Melbourne is one of Australia’s main hubs for Voice Over. This vibrant, and well-loved city is a fantastic place to pursue a VO career. With a myriad of studios, production companies, and some of the leading voice over talent in the country, it’s an exciting place to find work and collaborate. As Melbourne is a key player in the Australian industry it is certainly a competitive place, but it also means that opportunities abound. The exciting thing in the modern VO industry is that there are opportunities at all levels. It will not be easy to instantly sign with a top voice over agent and start working professionally, but with persistence, and some great training behind you, anything is possible.

Melbourne offers voice over work in all areas of the industry including audiobooks, commercial work, TV/Film/Radio promo, ADR, corporate and e-learning and all other major areas of the industry. As Melbourne is also such a creative centre, they also produce some of the most exciting and innovative voice over in the country. This is definitely a great place to be, if you are looking to make this a career or side-hustle.

StageMilk Weekend Voice Over Course

Details:

Teachers: Andrew Hearle (StageMilk Founder and Voice Over Teacher) + Jessica Clarke (EM Voices)
Dates: March/April 2024
Format: Weekend Course (Saturday/Sunday)
Location: in-person, held at one of Melbourne’s top VO studios
Price: Normally $880 (Early bird price $595)

Recent Testimonials

This course far exceeded my expectations! The commitment, and attention the teachers show to each class member is what sets this course apart from others. You get tailored scripts, individualised feedback and endless support to help you grow every class  They push you to do more than you think you’re capable of. This course is particularly useful for beginners who need guidance in the world of V-O!

(Phoebe Deas, Voice Over Course Graduate)

An amazing and priceless look into an industry with so much potential! This VO masterclass has been one of the most incredible experiences I have had in my lifetime. The teachers are so kind with their time and feedback. Getting to work alongside an artist who has remained in the industry was unparalleled as he was able to share insights and trends that he has experienced throughout his amazing career. If you have been thinking about doing something like this I challenge you to bite the bullet and do it! Everyone is so supportive and you come out the otherside with a real grasp on what it takes to be successful in this industry. Fingers crossed they make a 2.0 version!

(Damon Schmidt , Voice Over Course Graduate)

Professionalism and enthusiasm, were absolutely personified, throughout our course. Cannot speak more highly of the course. What a team. Worth every penny, and sorry the course had to end. A BIG Thank you too you all

(Wayne London, Voice Over Course Graduate)

This course has been a real joy! The small group allows maximum time in the booth, and the teachers are all so considerate, to the point, and engaging. Each week, they take you through a different genre of voice-over. You get a huge stack of scripts to choose from and record, just like you would if you were on the job. The course then wraps up with an in-depth home studio lesson, so you can keep practising and begin booking work. You also receive a report card with individual feedback catered to your voice-type and strengths. Takes the guesswork out of voice-over, stops the panic sweats, and makes it accessible and fun. I will definitely be back!

(Monica Kumar, Voice Over Course Graduate)

The course packed in so much practical learning in the most supportive environment. My confidence grew significantly across the course and I walked away with so many tools to get started in the industry. The team were so generous with their expertise and guidance. It was so worth the investment and I wish I could do it all over again!

(Anna McCrea Voice Over Course Graduate)

What a fantastic course! The team bring their immense voice-over and production experience to the studio to get the best out of each person. The small class size and intimate setting means everybody gets a lot of time behind the mic practising on real scripts in a real production scenario. Expert direction and feedback is tailored to each person no matter their level of experience. A must-do for anyone looking to start making some moves in the VO game.

(Lincoln Elliott, Voice Over Course Graduate)

What do you Cover in the Course?

Our course will give you a chance to explore all the major areas of VO. This includes everything from Commercials to Character/Animation to Audiobook/Narration. We only accept a small group so that we can really push you over the weekend to make sure we give you plenty of one-on-one time. As you can see from the testimonials above, this personal element (and limited class size) is really what separates us from other VO courses. We believe you can only make big improvements, by working on the mic, and getting personalised help and support!

The entire course takes place in a professional VO studio, meaning that you are practicing in the actual environment you will one day work in. It also means we are able to record some incredible, industry-standard recordings that you will walk away with! This will serve as a great starting point for you in the VO industry (or a great top up for those who already have a reel and are looking for some fresh content!)

