Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

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Template:Short description Template:Use Australian English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox university The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) at Edith Cowan University (ECU) is a performing arts school in Perth, Western Australia. Established in 1980,<ref name="ecu-predecessors">Template:Cite web</ref> it is notable for being the most comprehensive performing arts school in Australia by disciplines of study and has produced some of Australia's most prominent graduates in the field.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

It is scheduled to re-locate to the currently under-construction Perth CBD campus following completion in late 2025.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> The ECU City campus, which is designed by Lyons and will be located in Yagan Square, is planned to have six performance venues which are projected to have 300 performances annually.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> The campus will be accessible by public transport, being built on top of the underground Perth Busport opposite the Perth railway station.<ref name=":1" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

As of 2019, the executive dean of the school is Prof David Shirley Template:Post-nominal.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Prior to being assigned, he was the director of the Manchester School of Theatre and chair of the Federation of Drama Schools in the United Kingdom.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Courses

It offers study and research programs in acting, screen performance, arts and cultural management, dance (classical ballet and contemporary dance), music (in various fields of instrumental and voice performance, composition and school teacher education), theatre (including directing and musical theatre), production (including production design, costume design, lighting, props and scenery, sound and stage management) and other fields of performing arts.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

It also offers a vocational program in Aboriginal performance and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research program with an integrated "performance, exhibition, event or an embodiment of some form".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Broadcasting is now taught in the School of Communications and Arts of ECU. Originally an initiative of the state government, the academy receives funding from both the State and Commonwealth governments.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Public performances

The performing arts school showcases a large number of performances across all fields annually that are open to the public. This events are mostly held at WAAPA's own theatres and facilities in Mount Lawley.<ref name=":20">Template:Cite web</ref> Performances and events are also held at various external venues such as the Rosemount Hotel, Government House Ballroom, Ellington Jazz Club, Luna Cinema, Subiaco Arts Centre, Studio Underground, Blue Room Theatre and the Albany Entertainment Centre.<ref name=":20" />

Venues and facilities

The WAAPA buildings and facilities form part of the Edith Cowan University campus in Mount Lawley, a suburb in Perth, Western Australia.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The academy currently has eight public performance spaces. These include the 297-seat Geoff Gibbs Theatre proscenium, the 200-seat Richard Gill Auditorium, the 194-seat court style Roundhouse Theatre, an outdoor amphitheater, Enright Studio, dance studios and a jazz studio.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Four more purpose built dance/rehearsal studio spaces were created: A recording studio, electronics studio, and four production workshops for design and costume making were also added to the existing workshops and behind the scenes production facilities.<ref name="Other WAAPA Studios">Template:Cite web</ref>

Twelve large rehearsal and dance studios, numerous music and ensemble studios, a specialised visual and performing arts library collection, and numerous exhibition spaces.<ref name="Other WAAPA Studios" />

Fully equipped broadcasting facilities and studios for television and radio. An environment has been created where broadcasting students can gain first hand experience of working within a media environment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Academic appointments

Academic teaching appointments are made on the basis of qualifications, recent professional experience, industry profile, and reputation. WAAPA invites international professionals to Perth as artists in residence to work with students on productions and performances and to provide performance and professional advice through workshops.

Notable past teaching appointments include the Australian conductor Richard Gill as dean of the Western Australian Conservatorium of MusicTemplate:Clarify from 1985 to 1990. When Gill moved to take up an appointment as Director of Chorus at Opera Australia, Edward Applebaum filled the appointment.

Notable alumni

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References

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