Extension Stream

EXTENSION STREAM

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Our Extension Stream is a chance to work in a class with dedicated coaches like-minded students, and industry professionals to achieve at the highest level. Places in extension are by audition only. Auditions are held each year in December/January. You are encouraged to speak with your coaches in regular classes if you are interested in being nominated for an audition. You can also register your interest below and we will let your coach know on your behalf. Don't let nerves hold you back from an opportunity of a lifetime.

About Extension Stream

Timetable & Pricing Plans

FAQ'S

The Audition Process

Regular classes provide a brilliant grounding in foundation acting skills through cutting edge and dynamic curriculum. Classes are taught, with an emphasis on fun and engagement. What is known in the employment industry as soft skills are also taught. These refer to things like, critical thinking, teamwork, confidence, and communication.

Extension classes take all of these to the next level. While still fun, the reason we only have one intake a year, and have an audition process is because the standard of training is higher than regular classes and won’t be for everyone. It is like working in a class of students who while like-minded and supportive, also have a greater understanding of base skills, and above all are hungry to be pushed further in their acting and become the best version of themselves.

Most of our students notice immediately that the opportunity to train with an ensemble of committed, focused and likeminded peers of a similar age dramatically increases the degree of skill that we're able to deliver. Working with the same ensemble for the whole year means that we're able to quickly build trust, and push you to go beyond simply learning new skills, and start to refine, develop and perfect your abilities. This allows extension students to feel their progress much more acutely, and prepares you to apply these skills to work in the industry, should you choose.

Each level of our extension stream focuses on building upon learnings from regular classes and previous extension classes, while introducing new tools and approaches for students to add to their "actor's toolkit". The benefit of having a six levels of training within our extension stream means that we are able to place our students in the class that best suits their current stage of their journey, so they are able to learn and grow at a pace that suits them.

All of our extension coaches and highly trained and experienced, but come from varied backgrounds. The extension coaching team is a brains-trust which gives students access to a huge variety of disciplines.

Not everyone feels ready. Even the most confident students often have the same reservations. “What if everyone is better than me?”. While it is normal to have these fears, we would ask you respect our decision to a) invite you to audition and b) accept you. We have been doing this a long time, and we generally only invite people who we feel will thrive in the extension environment. Extension is a journey, your starting point is just that. Regardless of what level of the extensions stream you are invited into, extension is a journey of growth. It will be challenging for all. That is why it is called extension. It extends beyond where you are now.

The price for extension depends on what level and are released when nominations are sent. Extension classes do cost more than the regular classes, as they include extra classes, rehearsals, guest industry professionals as well as focussed support for every student in acting and in their journey through life. Fees for some levels also include regular classes, as long as there is space available in the chosen location.

All Extension Classes take place at the AAA Head Quarters in Paddington Brisbane, once a week. The day of the week each class takes place is listed on the "about extension stream" tab. We encourage you to let us know if you have any availability conflicts early on so that we can help come up with a solution wherever possible.

If you know for sure that you cannot accept a place, please let us know before accepting an audition. As places are strictly limited due to class sizes, we'd prefer that someone else doesn't miss out. If you're not sure, we would encourage you to audition anyhow and we can work together to come up with solutions to any issues that present themselves. The earlier you are able to communicate any challenges you think you may have around auditioning, the more time we have to come up with a solution.

Auditions are run as a short workshop where students are introduced to the style of coaching they will experience in extension, as well as presenting their work, receiving direction and feedback. A fee of $30 is charged to cover this experience.

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YOUTH EXTENSION 1

Designed for 11-14 year olds, Youth Extension 1 is where the extension journey begins for our youngest extension students. You will find this both challenging and exciting. This will be your first time working at an advanced level. You will work with us to expand your awareness, mind, voice and body beyond what you felt possible. These are the essential tools for any actor to master. You will also be introduced to the concept of personal development and how we can help you hurdle over obstacles in acting and in life.

YOUTH EXTENSION 2

Designed for 12-14 year olds, Youth Extension 2 students will have either already completed Youth Extension 1, or have auditioned at a very high standard. Youth Extension 2 builds upon your capability to show discipline, focus and work with an ensemble with the added bonus of exploring a whole new acting medium, acting for camera. You will experience a rush of growth during this year as we continue working with you on the five agreements of extension, encouraging you to gain a deeper understanding. You will take skills learnt in Youth Extension 1 and experience them at an intermediate level.

