetable for the personal and cultural development of all students enrolled with ACPA, across the four levels of qualifications. This program includes tailored workshops, guest speakers, outreach service providers and cultural awareness programs. Training & Assessment Staff: ACPA attracts and retains training and assessment staff of the highest standard to support the successful outcomes for all students. All permanent training and assessment staff hold significant industry experience in their field of expertise, as well as extensive experience in training and mentoring emerging artists to professional employment standards. Additional contracted trainers are engaged from industry to bring their skills and experience to the ACPA program. All staff members involved in training and assessment hold industry skills above the level to which students are being trained, and meet the standards for training and assessment as required under the National Vet Regulations. Where guest artists are engaged, they work within the guidance and framework provided by ACPA s Heads of Department for each genre.
The Training Journey: ACPA offers students a three year pathway, across four levels of vocational qualifications, leading to employment in the performing arts and associated industries. From here, ACPA Graduates build individual and dynamic careers that contribute to the arts and culture of Australia, and the world. Students can enter ACPA at the Certificate III level, with no prior experience or formal training. Applicants with existing skills in their preferred genre can apply to be assessed for entry at the Diploma or Advanced Diploma levels. Year One: For the first Semester of six months, students undertake the Certificate III in Performing Arts. This course consists of 9 compulsory units across the genres of Acting, Music, Dance and cultural training. The course is designed to give all students an introduction to each of the three industry genres (Acting, Music, Dance), a fundamental level of skills in each genre, and the opportunity to consider which genre they would like to specialise in. At the end of Semester One, students may choose to exit with a Certificate III or they may be invited to enrol for Semester Two in the Certificate IV in Performing Arts. This six month program includes 11 compulsory units across industry skills, performance skills, cultural training and more comprehensive skills in the three performing arts genres (Acting, Music, and Dance). In addition to the compulsory units, students select a minimum of 4 elective units from the genre of their choice (Acting, Music, or Dance). At this level, students are beginning to choose what field they will major in as a performing artist, while still developing skills in all areas, to increase their employability. Year Two: Students invited to continue training with ACPA in Year Two will undertake the 12 month program of the Diploma of Performing Arts. At this level, students have selected their preferred genre. The course includes 7 higher level compulsory units across cultural training, industry development, and audition and performance techniques. In addition, students select a minimum of 8 elective units from their preferred genre (Acting, Music or Dance). Year Two is an accelerated development program preparing the students for industry. Often, students exit after the Diploma year due to gaining employment in industry. Year Three: Students invited to continue training with ACPA in Year Three will enter the final 12 month program to attain the Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts. Students at this level complete 4 compulsory units focussed on cultural and genre performances at a professional level, showcased in major performing arts venues. In addition, students select a minimum of 6 elective units from the genre of their choice (Acting, Music or Dance) to develop advanced skills to an industry standard of professional excellence.
Work Experience: Each year, ACPA is approached with many invitations for students to perform at various corporate, community and cultural events. ACPA utilises these opportunities by selectively choosing events and performance opportunities that will increase the professional development of students, as well as provide additional performance assessment opportunities, where the students are able to be assessed in a performance workplace context. ACPA is also regularly contacted by industry for professional employment of artists. Wherever possible, ACPA places graduates in these employment opportunities. Where a current student is engaged: ACPA will support their industry release and tailor the opportunity into the students training and assessment program, where suitable to their course of study. In addition to these performance requests, ACPA produces a series of performances each year as assessment opportunities for students. These performances are held in house at ACPA s performance studio, as well as major performing arts venues around Brisbane. ACPA receives generous support from major performing arts companies and venues through access to their performance spaces. Regular venues include the Cremorne Theatre Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Bille Brown Studio Queensland Theatre Company, Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts, the Brisbane Powerhouse and more. ACPA produces a minimum of 6 main stage performance events annually to develop the skills of students in industry workplace contexts. Assessment Strategies: ACPA recognises that employability in the performing arts is measured by demonstration of skills and knowledge in a practical context. Wherever possible, ACPA assessment processes are designed on practical demonstration, oral knowledge, or produced work, rather than paper based evidence. ACPA Assessment methods include: Methodology of Assessment Code of Assessment Practical Observation over time Skills Development Recorded Practical Demonstration Performance Outcomes Direct oral questioning and oral demonstration of skills and knowledge Submitted evidence tailored to the unit (may include written evidence or produced work) Verified Third Party reports and evidence in the case of industry release and recognition of prior learning. PO PD OQ SE TPR
