Our playwriting and directing course blends practical theatre-making, critical thinking, and industry-focused craft—empowering you to perform, create and bring your stories to life on stage.
There are many great stories just waiting to be told. With a mix of practical theatre-making, critical thinking and industry-focused craft, this playwriting and directing course can help you tell yours.
With a mix of practical training, critical thinking and industry-focused skills, your theatre career starts here.
With a mix of practical training, critical thinking and industry-focused skills, your theatre career starts here.
2
60
On Campus
February 2026
Melbourne (Collingwood and Fitzroy)
Let your ideas take centre stage
Are you a born storyteller? Our playwriting & directing course is designed for those who can’t wait to write, direct and create original work for the stage - or breathe new life into contemporary texts and the classics.
Our experienced lecturers, who are currently working in the industry as writers, directors, and award-winning theatre artists, will help you to find your voice and shape your own unique style.
This comprehensive course covers directing and production, theatre studies and dramaturgy, playwriting workshops and script assessing - helping you to build an in-depth knowledge of both writing and bringing a script to life as a director, while laying the blueprint for character, action, performance and production. Learn techniques in rehearsal room practices, directing actors, working with designers, guiding technicians in world-building and bringing transformative stories to life.
Our courses are made to help make you career-ready with pitching and grant writing, and you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sought-after industry placements. You’ll also collaborate with students from other courses to develop a well-rounded understanding of the arts and entertainment industries, and build valuable creative connections to become the theatre-maker of the future.
The Bachelor degree can be completed in six trimesters (2 years) of full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Click here for detailed unit descriptor.
First Year | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
Studio | SHTS1 Theatre Studies 1 |
SHTS2 Theatre Studies 2 |
SHTCP Twentieth Century Practice |
Practical |
SHAF
Acting Foundations |
SHEP
Ensemble Production (12cp) |
PAWR3
Writing Studio |
Practical |
SHTM
Theatre Making |
PADI3
Directing Studio |
|
Creative Foundations |
CRFCRFS
Creative Foundations |
CRFIFOS
Industry Foundations |
ACTADRS
Applied Dramaturgy |
Second Year | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
Studio | PATH4 Australian Theatre |
SHTCI Intimacy, Consent, Stage Combat |
SHPI Performance Innnovation |
Practical | SHCOP Collaborative Project (12cp) |
PAWR5 Writing for Screen |
SHCPRO Capstone Production (12cp) |
Practical |
PADI5
Directing for Screen |
||
Creative Foundations | Elective | ACTDPRS Devising Project |
CRFIPLS/CRFPPFS
Industry Placement or Professional Portfolio |
UNIT
$2,926.00
TRIMESTER
$11,704.00
(full-time study)
BACHELOR
$70,224.00
(six trimesters full-time study)
FEE-HELP at Collarts
At Collarts, pursuing higher education is made more accessible through the Australian Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme, which can cover all or part of your tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is a loan provided by the Australian Government that assists students to pay for higher education tuition fees at approved providers like Collarts.
Entry requirements
There are no cookie-cutter moulds to fit into at Collarts. We're all about celebrating diversity, individuality, and the creativity that makes each applicant unique.
We’re looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and capable of sharing a unique voice. Sounds like you? Apply today.
Year 12’s: No ATAR required, just your creativity.
Non Year 12's: Some previous study or work and life experience.
Find out more
How to apply
Need help?
You may contact a Future Student Advisor for any questions at 1300 818 777 or admissions@collarts.edu.au
Opportunities and experiences.
An in-depth look at the art of written and visual storytelling.
Telling stories in an engaging and memorable way is an art. Our Bachelor of Performing Arts (Writing & Directing) course is designed to help you master it.
Throughout the degree, you will:
Gain an in-depth understanding of playwriting, directing, and the performing arts.
Develop the skills and knowledge to work across a range of performing arts contexts.
Evaluate theoretical concepts, technical processes, and creative and cultural ideas.
Adapt knowledge and skills in writing and directing through creativity, innovation and critical inquiry.
Get real-life experience through industry placements.
Collaborate on industry projects with students from other courses.