EXTENSION 1

Extension 1 is where most teenagers auditioning for the extension stream begin. Designed for 14-16 year olds this is often the first time students will have experienced working at a pre-industry standard. The techniques and practices that you will experience throughout Extension 1 would normally be reserved for university students. This is where you really start to find your feet as a professional actor. With an emphasis on building self-discipline, focus and a work ethic, the five agreements of extension are applied at a deeper practical level. Your coaches will work you hard, but you will be incredibly satisfied and impressed by the work you produce throughout the year. Extension coaches truly guide students to develop acting and life skills that will give you a head start in the creative industry and in life.

EXTENSION 2

Designed for 15-16 year olds, most students who attend Extension 2 will have already completed Extension 1. While it is rare, it is possible through exceptional class work and auditions to allow you to be directly invited into the Extension 2 ensemble. To start off your intensive Extension 2 experience, we will have you leaning heavily into the five agreements and focusing on practical life coaching skills with the aim in mind to build your strength and resilience in a supportive and encouraging ensemble environment. This shift in focus will give you an overwhelming sense of self belief as we equip you with the skills needed to take on your increasingly challenging work content and school commitments. We then change gears, and move you into intermediate and advanced techniques across the board to help build your acting capability to an intermediate professional industry standard.

EXTENSION 3

Designed for 16-19 year olds, Extension 3 requires that students have attended Extension 2. The focus of Extension 3 is to make sure you have an in-depth understanding of the creative industry and begin to foster your creative passion and identity. You will begin to find where you fit in and grow your creative personality as we continue to focus on your personal development through this year. We will give you performance and practical acting experiences so you feel confident and ready to step into the professional creative industry. You will receive individual guidance and begin to develop a plan on how you will move forward into the industry and into life. Guest instructors are a large part of Extension 3, as we want you to begin to build your industry network and experience as many different styles of coaching and directing as possible.

SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

Our School of Excellence is the pinnacle of our extension stream, and was created to serve students who were committed to pursuit of excellence in their craft. SOE focuses on refining and perfecting skills that students have developed during their time training at the AAA, to build strong confidence in your creative choices. SOE requires high levels of discipline and application, students will be lead by our expert coaches to a number of performance outcomes throughout the year to develop muscle memory and the ability to work quickly and consciously. Students who complete their training with School of Excellence do so with a tremendous level of satisfaction in their achievements. Throughout the history of SOE, it's alumni have consistently gone on to great success across a wide variety of fields.

Designed for 11-14 year olds, youth ext 1 is where the extension journey begins for our youngest extension students. You will find this both challenging and exciting. This will be your first time working at an advanced level. You will work with us to expand your awareness, mind, voice and body beyond what you felt possible. These are the essential tools for any actor to master. You will also be introduced to the concept of personal development and how we can help you hurdle over any acting or life obstacles through understanding the 5 agreements of extension, these are:

Take Responsibility instead of blaming yourself or others.
Make Conscious Choices instead of being reactive.
Accept Consequences instead of justifying behaviour and avoiding consequences.
Choose Kindness over the need for being right.
Seek Help instead of going it alone.

The core skills taught over this year include:

Introduction to vocal and physical dynamics
Introduction to advanced acting techniques.
Ensemble building and devising
Introduction to basic script analysis
Taking creative risks
Performing advanced open scripts
Introduction stage craft
Beginner monologue analysis and performance
Developing discipline and focus in class
Introduction to taking direction
Live stage performance

Designed for 12-14 year olds, youth ext 2 students will have either already completed youth ext 1 or have auditioned at a very high standard. Youth ext 2 builds upon your capability to show discipline, focus and work with an ensemble with the added bonus of exploring a whole new acting medium, acting for camera. You will experience a rush of growth during this year as we continue working with you on the 5 agreements of extension, encouraging you to gain a deeper understanding. You will take skills learnt in youth ext 1 and experience them at an intermediate level.

