Acting is an amazing art form!
Learning to act is NOT about wanting to be famous, its about developing a life-long passion. It is about learning to create something to move an audience.
Acting is not just about learning scripts. It is about analysing scripts, doing background work, creating the character within yourself and then bringing it all to life.
Perth Film School aims to give you the skills and tools to pursue acting as a career, including the development of your own showreel.
1. All classes are taught by working industry professionals who are passionate about the art form and can share real on-set experiences with students. Check out our teachers’ biographies and IMDB links on this site.
2. Our founder, Nicole Moerland, graduated from the 3 year program at Stella Adler academy of Acting and Theatre in Los Angeles and brings the world leading Stella Adler technique to Perth students.
3. Perth Film School believes that acting should be a joy and we teach classes accordingly. We push our students to their full potential in a fun and supportive environment.
4. We can offer students a range of courses from beginner to advanced and then assist them to pursue career opportunities with showreel development, coaching and audition taping.
5. We are a no-ego film school. If you have always been keen to pursue acting classes but are a bit nervous of taking the leap, our teachers with help you learn the basics at your comfort level and then challenge you as you grow in confidence.
6. We are conveniently located in Perth City at 10-14 Pier Street, Perth – Huzzard Studios.
7. Our classes are affordable, starting at under $585 for a 4-week course.
8. We are focused on helping students reach their potential. Check out our 2015 Perth Film School Student Showreel to see what our students, many of whom had little prior experience, achieved in just a few months of training- http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Training for actors seeking professional careers in film, theatre and television.
Classes for fun and/or real career opportunities
Beginners – Intermediate – Professional
Teachers are all industry professionals
Classes sizes limited to 8 students
Create personal showreel to send to agents and casting directors
Script analysis
Background character work and analysis
Audition skills
Career coaching
Transition skills training from theatre into film
Group and individual classes
Professional coaching for working actors
Portfolio and showreel development
Specialist children classes
Nicole Moerland is intensely passionate about film and acting, since first getting involved in drama as a teenager.
In 2004, at the young age of 20, Nicole was accepted as a student at the prestigious Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Los Angeles. She graduated from Stella Adler Academy of Acting in 2007.
Following graduation, Nicole was fortunate to work with some of the world’s most talented actors including Rutger Hauer, Mark Ruffalo as well as director Peter Yates.
She has worked and lived in Holland, Spain, United Kingdom and the United States of America, gaining valuable experience from a range of talented actors and directors. Nicole is also a talented writer and is currently working on a feature film and a short film script to be shot in Australia.
Perth Film School was founded in 2012 after Nicole Moerland moved to Perth, Australia following a career in Europe and the United States of America.
As Nicole began developing her own career in Australia, she was approached by a number of key industry key people asking her to teach her unique skills to students in WA.
A handful of students quickly grew into a number of regular, fully booked classes and private coaching sessions. Perth Film School was born.
Perth Film School is proud to bring the world renowned ‘Stella Adler Technique’ to Perth Students.
Stella Adler believed that an actor’s talent lies with his/her imagination and visualization. The theatre and film actress turned teacher, trained with Stanislavsky and studied the method, but didn’t believe that an actor needed to relive past experiences to connect with the script.
Her technique style has been studied by many renowned actors including as:
Robert De Niro, Elaine Stritch, Martin Sheen, Diana Muldaur, Dolores del Rio, Roy Scheider, Vincent D’Onofrio, Mark Ruffalo, Warren Beatty , Michael Imperioli, Salma Hayek, Sean Astin, Barbara Stuart, Joyce Meadows, Stephen Bauer and Benicio del Toro, in addition to Marlon Brando, who served as the New York studio’s Honorary Chairman until his death, and was replaced by another pupil, Warren Beatty.
The acting schools which Adler founded still operate today in New York City and Los Angeles.
Nicole Moerland, a versatile actor, director, and writer, embarked on her journey in the world of entertainment at the renowned Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Los Angeles. Her training laid the foundation for a career that would span continents and genres, marking her as a dynamic force in the film industry.
Post-graduation, Nicole had the privilege of collaborating with some of the world’s most esteemed actors and directors, including the legendary Rutger Hauer and acclaimed filmmaker Peter Yates. Her career led her to live and work in diverse locations such as Holland, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Indonesia, and Western Australia. This globetrotting experience allowed her to absorb a rich tapestry of acting styles and directorial approaches, shaping her into a truly global artist.
Nicole’s talents extend beyond acting, as she has successfully ventured into film direction and writing. She is immersed in the development of a feature film and a short film script, with plans to bring these projects to life in both Australia and Europe. Her dedication to the craft also saw her serve as the 1st Assistant Director for Daniel Zirilli on the Lions Gate feature film “Intercept.”
