21607VIC Certificate II in Acting (Film and TV) and
21608VIC Certificate III in Acting (Film and TV)
The magic of film and television can sometimes create a false illusion of the realities in the industry. "I want to be a famous actor" is a line that kids will say from time to time. This course demonstrates that the work and dedication to fulfil that famous quote is a long and hard process. The purpose of the certificates is to educate about the industry, provide knowledge, increase skill levels and to find out about the jobs within the industry that students may not have heard of.
Certificate II and III in Acting (Film and Television) is available to schools in the Yarra Valley VET Cluster and the Inner Melbourne VET cluster. They are designed for students with the serious intention of working within the film or television industry when they leave school.
Course writer, former casting agent and principal tutor at the Australian College of Dramatic Arts, Merilyn Brend, said this year's intake were told at an information night before they enrolled about the realities of the industry and the commitment and professionalism expected of them.
"Hopefully, when they get established, these things won't matter as much, but when they start, they are all unknowns. It would be immoral to bolster these kids' confidence."
"Some students now understand how much work actually is involved in acting and some of them will be amazed. If they don't do the work and they are not dedicated and professional, then they shouldn't be here, but they will find their own path in time."
Merilyn said students' aptitude and dedication would be tested with a critiqued screen test by a professional casting consultant and a visit to the set where they would see how many people were involved in it's production.
Lilydale High School assistant principal, Michele Deckert, (now retired) said the course was broken into four terms per years, with some students planning to return for a second year to train with the Certificate III.
Units of Competency covered everything from an introduction to the workings of the film and television industry, auditions and screen tests, to performance techniques, basic stunt action action training, workplace communication and networking.
"The whole course is significantly geared towards working with people who are currently working in the industry - visiting professionals who are working and seeing how they do their jobs and also making the most of being out and about in the industry as it runs," she said.
Michele, a mother of actor and also children's author, Tempany Deckert, said "The course would put students in touch with directors, casting agents and others in the industry whom they would meet through Merilyn's contacts."
Click here to view requirements for entry into the course, and for a course outline including units of competency.