Course Delivery Summaries: The following pages provide a summary description of the way in which the units of each course are delivered. Delivery includes discrete delivery of individual units, as well as holistic delivery of multiple, complementary units to reflect the manner in which diverse skill sets are applied by performing artists in workplace contexts. The summaries are a program outline to guide the planning of delivery and assessment by ACPA staff, as well as to inform prospective students of the program they are considering undertaking. While the summaries are written based on the current ACPA delivery program, each course delivery summary is subject to change in regard to available opportunies, flexibility required to suit student needs, and innovation or improvements promoted by ACPA staff. Certificate III in Performing Arts 30856QLD Unit Code Unit Title Assessment Code BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes PO / SE Delivery Method: Workplace induction, site visits, OHS documentation examples and workbook. BSBWRT301A Write Simple Documents SE Delivery Method: LLN diagnosis and support, document creation including letters, email and artist BIO. BSBWOR203A Work effectively with others PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered through practical creative collaboration and development of performance event aligned to performance genre studies. CUSMGE10A Use MIDI devices or software to compose music SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Progressive learning benchmarks of digital recording media and achieving product creation as advised through tasks within course outline. QLD213HF01B Develop personal diet and fitness PO / SE / OQ Delivery Method: Assessed through participation, engagement, fitness development and completion of workbook demonstrating knowledge and applied practice. QLD213DA02B Develop fundamental skills in dance techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Skill development across at least three dance genres (ballet, jazz and cultural dance). QLD213AC03B Explore pathways to acting PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Skill development across improvisation and fundamental acting technique and presentation skills. QLD213SI04A Develop basic singing skills for performers PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Skill development through choral singing classes in standard music industry and cultural choir skills. QLD213CP05A Explore collaborative creative processes PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered through practical creative collaboration and development of performance event aligned to performance genre studies.
Certificate IV in Performing Arts 10041NAT Unit Code Unit Title Assessment Code PATMHF407B Maintain and develop health and fitness PO / SE / OQ Delivery Method: Assessed through participation, engagement, fitness development and completion of workbook demonstrating knowledge and applied practice. BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes PO / SE Delivery Method: Workplace induction, site visits, OHS documentation examples and workbook. PATICP406B Explore innovative creative processes SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered holistically with genre performance studies in developing and devising performance work. PATDVS403C Develop skills in voice and speech PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered as a fundamental skill base for all performing artists to have a vocal strength in speech and stage presence, regardless of their genre speciality (Dance / Acting / Music). PATEPA408C Examine the place of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander SE / PO / PD / OQ performance within Australia Delivery Method: Delivered through a study of historical roles for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and creatives in the performing arts industry across the 20 th and 21 st centuries. CUADAN411A Develop expertise in cultural dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered through the Cultural program including Men s and Women s grounding classes, combined cultural dance, cultural awareness and development. CUAPRF307A Develop performance techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered in holistic alignment with genre performance events through rehearsal and development toward performance. CUAPRF405A Rehearse technique for performance PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered in holistic alignment with genre performance events through rehearsal and development toward performance. PATDSI402B Develop skills in improvisation PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered with a shared focus on improvisation as a rehearsal and development tool to be applied in any genre through exploring creative choices without judgement, leading to choices and performance options. CUSMPF407A Develop vocal techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered as a fundamental skill base for all performing artists to have a basic singing voice, to be applied to any of their genre speciality (Dance / Acting / Music). CUADAN203A Perform basic jazz dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered as a fundamental skill base for all performing artists to have dance and movement skills available, regardless of their genre specialty (Dance, Acting, or Music). PATDCA401C Demonstrate core acting PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: A study of a variety of acting techniques / styles leading to the core outcomes of acting. PATVSA404A Develop vocal skills for acting PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: An actor specific unit focused on articulation, pronunciation, projection and vocal stage presence, with a focus on the voice as a primary foundation for stage / screen prescence. PATMFL405C Use movement at a fundamental level PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: A focus on the use of movement as a dramatic narrative tool in place of, or complementary to, spoken narrative. CUAPRF301A Create and tell stories SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: This unit focuses both on the construction of original stories as a means of interpreting existing work and devising original stories.