Benefits of the course: 

1. Gain experience working in a professional setting
2. Walk away with all the techniques need to bring any VO script to life
3. Build confidence working in all major genres of VO (and find your strengths and weaknesses)
4. Learn more about the VO industry and how to effectively move forward.
5. Get high-quality recordings to kick start your VO career.

Why Do Voice Over Training with Us?

Many people falsely believe that being a voice over artist is just about having a good voice. They think if you’re voice sounds good, all you have to do is get in front of the microphone and voila! This couldn’t be further from the truth. Of course your voice is a factor, but the main skill is how you use your voice. Can you play with pitch, pace, and volume? Can you connect with the emotion of the script? Can you make our mouths water with the way you describe a new pizza topping, or new coffee brand? Can you read for many hours making limited mistakes? Can you find vocal clarity, confidence and subtly… all in one read?

The skill of VO is all about interpreting and bringing to life scripts, and this work can takes a lot of training. There is a reason some top voice over actors are being paid over $500,000 – what they do is nothing short of extraordinary. There is no other career at this elite level, where you would expect to just walk into an agency or studio have begin earning top dollar. So yes, voice over is a serious skill set and definitely requires training. This will be different for every individual. For instance, if you are an experienced actor, you may find the process of moving into voice over easier as you already have many of the cross over skills. If you are not a performer, you may require more in-depth training, and even specialised voice coaching.

We have now run over 20 sold out courses around Australia and helped 100s of actors get established in the VO industry! 

What to Look for in a Voice Over Course?

These days there are quite a few voice over courses in all major Australian cities. However, there are a few key things to look out for:

1. Practical course. You become a better VO by working on the microphone. Make sure any training you are considering is taking place in a professional studio and is actually about voice over. Yes it can be helpful to learn voice exercises and do some work in a class room, but at the end of the day a voice artist is made in the booth!
2. Small class size. Most major VO courses in Australia take way too many students. Some take up to 16 in a single weekend workshop. There is simply no way that you can get an in-depth experience with this amount of students. So be on the hunt for small classes that limit student intake.
3. Great teachers. Look out for amazing teachers and ideally teachers with plenty of VO experience. Many VO teachers are voice teachers. This is fine, but ideally see if you can work with professional voice over artists that have practical experience in the studio.
4. Watch out for promises. Any course offering instant success, or an amazing voice reel is usually one to be avoided. You want a course that focuses on the teaching, not on the outcome. How can any course make a promise without knowing you? For most aspiring students a single weekend course is just the start, not a golden ticket to an instant career.

All of these

Voice Over Training in Melbourne

Our course is definitely one of the best voice over courses in Melbourne and is hosted by our founder Andrew Hearle. Since 2015 Andrew has taught voice over all over Australia with his company Collective Sound. Though Collective Sound mainly operates out of Sydney, they host a very special 2 day workshop a few times a year in Melbourne. This course only takes a small number of students and is one of the most respected voice over courses in the country. You can either sign up via the Collective Sound page, or using the sign up form above!

The course limits students, so you get a huge amount of practical experience in the studio (on the mic). The entire course takes place in a professional studio and Andrew teaches alongside some of the top voice over artists and producers in the country.

What to do After Finishing a Voice Over Course?

Some voice over courses will leave you with a few recordings, maybe even a basic reel. Unfortunately, voice reels that are created in a class room are seldom good enough to be used professionally.

I know it is a little frustrating after spending a lot of money already on training, but once you do feel like your skills are there, the main priority is producing a great voice reel. A reel is basically your business card in the industry.

Ready to get a demo made? Collective Sound is our recommendation for the Best Melbourne Voice Demos.

This reel will help you move forward in the industry and hopefully open doors. That said, don’t expect that you can produce a reel and instantly have a career. Like any creative pursuit it will take time to develop relationships and establish clients. You may have to look at online platforms, and other more approachable opportunities to begin, but over time, you will begin to make inroads.

As I mentioned at the start, opportunities abound in the voice over industry. It will take time to refine your skills and then find your niche and get established in the industry, but it’s a worthwhile pursuit. VO is incredibly fun, challenging, and can be extremely lucrative. If you love using your voice, telling stories, and being creative, this can make an incredible career, or side-hustle. I highly recommend exploring the incredible word of voice over further.

If you are based locally, we highly recommend you check out: Melbourne Voice Over Course.