Nicole has produced several festival films that showcase her commitment to bringing compelling stories to the screen. Not content with merely contributing to the industry, she founded the “Marbella Film School” in the south of Spain and “Perth Film School” in Western Australia, nurturing the next generation of filmmakers since 2013.
Nicole’s screen presence extends to television, where she was featured in the TV series “Wolf Creek” on ‘Stan,’ sharing the screen with luminaries like John Jarratt and Lucy Fry in her role as Helma. Her recent accomplishments also include her involvement in the feature film “4D” and a cameo appearance in “Intercept,” showcasing her versatility as an actor.
Ross Metcalf is a highly talented and experienced cinematographer who is extremely passionate about his art form.
His extensive industry experience includes television, narrative feature films, fashion and music videos.
Ross’s client list is long and includes Nova 93.7, SARC, The Heart Foundation, Adam & Selina and Youth Focus.
Ross not only produces fantastic content for Perth Film School students but also provides them with an insight into how he uses lighting and lensing to assist the story-telling process and capture the true emotion of a scene.
Mahesh Jadu is in the latest Netflix Show ¨The Witcher¨, ¨Marco Polo¨ & “Pirates of the Caribbean”. Perth Film School is very proud to have him as our guest teacher in between his very busy schedule. Mahesh started off as a composer for an Australian show, “Byte Me”. He auditioned for a small role in an Indian film, “Sorry Bhai!” and was subsequently cast. He was later cast in one of Australia’s longest running soaps, “Neighbours” as Doug Harris. He played poker to cover rent and living expenses until he was called for an audition by the casting director, Lou Mitchell.
In 2011, he was cast in an Australian drama, “Taj” which was presented at the 16th Busan International Film Festival.
He then worked on “The Three Ages of Sasha”. He got his big break when he was cast in Roland Joffé’s period drama, “Singularity”, which was later renamed “The Lovers”. The film got delayed for 2 years. He then auditioned multiple times for “I, Frankenstein” in which he plays the Gargoyle Ophir. He was later cast in Netflix’s, “Marco Polo” as Ahmad & ¨The Witcher¨.
Nadia Duca is a freelance makeup artist and Educator who is passionate about empowering individuals through her love and passion for all things makeup. Nadia has been in the industry for over 9 years and has completed a Diploma in Specialist Makeup. Nadia has also been trained internationally in Los Angeles with the prestigious, Donna Mee and has recently returned from Hollywood where she spent time working on a James Franco short film.
James sadly passed away. We have chosen to keep him on our website as he was dearly loved by many of our students over the decade he has been with us. James was a highly regarded teacher of voice. He was a committed and passionate teacher with a great ability to inspire his students and to support them from his wealth of professional experience. James was dedicated to persevere with students.
He has coached Hollywood Actress “Angourie Rice” from “The Nice Guys” & Mahesh Jadu from “Marco Polo” and ¨The Witcher¨ on Netflix in their American Accents and and many actors over his 50 year career. His energy and passion was incredible. We miss you dearly James!
Acacia is a motivated and passionate voice coach with an MFA in Voice Studies from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. She strives to empower students to take ownership of their unique voice and assist them in developing the knowledge and ability to safely access a free and flexible voice. She has coached international actors including Katherine Langford and has worked as a dialect coach for theatre productions including Wise Children’s ‘Romantics Anonymous’ directed by Emma Rice, as well as in film and TV on ABC’s ‘ITCH’ and most recently ‘It Only Takes a Night’.
Meet Grace Newton-Wordsworth, the dynamic recipient of the Propel Youth Arts WA Creative Contribution Award. With an impressive journey that spans the realms of filmmaking, music, and education, Grace stands out as a multifaceted force in the Western Australian creative scene.
Having kickstarted her artistic voyage as a film student at Perth Film School in 2013, Grace swiftly evolved into a highly creative film director. Today, she channels her passion into fostering the next generation of talents by facilitating engaging screen acting workshops at Perth Film School, catering to young enthusiasts and aspiring performers.
As a testament to her commitment to inclusivity and community, Grace’s workshops are not only educational but also infused with a sense of fun, positivity, and upliftment. Her approach transcends traditional teaching boundaries, embodying the spirit of a true mentor.
Jaimee Peasley, a highly accomplished actor hailing from Perth, brings a wealth of on-set experience to her workshops, shaped by her diverse background in Sydney and Canada. Her journey in the entertainment industry commenced as an acting student at Perth Film School in 2013, under the expert guidance of coach Nicole Moerland. With meticulous dedication, Jaimee honed her craft and curated her inaugural showreel, laying the foundation for her burgeoning career.
