Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

WAAPA is recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its graduates. WAAPA provides the most comprehensive range of performing arts training in Australia and students can choose from a range of internationally recognised courses.

The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University operates as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), provider number 4756.

WAAPA is recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its graduates. WAAPA provides the most comprehensive range of performing arts training in Australia and students can choose from a range of internationally recognised courses. World-class staff working in state-of-the-art performance and teaching facilities provide rigorous and specialised training of the highest order. These courses offer students the opportunity to realise their artistic ambitions. Entry into the courses is competitive and prospective students undertake an audition and / or interview as part of the application process.

WAAPA is situated on the Mount Lawley Campus of Edith Cowan University which is about ten minutes north of Perth’s CBD and well serviced by public transport.

Showcasing your talent
In this creative and supportive environment students pursue artistic excellence both on and off the stage. Every year students, staff and critically acclaimed guest artists collaborate to present over 300 public performances – more productions and more diversity than any other arts training institution in Australia. Many of these performances take place in WAAPA’s own performance venues at Edith Cowan University but an increasing number of exciting community partnerships enable WAAPA to perform in a wide range of external spaces as well.

Star graduates
WAAPA graduates excel in their chosen professions around the world, confirming WAAPA’s well-earned reputation. Many well known actors, dancers, musicians and music theatre stars including Hugh Jackman, Frances O’Connor, Marcus Graham, William McInnes, Lisa McCune, Lucy Durack, Rachelle Durkin, Emma Matthews, Jamie Oehlers, Eddie Perfect and Tim Minchin (amongst many others), have called WAAPA home.

The employment record of the Academy graduates in extremely competitive fields continues to be outstanding and well attuned to the needs of the industry. WAAPA designers, arts management and production graduates are highly sought after and many hold influential positions across a wide range of performing arts companies, festivals, venues, film, television, major events, arts organisations and teaching institutions.