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Headshots, especially with a good photographer, can be costly ranging anywhere from $300 – $500. But you’re going to use them, so it’s money well spent. Obviously, there are always more affordable options, but from experience, my advice would be to save up and book in with one of the lovely people below. A headshot is the first thing an agent, director or casting director is going to see of you. So it needs to be good. So let’s get going… 

STEP #1…
Once you’ve got your money saved up and you know your budget, ask around. The best way to find out something about a photographer is to ask your fellow actors. Put a call out in a Facebook group or chat and see what other actors have to say. Ask them what their experience was like, how they felt about their shots, and if they would honestly recommend them? 

STEP #2…
Stalk them. Find them on Instagram and look at their work. How do you feel about the shots? Do you like them? You’ll know you’ve found the right photographer when you get excited about their photos – You’ll think to yourself “that’s a really good headshot, I want a headshot like that.” 

STEP #3…
If you’ve got an agent, check with them on who they’d like you to use. Agents tend to have photographers that they love and will want their actors to use them. If you’re freelance, like me, get your photos done with whoever you want! The world is your oyster! 

STEP #4…
Book your session! Great! That was an easy step!

I’ve asked a few friends to offer up their headshots as a point of reference for a few of the photographers on this list. Aren’t they all beautiful?! Obviously, this is only 1 photo, so be sure to check out more of their work. 

Headshot Tips!

• DO NOT get character shots. Character shots had a time and that time is not now, not ever. 
• DO NOT go crazy with make-up. Simple and natural is the best way to go – We want to see you. 
• DO NOT get headshots done then two weeks later change the colour of your hair or the cut. I’ve seen friends do this, you know who you are…. As soon as you change your look, you need to get new shots done again. 

Top Melbourne Headshot Photographers

Amelia J. Dowd

I first came across Amelia’s work when I was producing a show, in auditions. An actor came in with a beautiful headshot and wanting in on the secret I asked who took it. My partner recently got some headshots with Amelia, and I was immediately sold that she would be my next photographer. Her photos have a beautiful warmth to them, you can feel that the actors are comfortable. They are always beautiful photos. Learn more. 

TIP – Amelia has put together a wonderful PDF on “Getting dressed for headshots…” that you can download for free through her website. Amazing right?! 

Jordan Briggs by Amelia J Dowd

Zelman Cressey-Gladwin

Zelman creates a warm and welcoming environment for shooting headshots, and you can see it in his work! Being an actor himself, he understands just what is needed to create a great headshot. Whether you’re coming in for your first shoot, or you’re a seasoned pro looking for a refresh, Zelman makes sure you get the photos you want, and always makes sure you’re comfortable in your decisions. (He also doesn’t want you to break the bank, so that’s a massive plus!).

Vivienne Awosoga by Zelman Cressey-Gladwin

Chris Parker

Chris is a man of many hats, a director, actor and photographer. He’s taken headshots for some of the biggest names in the industry and I know so many people who have gone to him for headshots. His style changes based on the actor which I really love and he makes you look the best you possibly can. Learn more. 

Claire Lyon by Chris Parker

OUR OTHER FAVOURITES:

• Richard Turton
• Julian Dolman
• Alex Vaughan
• Lachlan Woods
• Ashleigh Coleman

Headshots are fun! Enjoy them! Once you’ve got your photos sent to you, choose a handful of favourites and sit with them. Look at them a few times a day and see which ones jump out at you. Also, send them to a teacher or agent, get their opinion. Remember to choose the shots that look like you and would make you want to work with you. Good luck!

The post Melbourne Headshot Photographers appeared first on StageMilk.

16th Street Actor’s Studio

16th Street Actor’s Studio have developed a reputation as the masterclass masters. They have managed to attract some of the best acting coaches from around the world to their facilities. They offer Masterclasses, Workshops and Technique Classes with the likes of Larry Moss, Elizabeth Kemp, Ian Rickson, Les Chantery and more. Classes run for 6 weeks, 1 class a week and cover a variety of techniques, like Uta Hagen, Chubbuck, as well as Improvisation and Director’s Scene Study. Masterclasses are typically between 3 – 5 days and are much more intensive. If you are looking to explore a specific area of your acting, a 16th St masterclass can be a great way to go, but it’s important to be working on a weekly basis as well. A break-through alone won’t make you a better actor.

