The 5 Best Acting Schools in Melbourne for an Oscar-Worthy Performance
Raw talent only gets you so far in the entertainment industry. True longevity requires serious technique and a safe space to fail repeatedly before you ever reach the spotlight.
The tricky part is actually finding a studio that matches your specific ambition. The search demands the same mindset as seeking out a dedicated career coach. You want someone who sees your unique potential and provides the actual tools to amplify it.
That’s why we stripped away the flashy marketing to see which studios deliver real results for their students. Here are the best acting schools in Melbourne where you can confidently refine your skills and master the stage.
How much does an acting school cost in Melbourne?
Acting school costs in Melbourne vary drastically based on your goals, ranging from $470 per term for short courses to over $27,400 for full-time professional programs.
| Course Type | Estimated Cost |
| Short Courses (per term) | $470 – $512 |
| Full-Time Professional Programs | $13,100 – $27,400+ |
1. Melbourne Actors Lab
Website: https://www.melbourneactorslab.com/
Address: 150A Barkly St, St Kilda
Contact: 0402665126
Hours: Tuesday 10:00 AM-2:00 PM, 7:00 PM-11:00 PM; Wednesday-Thursday 7:00 PM-11:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Melbourne Actors Lab offers structured acting training for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Their curriculum includes a 12-week introductory course that transitions into ongoing studio classes.
What we love about their training is that it’s deeply rooted in the Method Acting tradition of Lee Strasberg.
We also really appreciate their heavy focus on long-term craft development rather than just quick, temporary workshops. By concentrating on these core techniques, actors can build truthful behaviour and solid instincts over time.
Just keep in mind that their teaching style leans heavily into theory and deep discussion.
While this means you might receive less practical performance time during certain classes, this deep analytical approach is completely essential for mastering the true fundamentals of the craft.
I owe my growth and development as an actor
Peter excels any acting teacher I’ve ever had. Years at the London Academy Drama School didn’t come close to my first months at The Lab. After working in the industry for over 25 years, Peter’s knowledge is a breath of fresh air. I owe my growth and development as an actor to Peter’s unwavering commitment as a teacher and mentor. 6 years at The Lab has gone fast! By far one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself as an artist.
- Holly McCrossin Comedian | Google Review
Skills and training I’ve gained over the years have been truly invaluable
I have been attending the LAB for the past three years and can’t recommend Pete highly enough. Over that time, the LAB has become like a second home to me, with a great team of like-minded people who are all passionate about the craft. The skills and training I’ve gained over the years have been truly invaluable. If you’re serious about taking your acting career to the next level, I highly recommend training with Peter.
- Amy | Google Review
2. Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia
Website: https://www.howardfinestudio.com.au/
Address: 7 Cozens Street Brunswick, 3056
Contact: 03 9038 8053
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 AM-4:30 PM
What stands out to us about Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia is their comprehensive one-year professional acting program. It flawlessly combines advanced technique with real-world industry readiness.
Their core training draws from an award-winning methodology. It features excellent conservatory-style modules that cover everything from Shakespeare to essential audition techniques.
We also love that they bring in an international faculty directly from Los Angeles and New York. This global perspective is phenomenal for helping students prepare for a competitive professional career on the stage and screen.
On the other hand, it’s important to remember that their flagship program requires a massive commitment of time and money. It runs about 40 weeks, with core classes taking up three full days a week.
Occasional schedule changes or cancellations can also happen, though this actually closely mirrors the unpredictable nature of the working acting industry.
Incredibly effective acting technique in a safe and nurturing environment
Just completed the Full Time program here and I couldn’t recommend it enough! It was honestly one of the most fulfilling things I have done.
The faculty are all incredible ❤️ and current industry professionals.
Anybody who wants incredibly effective acting technique in a safe and nurturing environment should consider this school.
There’s various programs throughout the year if you can’t commit to one of the longer ones – definitely go!
- Hasini Walpola | Google Review
Absolutely brilliant acting school
Every actor must train here at some point in their career. Absolutely brilliant acting school. Fantastic teachers and such a safe and inclusive community of teachers and actors. The Howard Fine technique should be in every actors toolkit. Highly recommended the full-time acting program for a comprehensive acting course. Best decision of my acting career to train at Howard Fine.
