| Duration | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time |
| Location | Mackay |
| Next start term | Term 1, 2025 |
| Study mode | On Campus |
| Course code | CL01 |
Overview
The Diploma of Theatre equips you with introductory knowledge and performance skills related to theatre. You'll learn in our purpose-built performing arts facilities on our CQUniversity Mackay Ooralea campus. You will be involved in a comprehensive conservatoire-style learning environment with expectations of high standards of performance and scholarship. As a CQU theatre student, you can enjoy a rigorous performance schedule in various University, community and professional settings, with mentoring from industry professionals.
In your core studies within this theatre course, you'll have the opportunity to be involved in fully staged theatrical productions, either as a performer or as part of the technical/creative team. You will be mentored by various industry professionals while you apply your skills in various types of theatrical performances and further your knowledge in theatre production. You'll have the option to tailor your studies to your interests and career aspirations with minors available in Drama, Music Theatre or Technical Theatre.
Study experience
- Real-World Learning Facilities
- Industry Relevant
- Seamless Pathways
Career Opportunities
The Diploma of Theatre is ideal if you are seeking introductory knowledge and skills associated with theatre. Upon graduation, you may find career opportunities in creative industries and arts administration.
Study Pathways
This course provides an excellent pathway towards CQU's Bachelor of Theatre. The eight units that you complete as part of the Diploma of Theatre can be credited towards the Bachelor of Theatre. Progressing into the Bachelor of Theatre allows you to enhance and deepen your skills and knowledge in your chosen performing arts field (drama, music theatre or technical theatre).
Structure & Availability
The Diploma of Theatre consists of four core units and a four-unit minor. You can choose from the following minors:
- Drama
- Music Theatre
- Technical Theatre
Unit Information
For information about the units you'll study in this course, please visit the student handbook and click on the 'course structure' tab
Credit Information
If you have already completed study relevant to the course you have enrolled in, you may be eligible for credit transfer.
On-Campus Availability
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| Term 1, 2025 | Mackay |
Minors
Drama (4-units)
You'll study two Principal Performance Studios units that provide practical studies in various aspects of performance or technical theatre. In the Drama minor you will focus on voice, acting and movement. As you progress in these two practical units, you'll build your skills and knowledge progressively. You'll also be introduced to the study of literature by learning how to read, analyse and write about the different genres of literature, such as novels, short stories, poems, and dramas. Throughout this minor, you'll have the opportunity to explore the complexity and delicacy of a short story while developing your text-based interpretative and analytical techniques.
Music Theatre (4-units)
The Music Theatre minor also incorporates the two Principal Performance Studios units that provide practical studies in various aspects of performance or technical theatre. In this minor, you will focus on acting and dance (ballet, contemporary, tap and jazz). As you progress in these two practical units, you'll build your skills and knowledge progressively, fostering a sense of personal and professional growth. You'll also study two Music Theatre Voice units that develop skills in singing, music theory, aural musicianship and piano keyboard, developing your skills as a music theatre singer. These units integrate your learning of singing with music theory, aural musicianship and piano keyboard, providing the foundation for your musical knowledge and technique, covering introductory aspects of pitch, rhythm, pulse, tempo, articulation and expression.
Technical Theatre (4-units)
If you're interested in the technical aspects of theatre, the Technical Theatre minor offers a practical learning experience. You'll explore the technical theatre process through practical projects, gaining valuable skills and knowledge in the field through the two Principal Performance Studios units. You'll also be introduced to fundamental digital video and audio skills and knowledge and be equipped to produce digital audio and video content for a range of contexts appropriate to the digital content industries. This is an ideal minor to also gain foundational video editing and post-production skills, including the common layout, tools and workflow for industry-standard video editing software and how to take a project from rough footage to a finished movie. You'll also learn how to fix common audio and vision problems in documentary and narrative fiction and gain an understanding of professional practices and processes in post-production.
This course has no residential schools.
Production 2 - THTR11103
Students enrolled in this unit are involved in the production of a staged theatre performance on campus, in a range of theatrical styles. Students work with industry mentors and staff in a simulated theatre company environment. Technical and performance skills and knowledge are embedded in the learning and teaching elements of this unit. Students also have the option to be involved in a social innovation theatre project as part of the learning in this unit. The project is typically completed in an intensive teaching period, and students are expected to show increasing levels of technical, artistic and creative competence through this series of units.
Production 1 - THTR11102
Students enrolled in this unit are involved in the production of a staged theatre performance on campus, in a range of theatrical styles. Students work with industry mentors and staff in a simulated theatre company environment. Technical and performance skills and knowledge are embedded in the learning and teaching elements of this unit. Students also have the option to be involved in a social innovation theatre project as part of the learning in this unit. The project is typically completed in an intensive teaching period, and students are expected to show increasing levels of technical, artistic and creative competence through this series of units.
Requirements
To be eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
During your study
While not needed to apply, you'll need to meet the following requirements throughout your studies.
Fees & Scholarships
Indicative First-Year Fee
The Indicative First-Year Fee is the approximate cost of enrolling in this course for one full-time academic year (eight units over two terms) for a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and should be used as a guide only. Your actual fees may vary, depending on the units you select to study and your study load. Check the cost-per-unit spreadsheet available on our fees webpage for the approved unit fees. Fees are reviewed each year and are subject to change. Understanding your fees.
Commonwealth Supported Places
This course has Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available, and as a domestic student, you'll be offered a CSP, provided you meet CSP eligibility requirements. CSPs are subsidised by the Australian Government, meaning you are only required to pay the student contribution rather than full tuition fees.
HECS-HELP Loan
You may be eligible for a HECS-HELP government loan if you are offered a CSP. HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists you in paying your student contributions. Provided you meet the HECS-HELP eligibility criteria, you may use HECS-HELP to defer part or all of your student contribution fees.
There may be additional costs as part of your studies, such as technology expenses. Learn more about other study costs.
We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries that can give you a helping hand with a range of expenses and enhance your employability.
How to apply
How to apply
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Your application options
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Extra admission information
Prior to applying, take a look at important application dates and learn about our admission considerations, such as information for domestic students with overseas qualifications, indigenous support, and elite athlete, coach and performer support. You should also check out the adjustment schemes that might be available to you and how to access them. You can also explore our offer information to learn more about what happens after you've submitted an application and how to respond to an offer to study with CQU.
Start your application
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