Study on-campus with access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities.
3
60
On Campus
February 2026
Melbourne (Collingwood and Fitzroy)
Let your ideas take centre stage
Are you a born storyteller? Our Writing & Directing course is designed for those who can’t wait to write, direct, and create original work for the stage - or breathe new life into contemporary texts and the classics.
Our experienced lecturers, who are currently working in the industry as writers, directors, and award-winning theatre artists, will help you to find your voice and shape your own unique style.
This comprehensive course covers directing and production, theatre studies and dramaturgy, playwriting workshops and script assessing - helping you to build an in-depth knowledge of both writing and bringing a script to life as a director, while laying the blueprint for character, action, performance and production. Learn techniques in rehearsal room practices, directing actors, working with designers, guiding technicians in world-building and bringing transformative stories to life.
Our courses are made to help make you career-ready with pitching and grant writing, and you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sought-after industry placements. You’ll also collaborate with students from other courses to develop a well-rounded understanding of the arts and entertainment industries, and build valuable creative connections to become the theatre-maker of the future.
The Bachelor degree can be completed in 3 years of full-time study or 2 years accelerated delivery.
Click here for detailed unit descriptor.
First Year | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
Studio | SHTS1 Theatre Studies 1 |
SHTS2 Theatre Studies 2 |
|
Practical |
SHAF
Acting Foundations |
SHEP
Ensemble Production (12cp) |
|
Practical |
SHTM
Theatre Making |
||
Creative Foundations |
CRFCRFS
Creative Foundations |
CRFIFOS
Industry Foundations |
Second Year | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
Studio | SHTCP Twentieth Century Practice |
PATH4 Australian Theatre |
|
Practical | PAWR3 Writing Studio |
SHCOP Collaborative Project (12cp |
|
Practical |
PADI3
Directing Studio |
||
Creative Foundations | ACTADRS Applied Dramaturgy |
Elective
|
Third Year | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
Studio | SHTCI Intimacy, Consent, Stage Combat |
SHPI Performance Innnovation |
|
Practical | PAWR5 Writing for Screen |
SHCPRO Capstone Production (12cp) |
|
Practical |
ACTDPRS
Devising Project |
PADI5 Directing for Screen |
|
Creative Foundations | CRFIPLS/CRFPPFS Industry Placement or Professional Portfolio |
UNIT
$3,478.00
On Campus
International Scholarships
Collarts is proud to make creative arts education more accessible for international students. With scholarships of up to $12,000 AUD for bachelor's degree and $4,000 AUD for diplomas, students can pursue their passion in Australia with greater support.
Entry requirements
There are no cookie-cutter moulds to fit into at Collarts. We're all about celebrating diversity, individuality, and the creativity that makes each applicant unique.
We’re looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and capable of sharing a unique voice. Sounds like you? Apply today.
International students must meet the following criteria:
How to apply
Need help?
You may contact a Future Student Advisor for any questions at (+61) 1300 818 777 or admissions@collarts.edu.au
Opportunities and experiences.
An in-depth look at the art of written and visual storytelling.
Telling stories in an engaging and memorable way is an art. Our Bachelor of Performing Arts (Writing & Directing) course is designed to help you master it.
Throughout the degree, you will:
Gain an in-depth understanding of playwriting, directing, and the performing arts.
Develop the skills and knowledge to work across a range of performing arts contexts.
Evaluate theoretical concepts, technical processes, and creative and cultural ideas.
Adapt knowledge and skills in writing and directing through creativity, innovation and critical inquiry.
Get real-life experience through industry placements.
Collaborate on industry projects with students from other courses.
Study on-campus with access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities.
8
4
On Campus
February 2026
Melbourne (Collingwood and Fitzroy)
Let your ideas take centre stage
Are you a born storyteller? Our playwriting & directing course is designed for those who can’t wait to write, direct, and create original work for the stage - or breathe new life into contemporary texts and the classics.
Our experienced lecturers, who are currently working in the industry as writers, directors, and award-winning theatre artists, will help you to find your voice and shape your own unique style.
