Take your acting skills to the next level with this two-year diploma, designed to develop your performance techniques, creative confidence and professional skills. Through hands-on training across screen and stage, you'll refine your voice, movement and character development while gaining the experience to pursue opportunities in the performing arts industry.
Develop advanced acting skills through practical training in voice, movement, character development and performance techniques for screen and stage.
Bring characters and stories to life through script analysis, rehearsals, collaborative productions and creative performance projects.
Prepare for the acting industry with advanced audition techniques, professional practices and an understanding of career opportunities across the creative industries.
Auditions: 5 December-6 December
Auditions for our Level 5 and Level 6 Acting programmes are coming up at South Seas Film School.
How to secure your audition spot
Apply for the programme.
You need to submit an application before you can audition.
Hear from our team.
Once we’ve received your application, one of our advisors will be in touch to talk you through the next steps and confirm your audition time
Come along on the day.
Show us what you’ve got!
What you'll learn
Physical Practice
Build confidence in your physical performance through movement, spatial awareness and character expression. Explore dance, yoga, physical storytelling, stunts and combat while developing safe performance practices.
Vocal Practice
Strengthen your voice through breath control, articulation, vocal range and expressive techniques. Learn to communicate emotion, character and intention through voice across different performance styles.
Acting Techniques
Develop your acting craft for screen and stage through script analysis, character development and rehearsal techniques. Explore different genres, work with directors and refine your performance through practical exercises and feedback.
Contextual Studies
Explore the screen industry, performance styles and professional practices in Aotearoa and internationally. Develop your research and critical thinking skills while learning about tikanga Māori, ethical practice and the evolving role of technology in acting.
Physical Performance
Take your physical performance skills further through advanced movement, characterisation and specialist techniques. Explore combat, dance, comedy and movement for screen while developing greater control, expression and versatility.
Vocal Performance
Refine your vocal skills through accent work, character voices, voice-over and singing techniques. Learn to combine voice, movement and text interpretation to deliver expressive performances across different contexts.
Acting Performance
Apply advanced acting techniques across different screen genres and performance settings. Develop complex characters, collaborate on screen productions, work with directors and strengthen your audition skills for professional opportunities.
Creative Enterprise Practice
Learn how to navigate the business side of the creative industries, from freelance work and portfolio careers to project planning and creative entrepreneurship. Explore professional responsibilities, intellectual property and culturally responsive practices to prepare for a sustainable creative career.
A bit more information
Domestic students
Tuition Fees:
First year: $10,460.72
Second year: $10,461.84
*Fees are subject to change.
On Campus: $410.00
International students
Tuition Fees: $27,300/year (NZD)
Total: $54,600
Resource Fee: $2,000/year (NZD)
Enrolment Fee: $500 (NZD)
For more information, click here to download the international course costs PDF.
Please note fees are subject to change.
Learners will be eligible to enter this programme if they:
Hold NCEA Level 2, or
Hold a New Zealand Certificate in Acting (Level 4), or
Hold a New Zealand Diploma in Acting (Level 5), or
Have an equivalent qualification, or relevant experience and/or capability.
Students with English as their second language require IELTS Academic 6.0 with no band lower than 5.5, or an equivalent recognised English language test.
Additional Entry Requirements
All applicants must successfully complete an audition and submit a current headshot.
Auditions assess acting skills, creative potential, previous experience and readiness for the programme. Applicants may audition in person or submit a self-tape and complete an online interview.
Applicants who do not meet the academic entry requirements may be considered for alternative entry based on relevant experience, prior learning or demonstrated capability.
Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive the New Zealand Diploma in Acting (Level 6).*
*Exciting changes are on the way! We're updating this programme, and the changes are currently with NZQA for approval. Programme details on this page are subject to change.
Get more info
Provide your details in the form below and one of our course advisors will then be in touch with more information.
"We were given so much ‘on set’ training through working with the other departments at South Seas that, when finally on a professional set, I was able to know what was going on at all times and act to my full potential.”
- Rebeckah Randell, Actress
Course Start Dates
Next round of Auditions for the Feb 2027 classes will be on 5th December-6th December 2026. Self-tapes are accepted if you are unable to attend in person
Check out some student work
Meet the tutor
Ready to apply? Start your journey here, this is your first step.
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