Having secured her debut role at the tender age of three in a Salvation Army TVC, Jaimee’s unwavering dedication and undeniable talent quickly propelled her to prominence. She has notably portrayed characters such as “Olivia” in Stevie Cruz-Martin’s feature film Pulse and left a lasting impact as “Grace” in Pale Date. Her on-screen presence extended to a memorable role in Baz Luhrmann’s iconic production, The Great Gatsby.
Beyond her acting prowess, Jaimee has emerged as the creator and co-host of the ‘Hollywood Halt’ podcast, a platform dedicated to insightful discussions with prominent industry professionals.
Due to popular demand from students wanting to learn more about the construction of films, Perth Film School has launched its “Film Making” Course.
For ONLY $1,850 students will receive 6 weeks of intensive training by our head film teachers and Hollywood Film Makers. We have hired Rusty Geller, Simon Akkerman, David Vincent Smith, along with Australian Award winning film makers, Steven Browne, Cody Cameron Brown amongst others. During this time, they will work on real productions and learn the art of film making.
Film Making Level 1 (Week 1 – 4)
Introduction to making movies: Students will learn the different roles of the crew, learn how to set-up and how to select digital motion picture cameras, select lenses, create and compose shots and where sound come in. The students will learn about pre-production and how to prepare for a film shoot, scripting, casting actors, booking a film crew and how to prepare to shoot. This part of the program is designed to help with the pre-production side of the film making process.
Film Making Level 2 (Week 5 – 6)
Students will learn to stage scenes for camera: blocking, rehearsing and shooting. They will light scenes both indoors and or outdoors. The class will become a crew, breaking down scenes for camera and shooting practice scenes. In weeks 5 students will have a film 4 hour shoot day. In week 6 students will spend 4 hours editing the films, ready for completion.
Work Experience
Students may join in to get to experience working on location with a professional film-crew when we have our weekend showreel film shoots. The work experience will cover all aspects from set-designing, lighting, operating a boom mic, directing, working with actors and film making. The students may shadow the film crew and help out on the film set. Please reach out to us after you have completed the program so we can keep you informed about filming days.
Please note: curriculum and projects are subject to change and may vary depending on location, group students interest. The sequenced of the course to be decided by the teacher depending on group interest, level and ability.
$1,850
We have FUN in this class plus learn about acting! If you child has a passion for drama and the visual arts, this specially designed weekly one-hour class is the perfect choice. Your child will get a taste for acting, learn basic techniques and them apply them on carefully selected and age-appropriate scripts in front of the camera. This course is a great introduction to film acting for your child which will teach new skills and help them grow in confidence.
6 weeks x 1 hour $390
6 weeks x 1 hour $390
Does your child want to have an EXCITING experience this school holidays? If your child loves drama and visual arts, this specially designed course is perfect for them. They will develop the key techniques for acting and apply them in front of the camera. This course is a great introduction to film acting for anyone! Taught by leading professionals in the industry, your child will be given the best knowledge in Hollywood!
This course will introduce you to screen acting as well as the process of auditioning. It is designed for students who have little or no past exposure to acting. Content includes comedy, drama as well as commercial work.
The classes are divided into three age groups with relevant scripts and teaching method.
8 hours of classes
4 weeks x 2 hours
$650
In addition to material covered in Introduction to Screen Acting Level 1, this course covers in the process of script analysis and how to build a character. Students work on both dramatic as well as comedic pieces. They leave this class with an in-depth knowledge of acting plus a series of personal short clips. Screen Acting Advanced takes discipline and focus but is well worth the effort. Introduction to Screen Acting is a prerequisite for this course if you have no experience.
8 hours of classes
4 weeks x 2 hours
$650
For students who have successfully completed both Screen Acting Level 1 and 2 and wish to explore acting as a career path, Screen Acting Level 3 is the perfect next step. A four-week course, our teachers help students select appropriate scripts that reflect roles that align with those for which they would most likely be cast for by agents and those which best showcase their unique talent. Students then begin intensive coached rehearsals with scene partners and gain an understanding of on-set experience to prepare them for the shoot. Perth Film School works hard with students to ensure they are well prepared for their showreel and achieve their best work.
8 hours of classes
4 weeks x 2 hours
$650
This 4 week voice over course for beginners will make the foundation of your “voice over tool box” from which you can gain control, self belief and confidence to give voice overs a proper “crack”.
We’ll look at different types of voice overs currently in the industry and how to achieve them, correct technique and breathing, warm ups, how to interpret scripts and take direction, studio etiquette, microphone technique, loads of fun exercises, and tips on how to get your foot into the Perth industry.
8 hours of classes
4 weeks x 2 hours
$650
In our latest series of Screen Acting Master Classes, another one of Perth’s very own talented Hollywood Screen Actors and Feature Film Producer of the movie Drift (2013), Myles Pollard comes to Perth Film School to share his insider knowledge and experience on the Screen Acting industry.