Howard Fine Acting Studio

Howard Fine Acting Studio offers Intensive 4 day Masterclasses, Full-Time & Part-time training, as well as 1 year Youth Courses. Your other option is an Open Access Scene Study course – this course is designed for students who wish to jump straight into exploring the techniques championed by the studio.

Howard Fine is an incredible acting coach and if you’re in Melbourne, we would highly recommend checking out this studio.

Justin Lehmann Acting Studio

Justin Lehmann specialises in teaching Sanford Meisner’s Repetition exercise inspired by the teachings of master teacher William Esper, coupled with his trademark ‘instrument expansion’ work known as Actor’s Core. Classes run on a term by term basis, running for 8 weeks, with either a 1 or 2 classes-per-week options.

“If you’re seeking to experience the joy of being spontaneous, alive, connected to your partner and in turn yourself, then you will want to experience this technique.”

Brave Studios

Brave Studios are a well-established film and television school offering courses in acting for television and film, TV presenting, voice, Alexander technique and auditioning workshops.

Brave Studios has a range of acting workshops and courses available for aspiring actors or those who wish to develop their skills and they keep the size of classes small. The acting for film and television course is run over 3 levels – Beginner Actors Workshop and Advanced (they can advise you on which course would best suit your experience). If you’re an absolute beginner you can get a taste of what the courses involve by completing a 3 hour ‘Introduction to Acting’ Workshop.

For the more experienced/professional actor, they offer Professional Acting Workshops under the direction of some of Australia’s best directors. Brave Studios also offers Voice class and Alexander Technique classes with Australia’s best coaches. Coaches that come highly recommended include Rob Meldrum, Thea McLeod & Penny McDonald.

The National Theatre Drama School

The National Theatre Drama School is one of Australia’s original drama schools, boasting a list of well-known graduates like Kat Stewart, Esther Hannahford and Richard Cawthorne, it has earned it top praise in the industry. They offer 3 years Full-Time training, a Youth Acting course and a Foundation Acting course. The Foundation course is a great stepping stone for any student who wishes to get a taste of Full-Time training before committing to a 3 Year program. 

Film & Television Studio

The Film & Television Studio was started by Craig and Dominique McMahon in 1998 and has been responsible for training some of Australia’s most exciting talent. Focusing on OnScreen Acting, this studio offers a Full-Time, Part-Time, Foundation and Term Classes. At the end of each program, students are offered the opportunity to audition for Casting Directors, Directors and Producers. A great studio to attend if you are in Melbourne and are wanting to better your on-screen technique. 

The Lab

Championed by Peter Kalos, The Lab is Melbourne’s go-to ‘Method Acting’ school. Focusing on the original method developed by Lee Strasberg, The Labs focus is clear, to guild actors to take their work to a new level with one goal – to truthfully be that character in that circumstance. Having trained with teachers such as Stella Adler and Anna Strasberg, Peter is the perfect person to be teaching this technique to actors. The Lab offers on-going classes in 8-week blocks, which allows flexibility for actors. 

PEM Studios

PEM or The Perdekamp Emotional Method is a technique developed by German Director and Playwright Stephan Perdekamp. PEM is a method based on biology which gives actors repeatable and direct access to authentic emotion on a physical basis. A fairly new school, it’s an interesting method that hasn’t been seen much in Australia.

The post Acting Classes Melbourne appeared first on StageMilk.

So whether you are looking to work on a dialect or to improve an area of your voice, here are the best voice coaches in Melbourne:

Voice and Dialect Teachers in Melbourne

Updated March, 8th 2021

Tyler Coppin

Tyler Coppin was born and raised in the United States and primarily works as an American accent coach. He has coached some incredible actors such as Heath Ledger, Madeleine Madden, Magda Szubanski, Melissa George, Joel Edgerton and Ben Mendelsohn, just to name a few! Tyler is based in Melbourne, and also teaches at Brave Studios.

Jenny Kent

Jenny Kent is a voice and dialect coach in Melbourne, with a background in acting, as well as speech pathology. She teaches at Australian drama schools and coaches across many disciplines from actors and presenters to corporate professionals.

Leith McPherson 

Spoken Voice & Dialect Coach

Leith McPherson is a professional voice coach and senior lecturer at the VCA. Leith is a regular voice and dialect coach at MTC but has also worked alongside some elves in the Hobbit trilogy and more recently with a few wizards and witches with the cast of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Originally training as an actor she then went on to study voice in London and is now recognised as one of Australia’s leading voice and accent coaches. 