This comprehensive course covers directing and production, theatre studies and dramaturgy, playwriting workshops and script assessing - helping you to build an in-depth knowledge of both writing and bringing a script to life as a director, while laying the blueprint for character, action, performance and production. Learn techniques in rehearsal room practices, directing actors, working with designers, guiding technicians in world-building and bringing transformative stories to life.
Our courses are made to help make you career-ready with pitching and grant writing, and you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sought-after industry placements. You’ll also collaborate with students from other courses to develop a well-rounded understanding of the arts and entertainment industries, and build valuable creative connections to become the theatre-maker of the future.
The Diploma can be completed in two trimesters (8 months) of full-time study and you have the opportunity to progress into the Bachelor degree (subject to academic performance).
Click here for detailed unit descriptor.
First Year | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 |
Studio | SHTS1 Theatre Studies 1 |
SHTS2 Theatre Studies 2 |
Practical |
SHAF
Acting Foundations |
SHEP
Ensemble Production (12cp) |
Practical |
SHTM
Theatre Making |
|
Creative Foundations |
CRFCRFS
Creative Foundations |
CRFIFOS
Industry Foundations |
UNIT
$2,926.00
TRIMESTER
$11,704.00
(full-time study)
BACHELOR
$70,224.00
(six trimesters full-time study)
FEE-HELP at Collarts
At Collarts, pursuing higher education is made more accessible through the Australian Government’s FEE-HELP loan scheme, which can cover all or part of your tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is a loan provided by the Australian Government that assists students to pay for higher education tuition fees at approved providers like Collarts.
Entry requirements
There are no cookie-cutter moulds to fit into at Collarts. We're all about celebrating diversity, individuality, and the creativity that makes each applicant unique.
We’re looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and capable of sharing a unique voice. Sounds like you? Apply today.
Year 12’s: No ATAR required, just your creativity.
Non Year 12's: Some previous study or work and life experience.
Find out more
How to apply
Need help?
You may contact a Future Student Advisor for any questions at 1300 818 777 or admissions@collarts.edu.au
Opportunities and experiences.
Ready for a career in creativity? Your story starts here.
This course offers foundational knowledge that will help those wanting to work as writers and directors in a variety of performing arts fields, including stage and theatre.
The journey truly starts here with a qualification that is a stepping stone to an exciting future.
Throughout the Diploma, you will:
Develop broad and coherent knowledge of the theories, concepts, and social functions associated with performance.
Utilise theoretical, practical, and creative knowledge to enter the performing arts industry at an introductory level.
Analyse information from a range of sources to evaluate approaches to unpredictable problems and changing contexts in performing arts practice.
Employ cognitive, technical, and communication skills in performing arts practice.
Exercise initiative and judgement in decision-making and planning for performing arts practice.
Apply theoretical, creative, and technical knowledge and skills to performing arts practice.
Work autonomously on performing arts projects with responsibility and accountability for own outputs in independent or collaborative situations.
Get real-life experience through industry placements.
Collaborate on industry projects with students from other courses.
Study on-campus with access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities.
1
3
On Campus
February 2026
Melbourne (Collingwood and Fitzroy)
Let your ideas take centre stage
Are you a born storyteller? Our Writing & Directing course is designed for those who can’t wait to write, direct, and create original work for the stage - or breathe new life into contemporary texts and the classics.
Our experienced lecturers, who are currently working in the industry as writers, directors, and award-winning theatre artists, will help you to find your voice and shape your own unique style.
This comprehensive course covers directing and production, theatre studies and dramaturgy, playwriting workshops and script assessing - helping you to build an in-depth knowledge of both writing and bringing a script to life as a director, while laying the blueprint for character, action, performance and production. Learn techniques in rehearsal room practices, directing actors, working with designers, guiding technicians in world-building and bringing transformative stories to life.
Our courses are made to help make you career-ready with pitching and grant writing, and you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sought-after industry placements. You’ll also collaborate with students from other courses to develop a well-rounded understanding of the arts and entertainment industries, and build valuable creative connections to become the theatre-maker of the future.
The Diploma can be completed in two trimesters (8 months) of full-time study and you have the opportunity to progress into the Bachelor degree (subject to academic performance).