- Rebecca Rose | Google Review
3. 16th Street Actors Studio
Website: https://www.16thstreet.com.au/
Address: 715 Glenhuntly Road Caulfield South, VIC, 3162
Contact: 03 9533 0216
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM; Sunday Open 24 hours
6th Street Actors Studio offers a brilliantly structured Acting Essentials Program. Their progressive modules allow students to comfortably master the basics before moving up to higher-level training.
We also appreciate how their core classes integrate multiple internationally recognised acting techniques. This gives students a well-rounded foundation in voice, movement, and character development.
It’s also great that they heavily emphasise holistic development, actively working to build your empathy and compassion as an artist.
That said, class sizes can occasionally be on the larger side, limiting individual performance time.
Students also have to complete at least one basic module before gaining access to the advanced, screen-focused training. This, however, ensures everyone has a strong, unified foundation before stepping in front of the camera.
Array of highly reputable teachers
I completed full time at 16th street in 2025 and have nothing but fantastic things to say about the school. Learning from an array of highly reputable teachers was an experience I don’t think you can find many other places. I always felt so safe and supported by my peers and teachers. It’s an experience that will never leave me and will support me in my acting career for the years to come.
- sophia tsoltoudis | Google Review
One of the premier acting schools in Australia
As a student at the school I’ve never felt more desire and motivation to work hard and participate in class. Every teacher has a tremendous amount of experience and are more than willing to help out on any issues a student might be having with their work. Also the special guest teachers that the school brings to Melbourne from around the world is incredible and is worth every minute of time you spend in their classes participating or auditing.
This is without a doubt one of the premier acting schools in Australia.
- Nick Jaquinot | Google Review
4. Acting Performance Studio
Website: https://www.actingperformancestudio.com.au/
Address: 1/34 Levanswell Road, Moorabbin
Contact: 03 9078 1454
Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM; Saturday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
We highly recommend Acting Performance Studio if you are looking for highly effective, screen-focused training. They recreate a live “on set” experience to help actors quickly develop highly practical film and television skills.
Their core programs offer a beautifully structured pathway that welcomes everyone from young kids all the way to adults aiming for their elite, audition-only two-year course.
We’re especially big fans of their hands-on camera work and personalised coaching. Students shared that these instantly help them feel confident hitting their marks under bright lights.
One downside is you might find fewer opportunities for completely unguided personal creative input. After all, their curriculum is tightly focused on strictly simulating real TV production environments.
Still, this rigorous structure is exactly what makes you genuinely industry-ready and prepared for a real set from day one.
Can’t rate this acting school highly enough!
Our daughter loves APS! The classes are fun and engaging. Kids of all abilities are warmly welcomed and everyone is made to feel like a valued member of the APS family. The teachers in the Musical Theatre program have been exceptional. Can’t rate this acting school highly enough!!
- John McClellan | Google Review
The kids have always loved attending, learnt a lot
We’ve had a few of our youngsters attend Acting Performance studios, either during school term or as part of the school holiday program. The kids have always loved attending, learnt a lot of definitely benefited form the great tutors and teachers. The staff are friendly, professional and manage to inspire kids.
- Sancss Australia | Google Review
5. Brave Studios
Website: https://bravestudios.com.au/
Address: 33/91 Moreland St, Footscray
Contact: 03 9687 6220
Hours: Monday-Friday 9.30 AM-4.30 PM
Brave Studios is an outstanding choice for top-tier film and television acting training. That’s because all of their courses are designed directly by working industry professionals.
They provide aspiring screen actors with a complete, highly logical training pathway that scales smoothly from beginner workshops all the way to advanced 12-month conservatory programs.
We also appreciate that they include specialised training for audition preparation, voice, and even the Alexander Technique.
Better yet, they deliberately cap their classes at just 12 to 16 students. This ensures that everyone gets highly personalised, direct feedback without getting lost in the back row.
Just a heads up: their best programs run anywhere from eight weeks up to a full year, requiring a solid long-term commitment.
Their cancellation policies are also quite strict.
One of the best acting schools to train at
Brave is one of the best acting schools to train at, ive been going for 6 months and its made me so much more confident. it’s so inviting and they do an amazing job of relieving pressure. You’ll make some great colleagues at this school.
- Nick Bradshaw | Google Review
Also developing self esteem
Amazing people who know what they are doing . Elle and Damien and all the staff do a great job in training kids not only in acting but also developing self esteem. My daughter did the 12 month teen programme and loved every moment of it. Highly recommend !
- Mrudula | Google Review