This Master Class is an interactive class that aims to give students experience and instruction in a “real” acting process suitable for Film and Television Performance.
Contact us for the latest dates.
6 hours includes break
1 day x 6 hours
$585
In our new series of Screen Acting Master Classes, we invite highly experienced working Industry Professionals including Casting Directors and Actors to share their expert advice on Screen Acting and the Industry.
Next Masterclass:
Recent Guests include:
Contact us for the latest dates and to register your interest now.
In our first series of Screen Acting Master Classes, the talented Mahesh Jadu who has just completed shooting on the latest installation of the Pirates of the Caribbean series, Dead Men Tell No Tales, returns to Perth Film School.
This Master Class is an interactive class suited to individuals with a desire to gain industry knowledge, skills and insight from an experienced Hollywood Actor and who are looking to pursue a career in Screen Acting.
Contact us for the latest dates.
4 hours includes break
1 day x 4 hours
$585
In this course, students will learn the types of makeup to use, not to use and why? Lighting and how it effects makeup on film. The tools to use for film and special FX makeup and how to touch up.
Week 1:
Introduction to film and special FX makeup
Week 2:
How to create Grazes and Bruises
Week 3:
How to create Cuts/stitches
Week 4:
How to create burns (1st – 3rd degree burns)
Contact us for the latest dates.
8 hours of classes
4 weeks x 2 hours
$715
*Successful Completion of Screen Acting Levels 1, 2 and 3 is required to ensure quality result of which you are proud.*
Whilst anyone can shoot a show-reel on a handycam, Perth Film School’s approach is to shoot a series of full scenes, using quality in-depth dialogue and characterisation. The end result is that students take away a professional show-reel to present to agents and casting directors.
From an acting perspective, students will work on their carefully selected scripts during the Screen Advanced Class (Screen acting Level 2). Our teachers will coach students over the four weeks to perfect their craft. Then our students move to rehearsals, on set, to create a professional shot-list prior to the shoot. Then, on the day, our teacher coaches and directs the scenes to ensure best possible result.
To create a professional end result, quality cinematography is AS important as the quality of our students’ performances. Perth Films School’s cinematography team includes the very talented Ross Metcalf and Perth Film School crew. We use only top quality equipment as would be used on a commercial set including RED cameras (as used by Sir Peter Jackson in “The Hobbit”, quality cinema lenses, sound equipment, lighting and full crew. This give the most professional result possible but also gives our students an insight into behind-the-camera work.
Following the shoot, Perth Film School then takes the content and spends a few weeks editing to create two final “mini films” which get edited into a show-reel for students to take away.
This course is not a basic showreel service. It is a highly professional project which is a fantastic investment for our students wanting to pursue a career.
Check out our last Student Showreel scenes to see the type of professional showreel you can expect: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Due to popular demand from students who want to start at the beginning and work their way through to a final showreel of their own, Perth Film School has launched its “Hollywood Package”.
For JUST $2,645 students receive intensive training through all three class levels plus a professional weekend showreel workshop. The end result is two professional ‘mini films’ shoots which combines into a 3-minute show-reel to present to agents and casting directors.
Screen Acting Level 1 (Introduction to Screen acting) – (4 Weeks)
Screen Acting Level 2 (Screen acting advanced) – (1 Weekend)
Screen Acting Level 3 (Showreel Preparation) (1 Weekend)
Mini Film and Showreel Workshop (Weekend Shoot)
At JUST $2,645 for 2 months of training with Perth Film School and a professional showreel at the end, “The Hollywood Package” is a fantastic option to fully pursue your screen acting dreams.
Check out Perth Film School’s Student Showreel to see what you too can achieve in this course: http://www.youtube.com/watch?
If a private class is your preference to learn the basics or you want to take your current skills to the next level, Perth Film School also offers private classes with our teachers. These classes include an understanding of process of script analysis and how to build a character. Students work on both dramatic as well as comedic pieces and can even choose their own scripts. This one-on-one class provides students with a fast-track to their development.
$260 per 2 hour private class
Just received notice of an audition opportunity and want to give it your best? Perth Film School offers one-on-one audition coaching to help you understand your script and character and to perfect your audition.
$260 per 2 hour private class
Often casting directors and agents will send you a script and ask you to put an audition on tape and send to them. Perth Film School now offers private audition taping sessions with one of our teachers to help you prepare and submit the perfect audition. Our teachers will help your analyse the script and characters and review draft auditions on tape with you until you put your best audition forward.
$260 per 2 hour private class
We are thrilled to announce that Ben Young, the acclaimed Hollywood director, will be hosting a special masterclass at Perth Film School on November 23rd and 24th! About Ben Young: Ben Young is an internationally renowned director whose critically acclaimed film Hounds of Love (shot right here in Perth!) won prestigious awards at the Venice Film Festival. His talent has […]