Edith Cowan University’s latest move may provide increased employment opportunities for aspiring theatre professionals in the South West.
ECU has confirmed the West Australian Academy of Performing Arts has devised a theatre diploma course for the university’s South West campus.
The Diploma in Acting will centre around performance skills and stagecraft.
ECU South West Campus Dean Lyn Farrell said the course was due to commence in Semester 1, 2018.
Ms Farrell was adamant the move supported the region’s “emerging creative arts industry”.
“While we’re testing the specific demand for this, I think it’s part of what I see as an emerging creative industry sector developing in the South West,” she said.
“This is a great opportunity – WAAPA has got an international reputation, it’s very competitive to get into their undergraduate courses and the Diploma of Acting offers a pathway.
“We think this a great opportunity for people who are interested in this and for a pathway into other studies in the performing arts.”
The campus and WAAPA expect around 20 students for the course’s first semester.
ECU has also begun discussions with the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre and Maker and Co. for future initiatives.
Ms Farrell said the campus seeked to provide a diverse range of subjects and programs.
The Dean also said she aimed to get the university’s eight “schools” to move into the area.