an actor’s job is to personally and confrontingly respond to the text and the moment

~ John Orcsik - TAFTA Artistic Director

In great acting, the character emerges from within you, based on the circumstances of the text and the reality of the moment.

At TAFTA, we teach truthful and honest acting for screen that will expose yourself to the danger and excitement of living truthfully in the moment and find confidence and freedom in front of the camera.

WHAT DO WE TEACH?

At TAFTA we know that the best acting happens in the moment.
Our workshops, courses and programs are designed to strip away the confusing theory that is thrust upon actors-in-training and focus on **practical on camera training** to give actors of all ages and levels the opportunity to deepen the craft of acting.
With a focus on screen acting for the Film & TV Industry, our faculty are working actors, directors, casting directors, agents and coaches from all over Australia.
We celebrate the uniqueness of the actor, and welcome actors of all ages, ethnicity, ability and acting experience.

WHY IS TAFTA RIGHT FOR ME?

TAFTA’s Full Time and Part Time curriculum, and Short Courses and Workshops are designed specifically to maximise your ability to communicate feeling, emotion, and story through the camera. As a result, TAFTA is suited for any actor looking to work in the Film & TV industry. After developing the fundamentals of acting, almost all of your training will be done in front of a camera, developing your confidence for on-set work and as a visual storyteller. You also have the opportunity to take your recorded footage home to study further in your own time.

Along the way you will learn often overlooked skills and techniques that will be invaluable to you over your career as an actor. You will learn how to produce emotions on cue, understand the ins and outs of all steps in the filmmaking process, as well as developing the fortitude needed to thrive in this industry.

At TAFTA, we pride ourselves on the TAFTA community that come in and out of our doors. We often have current and past students come in to produce their own work, shoot self tapes and seek career advice. As a TAFTA student you will be part of this community and you will be the first to hear of offers, opportunities and industry events.

“The help, support, guidance, care, and passion of the TAFTA team will give anyone the best opportunity they can get to pursue their acting dream. I recommend TAFTA to anyone looking for an acting start.”

— ARIA TAYLOR | Charlie Says, Counter Play

NOTABLE ALUMNI

Deniz Akdeniz (Tomorrow When the War Began, Once Upon a time, Agents of shield)

“I learnt countless amounts of skills and traits at TAFTA that I couldn’t have done without and I’ve used them now and in the past for Tomorrow When the War Began and other projects.”
Ella Newton (Harrow, Seachange, The Girl At The Window)

"John Orcsik is an extraordinary teacher, mentor and friend. I have no doubt that it is thanks to John and the TAFTA ensemble that I have been able to book work in the Australian television industry. Specifically, in working in the advanced teens class with John, as well as the emotions courses, my skills have been developed greatly, especially in terms of expressing emotions on screen. John truly cares about his students, and helped me numerous times with auditions and even in securing an agent.”
Lily Van Der Meer (Neighbours)

“The incredible amounts of knowledge that I have learnt have been insane and I owe so much to TAFTA. TAFTA, you have taught me everything about the craft, from on-set etiquette, learning to be comfortable in this industry, how to audition and self-tape and I don’t know where I would’ve started without you!”
Saskia Hampele (Neighbours, THe HEights, A Few Less Men, This Little Love of Mine)

“I’m very grateful for the opportunities TAFTA has opened up for me. I would recommend it to anyone needing a launching pad for their acting career. I received invaluable mentoring, coaching and support that’s lead to an incredible agent, opportunities to audition worldwide and gained lead roles in film and TV.”
Lauren Esposito (The Conjuring 2, Love Child, Swimming for Gold)

“Whenever I am back home in Melbourne I always go to TAFTA for my self-tape auditions. The atmosphere is amazing and all the teachers, especially John are incredible. Thanks to John, I have improved immensely with my acting and have developed different ways of approaching my scenes. I have learnt so much about my craft from going to TAFTA over the past couple of years and I always look forward to coming back.”
Ethan Panizza (Playing for Keeps, The Doctor Blake Mysteries)

“I owe TAFTA a lot for where I am in my career and couldn’t ask for a better mentor than the man, John Orcsik. Doing the TAFTA Full-Time courses and the LA Experience not only got me representation in Australia but also a manager and agent in the States. John pulled me out of Perth and from then on has been there the whole way. Now I am starting to make little ripples in the States and will never forget who first believed in me. To the TAFTA Team, John Orcsik and Jess Orcsik for always being there.”
Teressa Liane (The Vampire Diaries, Roman Empire, The Reef: Stalked)

“The TAFTA 20-week course is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, both personally and for my career as an actress. Early into the course, I developed a strong foundation of skills and techniques, which freed my mind and gave me the confidence to trust my own choices in a scene. The course takes you through the real expectations of a working actor and brings familiarity to the small things you just won’t be taught on set. I loved the challenges that came with being mentored by working professionals, the bar was set high and we all pushed ourselves and grew as individuals and actors. Now, auditions are fund, the thought of being on set is no longer daunting as I know I’ve run countless scenes with blocking, marks, multiple cameras a sick scene partner, tired and hungry boom-operators, sound (and human) interference and… well, whatever may come… I know i can do it! Thanks to John and the incredible team at TAFTA!”
James Frecheville (Animal Kingdom, New Girl, Peaky Blinders),

“TAFTA was definitely a really crucial part of my training. Through doing a TAFTA course I really learnt how to shake the whole performance.”
Chris Pang (Crazy Rich Asians, Palm Springs, Charlie's Angels)

“I can honestly say that everything I know about acting has come from TAFTA, not just the skill and rehearsal practice, it’s the whole mentality and training system behind it. It’s not just a school, it’s more like a family.”
Osamah Sami (Ali's Wedding, Tennessine, Savage River)

Without TAFTA I’d never have come so far as an actor. The amount of work exceeds my dreams and continues to do so. Thank you TAFTA and John you know I will never stop thanking you.