By Jess Chapman

My time as a first year actor at the Arts Academy has not been what I expected, and in the same tone, it was exactly what I expected. Then again many of my ideas about what a performing arts school would be like were based on 'Fame'.

Sing-a-longs in the student lounge, check.

Auctioning off second year students, check.

A statue that people have named and talk to, check.

An unwritten rivalry with music theatre student (all show, of course) check.

Who would have thought that in such a short time I have come to love the flamboyant, talented and kind people who form the Arts Academy.

First year acting is not simply acting. We study voice, movement, singing, poetry, critical studies in theatre (seeing lots of performances) and yes, acting. With an average of 30 contact hours a week the course can get a tad hectic. But the love you develop for what you do here overcomes any short lived negative thoughts. With assignments that consist of going to the zoo, interpretive dance, and belting songs from obscure musicals, how could you not love it?

Our lecturers come from all over the world and really know their stuff. A lecturer who sees you for a mere 4 hours a week will know where your development is at, how you learn, what you respond to and how to push you. The amount of respect for those who teach here is phenominal. This is an advantage of our size. With only 26 first year actors and classes of about 12 or 13 you really get the attention needed to push and challenge you. And although not always welcome, a challenge and a push is definatly appreciated in the long run. In classes I have been exposed to Chekhov, Ibsen, Stanislavski, Esson, Laban, Animotions, Dickens, Neutral Mask, Verbatim theatre, dance, and even ushering for other shows; many people, methods and activities I had never been exposed to, and some I had.

Auditions for next year are coming up shortly and I would urge anyone who has thought about studying the performing arts to not disregard the Arts Academy. I was not sure if I would be ready for university, now, I can't imagine not being here. There are Arts Academy shows on all the time so keep an eye out and come see some of what goes on here in (occasionally) sunny Ballarat.