Click here for detailed unit descriptor.
First Year | Trimester 1 | Trimester 2 | Trimester 3 |
Studio | SHTS1 Theatre Studies 1 |
SHTS2 Theatre Studies 2 |
|
Practical |
SHAF
Acting Foundations |
SHEP
Ensemble Production (12cp) |
|
Practical |
SHTM
Theatre Making |
||
Creative Foundations |
CRFCRFS
Creative Foundations |
CRFIFOS
Industry Foundations |
UNIT
$3,478.00
On Campus
International Scholarships
Collarts is proud to make creative arts education more accessible for international students. With scholarships of up to $12,000 AUD for bachelor's degree and $4,000 AUD for diplomas, students can pursue their passion in Australia with greater support.
Entry requirements
There are no cookie-cutter moulds to fit into at Collarts. We're all about celebrating diversity, individuality, and the creativity that makes each applicant unique.
We’re looking for individuals who are passionate, driven, and capable of sharing a unique voice. Sounds like you? Apply today.
International students must meet the following criteria:
How to apply
Need help?
You may contact a Future Student Advisor for any questions at (+61) 1300 818 777 or admissions@collarts.edu.au
Opportunities and experiences.
Ready for a career in creativity? Your story starts here.
This course offers foundational knowledge that will help those wanting to work as writers and directors in a variety of performing arts fields, including stage and theatre.
The journey truly starts here with a qualification that is a stepping stone to an exciting future.
Throughout the Diploma, you will:
Develop broad and coherent knowledge of the theories, concepts, and social functions associated with performance.
Utilise theoretical, practical, and creative knowledge to enter the performing arts industry at an introductory level.
Analyse information from a range of sources to evaluate approaches to unpredictable problems and changing contexts in performing arts practice.
Employ cognitive, technical, and communication skills in performing arts practice.
Exercise initiative and judgement in decision-making and planning for performing arts practice.
Apply theoretical, creative, and technical knowledge and skills to performing arts practice.
Work autonomously on performing arts projects with responsibility and accountability for own outputs in independent or collaborative situations.
Get real-life experience through industry placements.
Collaborate on industry projects with students from other courses.
Study on-campus with access to all of Collarts’ campus facilities.
Explore Collarts' in-depth courses and discover your creative future. Speak with a careers consultant or download our course guide today.
Your passion for storytelling can do more than just entertain; it can also pay the bills.
Craft compelling narratives, dialogue, and characters for various mediums. Possess a keen understanding of storytelling techniques and genres, and collaborate with directors, producers, and other creatives to develop scripts.
Guide the artistic and creative aspects of a production, shaping its overall aesthetic and emotional impact. Work closely with actors, designers, and other collaborators to interpret scripts, develop characters, and stage scenes that align with an artistic vision.
Lead a company in its creative vision, either in progressive new works or work towards a mainstage career. Build and guide artistic teams towards the stages of the future.
Studying Writing & Directing
"The lecturers have so much industry experience which they bring into our classrooms, opening up doors to trial things, experience things."
You will be equipped for stage and screen careers such as Playwright, Theatre Director, Script Editor, or Artistic Director, supported by practical training in playwriting, directing, pitching, and grant writing.
The course is delivered on-campus only, across Collarts’ Collingwood and Fitzroy locations—ensuring direct access to studios, performance spaces, and creative collaboration.
The program includes hands-on industry placement, offering you real-world experience, networking, and professional context for your creative practice.
Collarts is situated in Melbourne’s creative hub (Collingwood and Fitzroy), giving you access to a vibrant arts community, mentorship from industry-active faculty, and exclusive theatre partnerships.
The lecturers in Collarts' Writing and Directing course are practicing playwrights, directors, and award-winning theatre professionals, providing tailored mentorship and industry insight from day one.
Located in Melbourne’s dynamic arts precincts (Fitzroy and Collingwood), Collarts combines industry-connected teaching, small class sizes and accelerated study pathways—all driving your creative success and career readiness in Writing & Directing.
Your Writing & Directing course can’t wait. Neither can you.