Courses


MBCTA Drama School works with students from the ages of 8 up. The drama school provides a wide range of opportunities for those interested in entertainment in the Outer Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. MBCTA concentrates on introducing students to all aspects of actor training and performance.
MBCTA specialises in Acting courses. Courses are offered on a two term (semester) basis. All courses are designed to give substantial output in age levels and ability groups.There are three main ability groups; beginner, intermediate and advanced. It is expected that in order for students to develop their talents; hard work, perseverance, responsibility and respect will achieve this. The philosophy behind our work is to help students attain a high standard of performance and self-discipline. Please email or phone MBCTA for publicity leaflet giving dates, times and fee information.
Acting classes do not require an audition. Students will be placed in classes according to age, assessment of experience, talent, committment and dedication.
For further details please do phone 9720 6200

VCE drama focuses on the art of transforming into imagined characters, examining the place of role and status in characterisation and using performance structures such as solo or ensemble performance.

It also covers the differing perspectives and interpretations that drama can give to play scripts and stimulus material from a range of cultures. It explores the application of dramatic elements and stagecraft and the development of expressive skills in the student's own work.

Specific assessment tasks include:

Workshop activities
Solo rehearsal and performance
Ensemble rehearsal process
Script writing & analysis

Students develop a wide range of dramatic abilities including vocal, physical, script, staging, stagecraft and improvisation skills.

At present Merilyn is training students from Years 10, 11 and 12 offering VCE Drama (Units1 - 4). The students train with Merilyn at her drama/theatre facility in Boronia. This private study has occurred either because the school curriculum does not offer drama or difficult timetabling prohibits drama study. Or students decide to study drama outside of school hours. The lessons occur after school hours on a Wednesday and the curriculum adheres to the VCE Drama Study Design with students being enrolled through their home school.


ACDA is a private part time college specialising in acting for film and television. Through ACDA students can complete a Certificate II Acting (Film and Television) on a part time basis. ACDA is the first and only organisation in Australia to offer such a course.
The course will not only enable students to participate in vocational training, but will also provide them with a solid foundation for the development of work in all areas of the industry. The college does not adhere to any one philosophy or style of teaching. It aims to offer the best preparation and training for actors so that they are well equipped to face the rigorous and varied demands that the profession makes upon them. The Certificate course is one year intensive part-time and includes: Acting technique work in front of camera Methodology and application of personal training for audition preparation, imaginative and creative training Strong advanced improvisationary work focusing on film and television techniques Script analysis and development Protocols and attitudes of working in the industry Policies and procedures of all facets of the industry For private study this certificate course is an auditioned one and auditions may be arranged for January intake. Please contact MBCTA/ACDA directly for more information. For Vocational And Education and Training (VET) this course is offered presently for the Yarra Valley Cluster Schools and is delivered at Lilydale High School. AIMS: the general purpose of the this program is to provide the skills, knowledge and attitudes for training in acting for film and television. This training is designed for students with strong intentions for pursuing acting as a career and will provide the skills and knowledge in a broad range of intermediate acting tasks relating to film and television. The course will provide the foundations for entry into the industry. Many of the skills and knowledge attained are transferable to related arts industries. INDUSTRY INTERACTION: Some industry experience will be integrated into the course through: Visits to suitable film/television/stage environments. Visits/lectures/workshops from guest speakers (eg. Media entertainment Arts alliance, Casting Consultants and Agents, Aacting Tutors, Action Acting tutor) PRE-REQUISITES: It would be anticipated that students choosing this course would be currently studying drama (either at school and/or privately) and who also have an agent - although both are not essential/ EMPLOYMENT/CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: This course will provide pathways and opportunities for further training and/or career opportunties in the arts. RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING: Stuents who feel that they have had previous acting (film and television) education or work skills may apply to the VET coordinator to have their current competencies assessed. Interested students should contact the VET coordinator at Lilydale High School or Merilyn Brend ACDA also offers Film and Television Industry Short Courses: foundation, intermediate and advanced classes are offered to assist with the varying standards of acting and levels of experience of students. The emphasis of work is improvisation, acting techniques, communication, exploration of different roles, situations and scenes. Interested students should contact Merilyn Brend for course dates, times, fee formation.