Adelaide College of the Arts (Image TAFE SA)
A faculty of TAFE South Australia, Adelaide College of the Arts prides itself as an integrated centre of excellence for the Arts. Jane Mahady, who completed a diploma in Acting at Adelaide College of the Arts says she cherished the freedom she got to discover her strengths while studying at Adelaide College of the Arts.
‘Unlike in some acting schools, where students come out moulded into the way the school shapes them, AC Arts’ strong point is that it allows you to explore yourself in terms of different ways of expression, what suits you and what sets you free within acting.
‘For some people, it’s singing and musical theatre and for me it was definitely classical texts, which really helped me to grow,’ she added.
Mahady landed a full-time contract with Bell Shakespeare immediately after graduating in 2012 and credits her success to the tutors at Adelaide College of the Arts.
‘The tutors are phenomenal, and really great at allowing you to see your own potential and finding your style.’
One of the reasons Mahady chose to pursue her passion of acting at AC Arts was that the vibe of the college felt professional and student-run at the same time.
‘I think it’s special that the college itself is an entire Arts centre: you’ve got production, costume design – it’s a whole college that moves towards putting on these productions.’
She has recently returned after two years’ touring the country with Bell Shakespeare Company and is directing second year students at AC Arts in a one-act play. She is also assistant director to Terence Crawford, Head of Acting for his production of Much Ado about Nothing. She believes that the college’s focus on getting students industry-ready has been a great benefit to her career as an actor.
‘The College has been inviting a lot of guest directors in, who are working in the industry, and putting the students in contact with up-and-coming directors.
‘We get to work with professionals and really see what it is to be a part of the industry and learn like that – rather than just being told, we actually see and do,’ she said.
Adelaide College of the Arts offers courses in dance, acting, film and television, visual arts, sound and technical production, arts administration and professional writing. To find out more about these courses, go to the website.
Here is a short video, where an alumnus of the Adelaide College of the Arts talks about her career after graduating.
