Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University is one of the world’s leading performing arts academies.
WAAPA is recognised nationally and internationally for the quality of its graduates. It provides the most comprehensive range of performing arts training in Australia – both on stage and behind the scenes.
Entry into each course is competitive, and prospective students undertake an audition and/or an interview as part of the application process.
Award Wins for Student Designer Keep Coming
In 2011, WAAPA Costume student Nicole Marrington took out first prize in the category of Costume Couture in the Student Runway competition, held as part of the 2011 Perth Fashion Festival. Nicole was also a winner of The Carton mentorship program at the WA Fashion Awards.
For Nicole, winning the awards has been a dream come true and has furthered her passion to pursue a career in costume design.
Showcasing your talent
Each year students, staff, and critically acclaimed guest artists collaborate to present over 300 performances across a range of concerts, plays, dance, music theatre, opera and film.
Many of these take place in WAAPA's own performance venues at our Mount Lawley Campus.
Exciting community partnerships also enable WAAPA to perform in a diverse range of spaces in the Perth metropolitan area and beyond.
See the WAAPA events calendar for upcoming performances!
"If I had to choose one word that describes this fantastic program, it would be ‘opportunity’."
"WAAPA's exemplary staff and state-of-the-art facilities provided me with an excellent environment in which to develop new skills and improve on existing ones. The Bachelor of Dance program allowed me to be trained and taught by industry professionals. Throughout my time at WAAPA, I received many opportunities that have helped me to establish a career in dance."
Scott Ewan
Bachelor of Dance graduate
Star graduates
WAAPA graduates excel in their chosen professions around the world.
Arts management, production and design graduates hold positions across a breadth of performing arts companies, festivals, venues, film, television, major events, arts organisations and teaching institution around the globe.
Dancers, singers and actors have established flourishing careers on stage, film and television. Musicians perform regularly and record often.
Many graduates are highly celebrated, such as Hugh Jackman, Tim Minchin and Lucy Durack, and those that may not be as well‑known are still leading lives of artistic passion and great commitment.
"My time at ECU has been extremely challenging and rewarding."
"WAAPA brings in world renowned artists to perform and give workshops to its students. Some of my proudest moments at WAAPA have been playing alongside musicians such as George Garzone and Katie Noonan."
Cheryl Durongpisitkul
Bachelor of Music (Jazz Performance)