Chris Nolan 

Spoken & Singing Voice

I have no words for this man – I’ve been working with Chris for a few years now and can honestly say that this man has changed the way I approach and use my voice. He has so much expertise and knowledge, and will skillfully help you to overcome any challenges you may face. Chris offers private lessons, in-person and via Zoom, but throughout the year also offers a variety of workshops and masterclasses that are affordable for even the most struggling artist. 

Chris is a Voice Trainer, Vocal Coach, Pianist and Casting Consultant. He was previously the Head of Singing & Music at the VCA (Victorian College of The Arts) and has worked as a casting consultant for David Grindrod for Andrew Lloyd Webber. Chris trained as a singer and pianist in Australia before going to further study and work in the UK and is now back in the land down-under. 

Lisa-Marie Parker

Singing Voice

Lisa-Marie has been a Voice Coach, Audition Coach and Career Mentor for over 20 years. She is also an accomplished actress and singer who has worked in productions like We Will Rock You and Les Mis over her 22 year long career. Lisa has so many credits and career accomplishments to her name we could be here listing them all day – but all you need to know is that she is a phenomenal teacher.

Anna McCrossin-Owen

Spoken Voice & Dialect Coach

Anna is a Melbourne based Voice coach for Film, Television, Theatre, Music Theatre, TVC and Animation. Anna is one of MTCs (Melbourne Theatre Company) main Voice Coaches, working on over 50 of their productions and teaches privately from her studio. She has worked on A View From The Bridge, Glitch, Please Like Me, Heisenberg and Relic to name a few. Anna is one of Melbourne best Voice Coaches and comes highly recommended. 

Suzanne Heywood

Spoken Voice & Dialect Coach

Suzanne is a Melbourne based Voice and Dialect Coach – Her career has seen her work for Melbourne Theatre Company, Redstitch and Malthouse Theatre. Working across an array of mediums from Theatre to Film she is recognised as one of Australia’s best voice coaches. She is currently the Artistic Associate Q44 Theatre. She has worked with people like Hugh Jackman, Margot Robbie, Jackie Weaver and Kat Stewart. 

Andrew Hearle 

Voice Over Teacher + Acting Coach 

Andrew is the founder of StageMilk.com. Though Andrew is mainly an acting coach, he is also one of the leading voice over teachers in Australia. If you are specifically looking for a voice over teacher, definitely reach out. Andrew offers private voice over coaching, and also runs the leading Melbourne Voice Over Course. This course takes place a few times a year and places are strictly limited.

Andrew is also one of the leading Voice Reel Producers in Melbourne.

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If you want to be seen by some of these Melbourne Casting Directors, it’s always handy to have an agent first. (check out our article on how to secure an agent.) Casting Directors generally will want to be liaising with an agent for contracts, schedules and a multitude of other reasons. 

But in saying that… there is no harm in sending your showreel or reaching out and inviting them to your performance. Remember you want to be on their radar! But be smart about it, be polite and don’t expect anything. 

Read: Melbourne acting agents

Top Casting Directors in Melbourne

Mullinars Casting (Melbourne)

Based in Brunswick, Mullinars is known as one of the leading casting offices in Melbourne. It is also Australia’s longest established casting consultancy, being around for over 40 years. With thousands of projects under their belt this is a casting director you want to know and be known by.
Notable Projects: “Relic”, “Miss Fisher & the Crypt of Tears”, “Storm Boy”, “Love Child”, “A Place to Call Home”

McLeod Casting

This is THE ‘Neighbours’ casting director!! Based in Albert Park, Thea McLeod has been casting ‘Neighbours’ for the past 8 years. Outside of that, Mcleod Casting has been responsible for casting many a A-list Australian actor and has a focus on discovering outstanding new actors.
Notable Projects: “Neighbours”, “Underbelly Files ‘The Man Who Got Away’”, “Emo: The Musical”, “Measure for Measure”. 

Highway Casting

On the south side you will find Highway Casting, Sarah Alekna and Annabel Clayton are the team behind the name. With a focus on Commercial casting, their extensive portfolio is all the proof you need. They also happen to be two of the loveliest people you will meet! And FYI they also have a dedicated extras department which is always a good side gig!
Notable Projects: TVC’s for “Spacetalk”, “Kmart”, “Steggles”, “Bakers Delight”, “Racing Victoria”.

