Creative thinkers perform here. They compose here. They build and design here. We're one of the world's leading performing arts academies. And no matter how talented you might be already, we'll challenge you to become even better. Because we know that creativity has no limits.
Includes best ranking for undergraduate teaching quality, skills development, learning resources and student support. QILT is an independent Australian government survey.
Our postgraduate students have rated us 5 stars for their overall experience in the latest Good Universities Guide. More 5-star ratings included: skills development, student support and teaching quality.
One of the world's young guns
We're ranked one of the world's best universities under 50 years old, and we've already established a global reputation for such a young institution.
In extremely competitive fields, the employment record of WAAPA graduates is 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 performing arts companies, festivals, venues, film, television, major events, arts organisations and teaching institutions.
About WAAPA Courses
At WAAPA you can choose a degree specialising in a particular area, such as a Bachelor of Arts (Acting) or a Bachelor of Arts (Arts Management).
In some cases you can choose a specialisation within a degree. For example, you can specialise in Classical Vocal, Classical Instrumental, Composition and Music Technology, Jazz or Contemporary Music within a Bachelor of Music degree.
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Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts Disciplines
If you already know what you're interested in, choose a discipline.
Hear from WAAPA Music student Caitlin Malcolm and Tim White, WAAPA's Head of Classical Music about how the Bachelor of Music course prepares students for a career in the music industry.
Our Certificate IV in Aboriginal Performance helps First Nations students refine their performance skills.
Get an experience you won't find anywhere else in Australia.
Our Bachelor of Performing Arts (Performance Making major) prepares self-reliant and entrepreneurial artists to be the initiators of their own work.
"When you choose to study at WAAPA, you'll be joining one of the world's most celebrated performing arts academies, recognised for the quality of its graduates-turned-stars."
WAAPA's production of Crazy for You at His Majesty's Theatre in Perth provided opportunities for students Holly Ballam (Stage Management) and Samuel Moloney (Music Theatre) to combine their backstage and on-stage skills under the watchful eye of industry professionals.
It takes a skilled and creative team to put on a show. WAAPA is the place to learn the diverse range of disciplines that work together to entertain and enthral an audience.
Scholarship opportunities to reduce your expenses
Scholarships recognise those whose life journey may have been challenging, as well as students who've shown outstanding academic excellence and endeavour.
A scholarship can help you realise your ambitions by paying for fees, text books and living expenses.
Sound decision leads to working with Cirque du Soleil
Just two years after finishing his WAAPA training, Production & Design graduate Christian Peterson is now touring the world as a sound engineer with Cirque du Soleil.
After graduating, Christian worked full-time as a sound technician on festivals, concerts and theatre shows in Perth and around Australia. After scoring a gig on the Perth leg of the Cirque du Soleil show, Kooza he was offered the tour of Australia, New Zealand and Dubai with the Cirque show, Toruk.
Christian then spent several months in Montreal, Canada – where Cirque is based – designing and building the arena version of Corteo. He is currently touring North America with Corteo. Nice work we say!
Do you have any questions about the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts study area?
Student stories
The highlight of my WAAPA experience was working on shows; they're all student run, so students can 'take it and make it yours'
I really enjoy the mix of creative and technical work that's involved in sound engineering. Some days I'm behind the console mixing a show, and other days I'm rigging the speakers, making cables and loading trucks. Sound is very subjective and we all respond to it differently; if an audience walks away applauding and happy, then that makes it all worth it.
Luckily, I'm now working with Cirque du Soleil, surrounded by a great team, with people from all around the world!
Christian Peterson WAAPA Sound graduate
I had no idea you could have a career in this.
Jesse Drage visited Open Day on a whim, but after touring WAAPA he discovered he could have a career in Costume.
Jesse Drage
The best part of being at WAAPA is having the access and privilege of being taught by some incredible teachers, being surrounded by creativity day in and day out and having the space to fail
The arts industry in Australia is benefitting from some very clever, creative young theatre makers. Makers that I am extremely proud to be in the WAAPA alumni pool with.
Charlotte Otton WAAPA Performing Arts graduate
The Important Things
Things you should know about if you're thinking about studying here.
Applying for a course is a fairly simple process, especially if you have scanned copies of qualifications, your resume or other paperwork, ready to upload.
Starting a course is an exciting and sometimes daunting time, so we make a massive effort to ensure you get all the support you need to have a positive experience.