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Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts#Notable alumni

{{Short description|Performing arts school of Edith Cowan University}}

{{use Australian English |date=December 2013}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}

{{Infobox university

| name = Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

| image_name = Western_Australian_Academy_of_Performing_Arts_Logo.svg

| image_size =

| image_alt = This image is the logo of Edith Cowan University's Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

| caption =

| motto =

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| mottoeng =

| former_names =

| established = {{Start date and age|1980}}

| closed =

| type =

| parent = Edith Cowan University

| affiliation = CILECT

| address = 1/2 Bradford Street

| city = Perth

| region =

| state = Western Australia

| country = Australia

| coor = {{coord |region:AU-WA_type:edu_dim:100 |name={{wikidata |property |P1448 }} |display=inline,title |format=dms}}

| campus_type = Urban

| dean =

| rector =

| director = David Shirley

| academic_staff =

| administrative_staff =

| students = 1,287{{Cite web | url=https://intranet.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/1065173/ECU44057_POCKET-STATS-2023_WEB.pdf | title=Pocket Stats 2023 | website=intranet.ecu.edu.au}}

| undergrad =

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| colours = {{Color box|83286B|Dark purple}}{{Cite web | url=https://intranet.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/406533/ECU-Corporate-Style-Guide.pdf | title=Corporate Style Guide | website=intranet.ecu.edu.au}}

| logo_alt = This image is the logo for Edith Cowan University used by its constituent school the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

| logo_size = 75px

| website = {{official website}}

| logo = Edith Cowan University Logo.svg

}}

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,{{cite web |date=16 August 2010 |title=History of Edith Cowan University and its Predecessor Institutions |url=http://www.ecu.edu.au/GPPS/rams/history.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315220856/http://www.ecu.edu.au/GPPS/rams/history.html |archive-date=15 March 2012 |access-date=16 August 2010 |publisher=Edith Cowan University |language=en-AU}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2023-08-03 |title=Welcome to WAAPA |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/welcome-to-waapa |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |date=3 August 2023 |title=Welcome to WAAPA |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/welcome-to-waapa |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240401122849/https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/welcome-to-waapa |archive-date=1 April 2024 |access-date=8 May 2023 |website=Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts |publisher=Edith Cowan University |language=en-AU}}

It is scheduled to re-locate to the currently under-construction Perth CBD campus following completion in late 2025.{{Cite web |last=Naglazas |first=Mark |date=30 August 2023 |title=Centre stage: How WAAPA's move into the heart of the city will reshape Perth |url=https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/centre-stage-how-waapa-s-move-into-the-heart-of-the-city-will-reshape-perth-20230828-p5e000.html |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240303235505/https://www.watoday.com.au/national/western-australia/centre-stage-how-waapa-s-move-into-the-heart-of-the-city-will-reshape-perth-20230828-p5e000.html |archive-date=3 March 2024 |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=WAtoday |language=en-AU}} 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.{{Cite web|url=https://architectureau.com/articles/construction-begins-on-ecu-city-campus/|title=Construction begins on ECU City campus | ArchitectureAu}} The campus will be accessible by public transport, being built on top of the underground Perth Busport opposite the Perth railway station.{{Cite web |title=Yagan Square – See & Do |url=https://developmentwa.com.au/projects/redevelopment/yagan-square/see-do |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20231112062817/https://developmentwa.com.au/projects/redevelopment/yagan-square/see-do |archive-date=12 November 2023 |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=DevelopmentWA |publisher=Government of Western Australia |language=en-AU}}

As of 2019, the executive dean of the school is Prof David Shirley {{post-nominal|country=GBR|FRSA|size=100%}}.{{Cite web |date=2019-05-22 |title=Introducing David Shirley – WAAPA's new Director |url=https://www.artshub.com.au/news/sponsored-content/introducing-david-shirley-waapas-new-director-258037-2363297/ |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=artshub.com.au |language=en-AU}} 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.{{Cite web |title=David Shirley |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/Person/David-Shirley-0 |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=Business News |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2024-04-18 |title=Overview |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/overview |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}

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".{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2024-04-23 |title=Aboriginal Performance |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/aboriginal-performance |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2020-10-13 |title=Higher degree courses |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses/postgraduate-studies-and-research/higher-degree-courses |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/courses-and-admissions/our-courses|title=Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts|work=WAAPA|date=15 May 2023 }}

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.{{Cite web|url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/730644/WAAPA_Performance_Program.pdf|title=WAAPA Performance Program 2024}} 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.

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.{{cite web|title=WAPPA – Campus Life|date=27 March 2012 |url=http://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/campus-life}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2012-07-18 |title=Geoff Gibbs Theatre |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/geoff-gibbs-theatre |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2013-07-19 |title=Richard Gill Auditorium |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/richard-gill-auditorium |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2012-07-18 |title=Roundhouse Theatre |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/roundhouse-theatre |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2012-07-18 |title=Outdoor Amphitheatre |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/outdoor-amphitheatre |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2012-07-18 |title=Enright Studio |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/enright-studio |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2012-07-18 |title=Jazz Studio |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/jazz-studio |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}{{Cite web |last=Edith Cowan University |first=Perth |date=2012-07-18 |title=Other WAAPA Studios |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/other-waapa-studios |access-date=2024-04-25 |website=WAAPA |language=en-AU}}

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.{{cite web |url=https://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/other-waapa-studios|title=Other WAAPA Studios|date=18 July 2012 |publisher=Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts|access-date=2023-10-08|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311071029/http://www.waapa.ecu.edu.au/about/venues-and-studios/other-waapa-studios |archive-date=11 March 2015}}

Twelve large rehearsal and dance studios, numerous music and ensemble studios, a specialised visual and performing arts library collection, and numerous exhibition spaces.

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.{{cite web |url=http://www.campusdaily.com.au/read_university_news.php?title=waapa_student_winner_at_wa_media_awards_13232 |title=WAAPA student winner at WA Media Awards |date=17 November 2010 |publisher=Campus Daily}}

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 Music{{clarify|date=November 2023|reason=Which conservatorium? UWA Conservatorium of Music? (Do they have a 'dean'? Or WAAPA?}} 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

{{further|Category:Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts alumni}}

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References

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External links

  • {{official website}}
  • {{commons category-inline}}

{{Performing arts schools in Australia}}

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Category:Australian tertiary institutions

Category:Universities in Western Australia

Category:Film schools in Australia

Category:Drama schools in Australia

Category:Culture of Western Australia

Category:Dance education in Australia

Category:Edith Cowan University

Category:Educational institutions established in 1980

Category:Mount Lawley, Western Australia

Category:1980 establishments in Australia