How to become an actor in Australia, find auditions and acting jobs, and how UK performers can apply to live in Australia.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the spotlight Down Under, you’re in for a treat. Australia’s artistic landscape is as diverse as its geographical landscape. With renowned drama schools, thriving theatre scenes and an increasing stream of international film and television projects, it’s no wonder performers from across the globe are drawn to this sun-kissed, opportunity-rich nation.
In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of kick-starting your acting career in Australia. We look at training at the top drama schools, landing representation with the leading agents and finding auditions online – as well as the practicalities of making a temporary or permanent home in the country responsible for Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman and Geoffrey Rush, among many others.
The Acting Landscape in Australia
Sydney (Warrane) and Melbourne (Narrm) have long contended for the title of ‘Australia’s Cultural Capital’. Melbourne – the capital city of Victoria – is renowned for its thriving theatre and stand-up comedy scene, while Sydney – the capital city of New South Wales – is the hub of film and TV.
Recently, Queensland has entered the arena as a formidable contender, housing an impressive suite of international productions, including Aquaman, Elvis, Godzilla vs Kong, Thor: Ragnarok and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. On the other side of the country, Western Australia has just commenced construction on a $233.5 million (AUD) screen production facility – potentially placing Perth (Boorloo) on the map once the facility opens in 2026.
Beyond industry-centric considerations, Aussie actors tend to gravitate toward Melbourne for its cooler climes and community vibe and Sydney for its warmer weather and outdoorsy life. In Victoria, creatives will congregate in and around the Melbourne CBD, Southbank, and St Kilda to enjoy venues such as Her Majesty’s Theatre, the Malthouse Theatre, and Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre. Similarly, in and around Sydney CBD is the Theatre Royal, Pyrmont’s Lyric Theatre, and Chippendale’s Seymour Centre in New South Wales.
Actor Training in Australia
Australia is home to three world-class drama schools with Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving and Mel Gibson all graduates of Sydney’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). Alumni of Perth’s Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) include Dacre Montgomery, Frances O’Connor and Heath Ledger – while Elizabeth Debicki, Jason Clarke and Marta Dusseldorf all cut their teeth at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) in Melbourne.
Although not technically a drama school per se, Actors Centre Australia (ACA) has seen actors such as Hugh Jackman and Rose Byrne pass through its doors, offering high-quality training from its Sydney-based studio.
For those interested in honing their filmmaking skills, Australia boasts some fantastic film schools. Sydney’s Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) has trained directors including Jane Campion and Tony Ayres, Brisbane’s (Meanjin) Griffith Film School nurtured the creator of international sensation Bluey, and the VCA’s Film and Television program’s past students include directors Ariel Kleiman and Justin Kurzel.
Acting Agents in Australia
Like most markets, Australia has a handful of major agents who secure the lion’s share of acting work. United Management, Shanahan Management, RGM Artists, Marquee Management, Lisa Mann Creative Management and Independent Management Company are typically considered the big six. Most of these agencies have their headquarters in Sydney – some with offices in multiple cities – and all represent their actors for work across the country and around the world.
On the voice over front, RMK Voices and EM Voices are the main players, both with offices in Melbourne and Sydney.
A top tip when submitting to agencies is to avoid doing so during the drama school showcase season, which, in Australia, often falls between September and November. Reaching out between February and August will increase your chances of being seriously considered.
Finding Auditions in Australia
One of Australia’s two Spotlight equivalents is our sister site Casting Networks, with membership coming in at around $200 (AUD) per year.
Many Aussie casting directors share open casting calls on their social media accounts, so following a few online can be a worthwhile (and zero-cost) strategy. Anousha Zarkesh Casting, Barrett Casting, Ben Parkinson Casting, Heesom Casting, Jane Norris Casting, Mackintosh Casting, Maura Fay Casting, McGregor Casting, McLeod Casting, Mitchell Casting, Mullinars Casting Consultants, Nathan Lloyd Casting and Telford Leonard Casting are some of the leading figures to keep an eye on.
In addition, each state’s theatre company will hold general auditions throughout the year, so you may want to contact the Sydney Theatre Company (STC), Melbourne Theatre Company (MTC), Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), or Black Swan Theatre Company to see if your arrival coincides with their next round of dates.
Living in Australia
If you’re considering calling Australia home indefinitely or just coming over for a stint, know you won’t be alone. Australia remains ranked as the top destination for UK expats.
In many ways, life in Australia is similar to life in the UK. There’s no language barrier (though the accent can take a second to acclimatise to), no driving on the opposite side of the road, and no drastic difference in the cost of living. The most notable differences are the guarantee of a proper summer and the presence of critters to be cautious of.
If opting for Melbourne or Sydney, the comprehensive public transport system of trains, trams and buses should be sufficient to get you where you need to go. However, in other cities – and for weekend adventures further afield – you may need to factor in hiring or buying a car or becoming a regular user of ride-hailing apps.
Immigration and Visas
While we can’t provide legal immigration advice, we can provide a general overview of the avenues available to UK citizens for long- and short-term stays Down Under.
Permanent residency is primarily secured via one of three streams:
The Global Talent visa (subclass 858) can also be an option in exceptional circumstances.
As eligibility requirements can change (and Australia’s immigration system is notoriously strict), it is wise to refer to Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website for the latest advice and timelines.
For those looking for a less-than-permanent expedition, the long-running Working Holiday visa initiative can be worth exploring. This allows those aged 18–30 to take a 12-month ‘holiday’ in Australia, during which a portion of this time is spent in work or study.
Otherwise, the Entertainment Activities pathway allows individuals to work in Australia for up to two years on a film, TV or theatre production as cast or crew. Direct family members can also be included on this visa for a small fee.
Embarking on an acting career in Australia can be as rewarding as it is exciting. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling theatre scenes of Melbourne, the sunny shores of Sydney’s film industry, or the emerging hubs in Queensland and Western Australia, there’s a space in the spotlight for everyone.
As with any major market, building a career Down Under takes time, persistence and preparation. Stack the odds in your favour by training with the best, seeking representation with a reputable agent, and staying connected to the array of casting opportunities. And don’t forget to make the most of the unique Aussie lifestyle that blends cultural richness with a love for the great outdoors.
Tahlia Norrish is an Aussie-Brit actor, writer, and current MPhil Candidate at the University of Queensland’s School of Sport Sciences. After graduating from The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (Distinction, Acting & Musical Theatre) and Rose Bruford College (First Class Hons, Acting), Tahlia founded The Actor’s Dojo – a pioneering coaching program centred on actor peak performance and holistic wellbeing.
Headshot credit: Benkin Photography