The core skills taught over this year include:

Beginners scene analysis
Introduction to intermediate acting techniques.
Physical movement routine
Write and perform a performance poetry
Introduction to acting for camera
Intermediate level vocal dynamics
Ensemble singing lessons
Introduction to journaling
Introduction to vulnerability for stage
Original performance through journaling
Developing a devised themed performance

Extension 1 is where most teenagers auditioning for the extension stream begin. Designed for 14-16 year olds this is often the first time students will have experienced working at a pre-industry standard. The techniques and practices that you will experience throughout extension 1 would normally be reserved for university students. This is where you really start to find your feet as a professional actor. With an emphasis on building self-discipline, focus and a work ethic, the 5 agreements of extension are applied at a deeper practical level. Your coaches will work you hard, but you will be incredibly satisfied and impressed by the work you produce throughout the year. Extension coaches truly guide students to develop acting and life skills that will give you head start in the creative industry and in life. The core skills taught over this year include:

The core skills taught over this year include:

Develop a physical and vocal warm-up routine
Intermediate scene analysis
Expansion of Intermediate acting techniques.
Expansion of journaling skills
Develop critical thinking practices
Intermediate vulnerability for stage experiences
Exploring and understanding stage presence and performance craft
Small group devising activities
Scene performance for stage
Choral, physical theatre, and strong scene work for showcase

Designed for 15-16 year olds, most students who attend ext 2 will have already completed extension 1. While it is rare, it is possible through exceptional class work and auditions to allow you to be directly invited into the ext 2 stream. To start off your intensive ext 2 experience, we will have you leaning heavily into the 5 agreements and focusing on practical life coaching skills with the aim in mind to build your strength and resilience in a supportive and encouraging ensemble environment. This shift in focus will give you an overwhelming sense of self belief as we equip you with the skills needed to take on your increasingly challenging work content and school commitments. We then change gears, and move you into intermediate and advanced techniques across the board to help build your acting capability to an intermediate professional industry standard.

The core skills taught throughout this year include:

Advanced improvisation techniques
Advanced vulnerability techniques
Advanced scene work.
Intermediate acting techniques for camera
Intermediate scene work for camera
Reading and breaking down short plays
Develop an autonomous physical and vocal warm-up routine
Advanced scene analysis
Advanced play short play analysis
Advanced acting techniques
Regular journaling for self development
Develop performance through journaling
Intermediate mindfulness practice
Introduction to long form improvisation
Scene performance for stage
Development and performance of shortly plays for showcase

Designed for 16-19 year olds, ext 3 requires students to have attended ext 2. The focus of ext 3 is to make sure you have an in-depth understanding of the creative industry and begin to foster your creative passion and identity. You will begin to find where you fit in and grow your creative personality as we continue to focus on your personal development through this year. We will give you as many performance and practical acting experiences so you feel confident and ready to step into the professional creative industry. You will receive individual guidance and begin to develop a plan on how you will move forward into the industry and into life. Guest instructors are a large part of extension 3, as we want you to begin to build your industry network and experience as many different styles of coaching and directing as possible.

The core skills taught throughout this year include:

Expansion of advanced improvisation techniques
Expansion of advanced vulnerability techniques
Advanced monologue work
Advanced scene work.
Develop a monologue performance
Develop individual work for camera and stage
Advanced acting techniques for camera
Reading and breaking down plays.
Understanding character and story arch.
Take responsibility and implement their own physical and vocal warm-up routine.
Expansion of advanced scene analysis
Expansion of advanced acting techniques
Regular journaling for self development
Develop polished performance through journaling
Advanced mindfulness practice
Advanced experience of long form improvisation
Advanced scene work for camera
Advanced scene performance for stage
Development and performance of a play for showcase

After being in the extension stream, to have it end abruptly doesn’t seem beneficial for you as you may be wanting to build your professional industry experience and network. Designed for 17-28 year olds, the young adults studio is created for all past extension students to come and continue their training in an ongoing manner. This class will also be open to non extension students from within and outside the academy via an audition process. Classes will occur in 4 week commitment blocks, and you can choose to stay for as long as you feel the classes are providing value to your acting and personal growth. In addition to advanced acting techniques and scene work, these classes are designed to help young adults create new networks and encourage you to develop and build your own professional portfolio and body of work.