Chameleon Casting

Chameleon Casting has been recognised as one of the leading casting consultancies for their work in Television and Film. Established in 1993 they have been responsible for casting a large amount of TVC’s and are always looking for actors and real people for their projects.
Notable Projects: TVC’s for “Bonds”, “Toyota” and “Nissan”.

Telford Leonard Casting

Telford Leonard is unarguably one of the biggest casting consultants in Australia. Run by Alison Telford and Kate Leonard, their extensive portfolio boasts many a Television series, Film and TVC. Not to mention they’ve got a handful of AACTA awards in their possession.
Notable Projects: “Glitch”, “Kath & Kim”, “Please Like Me”, “Utopia”, “Molly & Cara”.

Nick Hammon Casting

Based in Footscray, started by, you guessed it Nick Hammon, who was one of the founders of the CGA ( Casting Guild of Australia).
Notable Projects: “Why are you like this?”, “The Divorce”, “Silversun”. 

Maura Fay Casting

With an office in both Melbourne and Sydney, Maura Fay casting is a leading force in the industry. Boasting an impressive client and actor list, Maura Fay works to introduce upcoming Australian talent to national and international screens.They also run a fantastic workshop; over five weeks you get to work one-on-one with the Maura Fay team. DO IT!

Notable Projects: “The Secret River”, “ANZAC Girls”, “Packed to the Rafters”

Mackintosh Casting

Based in St. Kilda, Mackintosh Casting boast an extensive portfolio over TV, Film and Theatre. Started by Mel Mackintosh, who is also the creator of Biz Book, this casting office is a boutique consultant that works over a variety of mediums.

Notable Projects: “Myer”, “Optus”, “Ford” and “Honda”

Catapult Casting

Based in Collingwood, Zak Hamer and Jenna Eriksen are the faces of Capolt Casting. A boutique casting office with a focus on diversity in casting. They have an extensive list of TVC’s under their belt and have begun branching into film. 

Notable Projects: TVC’s for “Origin Energy”, “Vicks”, “ANZ” and “Sportsbet”.

Janine Snape

Janine Snape is currently the casting director at MTC (Melbourne Theatre Company) and the Australian Casting Director for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” Janine has been a casting director for almost 20 years, originally in the UK and Ireland for ‘Royal Shakespeare Company’. She recently shared an article on the MTC website on recommendations for actors that you can read here. 

How to Contact Casting Directors?

Most of these Casting Directors have a fantastic page on their websites where you can see any upcoming castings and they will tend to post them on their social media pages. So give them a follow to keep up-to-date. You can email these casting director directly, but first do your research, look at their website, find the submission email and start your relationship on the right foot. 

Remember when reaching out to casting directors, always behave professionally and don’t bombard them with texts, tweets or direct IG messages every week! One simple, professional, succinct email twice a year is more than enough. Building solid working relationships with casting directors will take some time, but you’ll get there eventually (especially if you follow up your pro emails, with some great acting work!)

Read more: How to Contact a Casting Director

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Main Stage Theatre Companies in Melbourne

Melbourne Theatre Company

This is Melbourne’s state theatre company, like Sydney Theatre Company, and QTC. It’s where the biggest productions are put on and where the lions share of state funding goes. MTC‘s seasons vary year to year but often include a mix of classics and contemporary plays. MTC is probably one of the most progressive state theatre companies and has a great reputation countrywide.

Malthouse Theatre Company

Malthouse is an exceptional theatre company. They are the second biggest company in Melbourne and like La Boite in Brisbane and Belvoir in Sydney, they offer a slightly more alternative range of plays. Their seasons typically including more new Australian works and more edgy productions.

Independent Theatre Companies in Melbourne

Red Stitch Theatre Company

Red Stitch is one of the best theatre companies in the country. It’s still an independent company, but the quality of the work that is put on at Red Stitch is incredible. It’s very much an actor’s theatre company, with an emphasis on great performance and storytelling.

La Mama

La Mama is a long-established independent company in Melbourne that puts on a large range of work. Since it’s inception it has put on theatre that pushes the boundaries and offers opportunity to a diverse audience.

Cameron Lukey Productions

Cameron is the man behind Melbourne’s most recent production of Angels in America, which if you were lucky enough to see was easily the best piece of theatre you would of seen all year. He’s also produced Strangers in Between by Tommy Murphy and in 2019 produced 33 Variations starring Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn. Cameron Lukey Productions is a company to keep an eye on as they are always producing beautiful pieces of theatre that you would be a fool to miss out on. 

