Beginning in 2016, the Australian Shakespeare Company’s Graduate Players program is the evolution of our Bravehearts productions for young actors aged 12 - 18. We recognised an opportunity to create a bridge between drama school and the theatre industry. The ASC also didn’t want to exclude those who come to acting later in life so while the Graduate Players is essentially our youth ensemble, the program is open to anyone 18 years and over.
This fee paying course gives participants the opportunity to work part time with professional ASC staff, including directors, musical director and choreographer. Over a 16 week period, participants train in Shakespeare techniques and a variety of acting methodologies alongside rehearsing a full scale Shakespeare production.
In 2016, the Graduate Players Ensemble performed a musical version of Much Ado About Nothing at Na Pradle theatre, Prague. Since then we have been invited to perform as part of the Prague Fringe Festival in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023 and 2024. The productions met with critical acclaim amongst the festival reviewers.
Set in a magical forest outside Athens, the play follows the chaotic and humorous entanglements of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and a mischievous group of fairies. Led by Oberon and Titania, the fairy king and queen, the supernatural elements bring enchantment and confusion to the mortals' lives, especially under the influence of the playful sprite Puck. With mistaken identities, magical transformations, and a whimsical atmosphere, the play explores the complexities of love and imagination, ultimately celebrating harmony and reconciliation.
NSW Government is helping your cost of living with more than 40 rebates and savings including Creative Kids, which is all about making it easier for school-aged kids (4.5 to 18 years old) to get involved in creative and cultural activities.
Parents, guardians and carers can claim a $100 voucher per year to put towards the cost of lessons and fees with registered providers.
18 Years and Over
Auditions:
Sunday December 15, 2024
Program Commences:
February 8, 2025 in Melbourne (Naarm)
Concludes:
June 6, 2025 in Prague
Rehearsing/Training:
Part Time, Sunday afternoons and Wednesday evenings
Victorian Performance Dates:
Stratford (Gippsland): May 10
The Athenaeum Theatre: May 14 - 17
International Performance Dates:
Prague: May 26 - 31
$5299
Includes 12 weeks Shakespeare training, ALL airfares and accommodation while touring, PT ticket in Prague, specialist workshops in Melbourne and from our partners, the Prague Shakespeare Company, Czech cultural touring. Actors may elect to travel on in Europe after the program as flexible fares are available. All fees are payable by instalment.
If you are suffering economic hardship, we are happy to discuss and offer a fee variation in some cases.
Melbourne (Naarm)