Take Responsibility instead of blaming yourself or others.
Make Conscious Choices instead of being reactive.
Accept Consequences instead of justifying behaviour and avoiding consequences.
Choose Kindness over the need for being right.
Seek Help instead of going it alone.

The core skills taught over this year include:

Introduction to vocal and physical dynamics
Introduction to advanced acting techniques.
Ensemble building and devising
Introduction to basic script analysis
Taking creative risks
Performing advanced open scripts
Introduction stage craft
Beginner monologue analysis and performance
Developing discipline and focus in class
Introduction to taking direction
Live stage performance

Write your awesome label here.

Put your mind at ease, here is a guide to how the audition process works:

When you arrive, we will all sit together, discuss what is about to happen, and let you voice any nerves. By the end of this chat, everyone will feel far less nervous.
You will then play some games, and some team building activities. This shows us how well you work with others.
We then give you a chance to refresh your monologue. You will receive the monologue with the audition pack. It is open to your interpretation and allows you to learn it and perform it your way.
Time to perform. One at a time you will perform your monologues. You will love seeing what creative ideas the other students come up with.
We will film this process and then ask you to change some ideas to see how well you can take direction.
Finally we will ask the questions “ If you get accepted into the Extension stream, what would be your biggest fear, and what would be the thing you would be most excited about?”
Then if time we play a warm down game.

WHEN ARE RESULTS SHARED?
We try to have an answer before the end of the year, so you can start planning. Some auditions take place in January, this will be the latest we notify you. If you get accepted, we take it for granted that you will accept your place, yet we are also happy to answer any questions.

WHAT IF I AM NOT ACCEPTED?
You will surely feel disappointed but Brendan calls everyone who doesn’t make it and discusses with them personally where they need to improve to increase chances next year. It should be noted that students who aren’t successful the first time, and hang in there for another year, and work on all the areas they need to improve, often become the most successful extension students. We encourage you to not take it personally, as just being invited to audition is a great achievement.

Write your awesome label here.

We try to have an answer before the end of the year, so you can start planning. Some auditions take place in January, this will be the latest we notify you. If you get accepted, we take it for granted that you will accept your place, yet we are also happy to answer any questions.

You will surely feel disappointed but Brendan calls everyone who doesn’t make it and discusses with them where they need to improve to increase chances next year. It should be noted that students who aren’t successful the first time, and hang in there for another year, and work on all the areas they need to improve often become the most successful extension students. We encourage you to not take it personally, as just being invited to audition is a great achievement.

By now you're no doubt aware that each of our extension classes run a cutting-edge curriculum, run by dedicated, passionate coaches and industry guests within our safety net philosophy. Our Extension students are treated as a high priority when it comes to outcomes being met, both for the students and the family. We are there as a trusted adult to help support, encourage and challenge your child to move through and overcome obstacles that life can throw at them. We view all extension students as having access to a world-class brains-trust of coaches and support staff who are focused, dedicated and enthusiastic to your child's needs.

Below is a breakdown of the costs and payment plans for each class, along with a summary of what is included.

YOUTH EXTENSION 1

THURSDAY 4.30pm-6.30pm

$295 Deposit
$205/month Feb-Dec

Includes:

2HR WEEKLY EXTENSION CLASS (8-9 WEEKS PER TERM)
PLUS WEEKLY REGULAR CLASSES (WHEN PLACES ARE AVAILABLE)
INDUSTRY INFORMATION SEMINAR
SPECIALIST GUEST COACH
HEADSHOT PHOTOSHOOT
ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE REHEARSALS
$250 AAA WORKSHOP VOUCHER (EXCLUDES CAMPS)

YOUTH EXTENSION 2

FRIDAY 4.30pm-7pm

$380 Deposit
$219.55/month Feb-Dec

Includes:

2.5HR WEEKLY EXTENSION CLASS (8-9 WEEKS PER TERM)
PLUS WEEKLY REGULAR CLASSES (WHEN PLACES ARE AVAILABLE)
INDUSTRY INFORMATION SEMINAR
SPECIALIST GUEST COACH X 2
HEADSHOT PHOTOSHOOT
ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE REHEARSALS
$250 AAA WORKSHOP VOUCHER (EXCLUDES CAMPS)