Patalog Theatre Company

A fairly new theatre company that was established in 2017, Patalog Theatre’s production of Punk Rock brought them into the forefront of Melbourne Theatre. Their aim is to produce truthful and challenging work and without doubt, they have done that in their short time. 

Around The Moon Productions

Fresh face Around The Moon Productions is a company who is yet to make a massive impact in the Melbourne theatre scene. I saw their production of Lobby Hero at FortyFive Downstairs and loved their work. I’m excited to see what’s next for this company. 

Lightning Jar Theatre 

When you win the Greenroom Award for Best Production and have two sell-out seasons of Mr Burns – A Post-Electric Play you can easily say that Lightning Jar Theatre has very quickly made a name for themselves in the Melbourne theatre scene. They aim to produce fresh, exciting and fun theatre and they have successfully ticked every box. Keep an eye out for their next production. 

Antipodes Theatre Company

I could be here all day talking about all the things the Antipodes Theatre Company is doing. Free Play readings, New Works Development, Workshops, Classes, Productions… the list could go on and on. But here’s the thing you should know, they are a wonderful group of people who care about artists. They have some exciting work in store for 2021! I can’t wait! 

We will continue to update this list as new companies emerge, and we say goodbye to some old friends. 

If you’re an actor, director, designer, producer, whatever you may be in Melbourne, please support the theatre. Buy a ticket, share their posts, tell friends about what you went to see and encourage them to buy tickets. Theatre is where many artists get their start and there is nothing better than having a full audience and being supported by your community. I hope to see you in a foyer soon. 

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For more on getting an agent.

Don’t be disheartened if you don’t receive anything back from an agent after contacting them. Most agents, especially at this level, receive hundreds of emails a week. If you don’t get a response, or get a rejection, leave it for at least 4-6 months and then try again. In that interim period work on updating your showreel, building your CV and working on your acting. It can take years to sign with a top tier agent.

Best Acting Agents Melbourne

In no particular order these are the TOP 5 Melbourne Acting Agents that come highly admired and are a great overall agent. Ranging from middle to top tier.

Helen Pandos Management

Helen Pandos is a boutique agent that represents some of Australia’s finest actors. Her clients span TV, Film and Theatre working both Nationally and Internationally. This is an agent that every artist wants.
Actors you may know: Nathalie Boltt, Tom Budge, Ben Barrington.

Ian White Management 

Ian White is a boutique Melbourne agent that represents a select group of artist in Theatre, TV, Film and Commercial productions.
Actors you may know: Sally-Anne Upton, Jana Zvedeniuk, Mike Bishop.

Aran Michael Management

AMM, Aran Michael Management, is another massive agent in Melbourne. With a large client list, their actors work in a variety of mediums.
Actors you may know: Margot Robbie, Brett Tucker, Liv Hewson.

Active Artists Management

AAM is Melbourne longest established management agency. Known for helping to develop and mentor emerging talent, this is a wonderful agent to sign with. They have great National and International connections in TV, Theatre and Film.
Actors you may know: Eliza Taylor, Chris Pang, Fantine Banulski.

Catherine Poulton Management

CPM is one of Australia’s leading agents; with a diverse client list CPM has actors working in Australia and Internationally on Television, Film and Theatre. A great, great agent to have on your team.
Actors you may know: Izabella Yena, Stephen Phillips, Alicia Banit, Ryan Corr.

And then there were more…

Here is our remaining list of Melbourne Acting Agents:

Natalie Hall Management 

RGM Artists

Emma Reciti Management 

JM Agency

Hansen Creative Management 

BMEG

BGM 





Creative Representation – Melbourne 



Hanson Creative 





Stacey Testro

International

 Profile Talent

Is it important to have an agent?

I know some incredible freelance actors. They are organised, proactive and great at writing emails! Being an actor without an agent is definitely possible, and in some cases, preferable. However, I would always encourage actors to seek representation from a reputable agent. Having an agent doesn’t mean you can’t be proactive and find your own opportunities, you can still do that, and should.

Having an agent means you have another person on your team. Agents have established contacts over several years and can get you access to auditions that you simply can’t find on your own. So trying to sign with an agent is definitely a worthwhile goal.

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