CUADAN306A Increase depth of ballet dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Building on the Cert III introduction to ballet, this unit is focussed on building strength and knowledge of ballet technique for dancers. CUADAN409A Develop expertise in contemporary dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Building on the Cert III introduction to contemporary dance, this unit is focussed on building strength and knowledge of contemporary dance technique for dancers. CUADAN309A Increase depth of street dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered in partnership with guest industry, this unit is focussed on sharing the latest contemporary street dance initiatives in complement to classical training techniques. CUADAN407A Develop expertise in dance performance skills PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered holistically with dance performance rehearsals and delivery of a production. CUAPRF306A Develop musical theatre techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Classes in fundamental scene work, choral singing and dance chorus work. CUSMPF202A Incorporate music technology into performance SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Utilising contemporary software and digital technology to mix and create original performance material. CUSMPF204A Play music from simple written notation PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Instruction, mentoring and support in musical literacy toward performance of scored work. CUSMCP302A Write song lyrics SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Instruction and mentoring in composing original song lyrics with a performance narrative. CUSMPF301A Develop technical skills in performance PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Singing and / or musicianship training for live performance outcomes. CUSMLT302A Develop and apply aural-perception skills PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Tuition and mentoring in applying aural perception to interpret and play music as heard. CUSMPF404A Perform music as part of a group PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Rehearsal and development as a band ensemble, delivering performance sets to audiences. CUSMPF405A Develop instrumental techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Tuition in specialising in selected instruments as a musician. Diploma of Performing Arts 10042NAT Unit Code Unit Title Assessment Code CUSIND302A Plan a career in the creative arts industry SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Mentorship in researching, planning and implementing a career development plan, including BIO / Resume preparation, applying for funding, seeking employment and pitching original performance ideas. BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes PO / SE Delivery Method: Workplace induction, site visits, OHS documentation examples and workbook. CUADAN506A Refine cultural dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Deepening the cultural and performance sensitivity toward the Indigenous legacy of performance through the Cultural program including Men s and Women s grounding classes, combined cultural dance, cultural awareness, leadership and development. CUAPRF304A Develop audition techniques SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Preparing for auditions, creating BIOs and resumes, applying audition preparation techniques, understanding the odds of the Industry and individual performer packaging. PATRAT510A Investigate representations of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people in film & theatre SE / PO / PD / OQ
Delivery Method: Specific study of the roles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in performing, devising, writing and producing film and television in Australia. A study of the past and present to direct the future. CUAPRF403A Employ a range of performance techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered holistically in alignment with performances outcomes of genre disciplines. CUAPRF406A Use technique in performance PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered holistically in alignment with performances outcomes of genre disciplines. PATPAC503C Play a character PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Extension skills in script analysis and character development as applied to rehearsal processes. PATESI502A Extend skills in improvisation PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Extension skills in improvisational techniques as a standalone medium and as a rehearsal tool for performance development. PATASF501B Develop acting skills for film PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: In studio training for applying acting technique to the medium of camera (film / television) with applied knowledge of film / television set protocols and practices. PATBVS504C Build voice & speech PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Extension training in vocal presence to support theatre, film or television medium performance. PATPTS505A Develop physical theatre skills and techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Extension training in physical theatre to ensure the holistic engagement of the body as a narrative tool in performance: basic acrobatics, narrative and lyrical movement, stage combat. PATICT506A Investigate and perform classical text PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Research, analysis and applied rehearsal to performance of classical texts. PATTRS507C Perform theatre from a range of styles PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Research, analysis and applied rehearsal of a range of theatrical pieces from across the strata of the theatrical canon. CUAPRF407A Develop expertise in musical theatre techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Training in scene work, choral singing and dance chorus work. CUAPRF504A Refine musical theatre techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Applied musical theatre skills in performance. PATADF509B Create Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dance fusion PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Training in devising and developing original performance pieces combining contemporary and cultural dance skills and practices. CUADAN408A Develop expertise in ballet technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Further development in studio practice of ballet techniques to inform and enhance performance application in complementary units. CUADAN505A Refine contemporary dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Application and refinement of contemporary dance technique in support of in studio or public performance development. CUADAN305A Increase depth of jazz dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Application and refinement of jazz dance technique in support of in studio or public performance development. CUADAN508A Develop expertise in allied contemporary dance techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Exploration of allied dance forms in support of in studio or public performance development. CUADAN405A Develop expertise in street dance technique PO / PD / OQ
Delivery Method: Extension on contemporary Street Dance techniques in exploration, application and original performance within peer evaluation. CUADAN502A Refine ballet performance skills PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Application and refinement of ballet technique in a devised routine for an in studio performance. CUADAN303A Develop dance partnering techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Studio work focussed on dance partnering techniques across ballet, jazz, contemporary or cultural dance practices. CUACHR403A Develop skills in the craft of choreography PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Studio program for artists to explore and develop original works of their own design. CUSMPF506A Develop technical skills and expand repertoire PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Focus on musicianship and vocalist skills in a diverse range of musical styles. CUAMPF302A Develop vocal techniques for use in performance PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Focus on personal singing styles and development for lead vocalist. PATCCM508C Examine a cross-section of contemporary music styles PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Expanding the repertoire of musical styles able to be accomplished by the performer. CUSMCP402A Develop techniques for composing music SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Focusing on the skills to develop ideas and compose original songs and scores. CUSMPF410A Perform music from written notation PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Developing the musical literacy of musicians and vocalists in performing established and documented / published musical works. CUSMPF403A Develop repertoire as part of a backup group SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Expansion on the range of musical performance pieces able to be performed as a working ensemble. CUSMPF304A Make a music demo SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Creating original songs, music and lyrics through use of instrumentation, recording technology and audio engineering software. CUSMLT501A Refine aural-perception skills PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Further development of musician and vocalist skills in listening to and then recreating proposed or established performance pieces. CUVPRP404A Develop self as an artist SE / OQ Delivery Method: Industry focussed research and direction subject for emerging musicians and vocalists to prepare for employment in the music and performance industry.