EXTENSION 1

THURSDAY OR FRIDAY 4.30pm-7pm

$392 Deposit
$253.45/month Feb-Dec

Includes:

2.5HR WEEKLY EXTENSION CLASS (8-9 WEEKS PER TERM)
PLUS WEEKLY REGULAR CLASSES (WHEN PLACES ARE AVAILABLE)
INDUSTRY INFORMATION SEMINAR
SPECIALIST GUEST COACHES X 2
HEADSHOT PHOTOSHOOT
ADDITIONAL SHOWCASE REHEARSALS
$250 AAA WORKSHOP VOUCHER (EXCLUDES CAMPS)
$250 AAA WORKSHOP VOUCHER (EXCLUDES CAMPS)

EXTENSION 2

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS 4.30pm-7.30pm

$410 Deposit
$280/month Feb-Dec

Includes:

3hr weekly extension class
plus weekly regular classes (when places are available)
industry information seminar
filmed scene study intensive
headshot photoshoot
additional showcase rehearsals
$250 AAA WORKSHOP VOUCHER (EXCLUDES CAMPS)

EXTENSION 3

TUESDAY EVENINGS 4.30pm-8pm

$550 Deposit
$295.45/month Feb-Dec

Includes:

3.5hr weekly extension class
industry information seminar
professional showreel scene shoot
specialist guest coaches x 4
headshot photoshoot
additional showcase rehearsals
industry strategy meeting
$250 AAA WORKSHOP VOUCHER (EXCLUDES CAMPS)

SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

FRIDAY EVENINGS 4.30pm-8pm

$596 Deposit
$309/month Feb-Dec

Includes:

3.5hr weekly extension class
industry information seminar
professional showreel scene shoot
specialist guest coaches x 4
headshot photoshoot
additional showcase rehearsals
industry strategy meeting
$250 AAA WORKSHOP VOUCHER (EXCLUDES CAMPS)
personal goal setting & Accountability meetings
Physical theatre intensive
Devising theatre intensive
Entry into 48hr film festival

More than just classes

Extension students never doubt that their coach and the AAA Team, have their back, will work with them to get the best result possible and will never give up on them. We pride ourselves on whole hearted and engaging support and service for your child and your family, and welcome you to come on the journey with us.

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Auditions

Being an extension student means getting the opportunity to breakthroughs each week. The problem with weekly break throughs is they can often be hard to see. To show off the growth of our students we get them up in front of an audience and presenting their new levels of talent! As daunting as this might sound, it quickly becomes our extension students’ favourite part of the program as they learn that taking pride in their work is a wonderful thing. The best part is the success they feel at the showings is addictive and we have seen most of our extensions students funnel this into school and personal life.

Each extension class performs at multiple times throughout the year. Parents and friends are treated to an intimate evening of showings at the end of Term 2 for all extension classes, comprised of varying content for each class. Our main attraction is our end of year showcase, where all of our classes gather during the one week to perform work that shows the culmination of a year’s worth of commitment, teamwork, skill building and growth. Our showcases never fail to blow our audience’s minds, as we gather to celebrate creativity.

As students’ progress throughout the extension stream, they will discover that no two showcase performances are the same. From monologues to full plays, devised work to musical theatre, comedy to drama; we make sure all our students are given a chance to show their greatest strengths while continuing to challenge themselves.

Industry professionals have commented that they can not believe the level of ability demonstrated by our students in end of year showcase. Most shake their head in disbelief that the outcome is tighter and slicker than some outcomes created by students who are attending full-time. One thing is for sure, If you’re looking for strong, performance based outcomes, extension is the place for you!

We...

IMAGINE
CREATE
INNOVATE
PERFORM

Get in touch

31 Stevenson St Paddington
hello@actingacademy.com.au
(07) 3171 7822

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Extension Stream

#Advanced Techniques | #Personal Development | #Industry Guests | #High Achieving Ensembles | #Opportunity of a Lifetime

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the difference between regular classes and extension?

What are the key benefits of extension?

What if I don’t feel ready for extension yet?

What does extension cost?

Where do classes take place?

Should I attend the audition if I am unsure if I can accept a place in extension?

Does the audition cost anything?