Advanced Diploma of Performing Arts 10043NAT Unit Code Unit Title Assessment Code BSBOHS201A Participate in OHS processes PO / SE Delivery Method: Workplace induction, site visits, OHS documentation examples and workbook. CUADAN609A Extend cultural dance performance skills to a professional PO / PD / OQ level Delivery Method: Extended and deepened grounding in practice and demonstration of cultural dance performance skills, with particular attendance to awareness of cultural protocols and leadership skills in advising and mentoring others. PATPSP609C Participate in a showcase performance PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Aligned with the rehearsal and development of genre specific performance events in studio or public venues, CUAPRF501A Refine performance skills PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Aligned with the rehearsal and development of genre specific performance events in studio or public venues, PATPCR603C Perform characters and relationships PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Advanced acting technique skills in scene work and as applied to performance events across theatrical styles. PATRSI601B Refine skills in improvisation PO / PD Delivery Method: Advanced application of improvisation as a story telling technique as well as a rehearsal and development in creating showcase performance events. PATRCT602B Research and perform classical text PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Rehearsal and performance of classical texts in a public performance. PATPTT606B Physical theatre techniques at an advanced level PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Application of physical theatre techniques (narrative movement, choreography, combat) within a public performance context. PATUAD604C Use accents and dialects PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Applied use of a range of accents and dialects into character portrayal in scenes for film, television or theatre. PATAFC605C Act for camera PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Applied film and television medium (screen) skills in the delivery of truthful and believable characters for a screen performance. CUAPRF601A Extend musical theatre performance skills to a professional PO / PD / OQ level Delivery Method: Participation in scene work, dance and chorus performance in simulated performances of musical theatre repertoire. CUADAN501A Refine ballet technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Extension classes in ballet technique, assessed discreetly with studio exercise requirements, and holistically in application to performance events. CUADAN607A Extend contemporary dance technique to a professional PO / PD / OQ level Delivery Method: Extension classes in contemporary dance, assessed discreetly with studio exercise requirements, and holistically in application to performance events. CUADAN403A Develop expertise in jazz dance technique PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Extension classes in jazz dance, assessed discreetly with studio exercise requirements, and holistically in application to performance events. CUADAN507A Refine dance partnering techniques PO / PD / OQ
Delivery Method: Extension classes in partnering techniques, assessed discreetly with studio exercise requirements, and holistically in application to performance events. CUADAN610A Extend allied contemporary dance techniques at a PO / PD / OQ professional level Delivery Method: Extension classes in allied contemporary dance techniques, assessed discreetly with studio exercise requirements, and holistically in application to performance events. CUACHR501A Create and perform complex dance pieces PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Participate in the conception, design and delivery of complex dance pieces, delivered holistically with aligned performance genre units. CUADAN601A Perform dance repertoire at a professional level PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered holistically across dance performance events in studio and in public venues. CUAOHS401A Apply movement and behavioural principles to physical PO / PD / OQ conditioning Delivery Method: Delivered across dedicated classes of physical conditioning practices and in alignment with consistent dance warm up practices in OHS contexts. CUSMPF603A Refine performance techniques and expand repertoire PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered holistically across music performance events in studio and in public venues. CUSMPF501A Prepare a program for performance SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered holistically across music performance events in studio and in public venues. CUSMCP401A Develop techniques for arranging music SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Research and deconstruction of arrangement techniques, applied to existing works, leading to performance and recording or original arrangements. PATDCT607C Develop compositional techniques SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Applied development of techniques for composition through mentorship, exploration, recording and analysis, leading to production of original works. CUSMCP501A Compose music using electronic media SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Group and solo training to build on use of electronic media to create original compositions celebrating the individual artist, style and voice / sound. CUSMPF607A Lead music rehearsals SE / PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Performance opportunities are created requiring lead artists to be responsible for managing rehearsals and production preparations, leading to a successful performance. CUSMLT601A Analyse music SE / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Extension on music analysis skills for supporting the development of original ideas and composition in creating new work through an appreciation of the canon of work available. CUSMPF605A Develop advanced vocal techniques PO / PD / OQ Delivery Method: Primarily solo, private coaching of vocalists to expand individual vocal strength, style and range. Also supported through choral classes. CUSMLT402A Articulate ideas about music SE / / OQ Delivery Method: Delivered through case studies, research and performance of music styles, leading to formation of original concepts and application of styles to new ideas, in theory, through discussion and improvisation, and through performance.