VCA Open Day 2008 is on Sunday 17th of August from 10am - 4pm.

The Victorian College of the Arts is Australia's premier visual and performing arts training institution. The VCA is dedicated to the education and training of artists for the highest level of professional activity and provides some of the finest facilities in Australia. Graduates of the VCA are some of the world's leading filmmakers, choreographers, composers, designers, conductors, dancers, directors, actors, artists, musicians, arts managers, administrators, teachers and production personnel.

The VCA is located at 234 St Kilda Rd Southbank. Catch any tram heading to the city from the Parkville campus near Gate 4 on Swanston Street.

For more information about visiting the VCA please click here or download the campus map below.

Welcome to Open Day at the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), Australia’s premier visual and performing arts training and education institution. The VCA is a Faculty of the University of Melbourne, and we are holding our Open Day in conjunction with the University.

Open Day is an event which gives prospective students, parents and members of the public the opportunity to experience the VCA community in action. Activities taking place around the campus on the day have been designed to show the Faculty’s approach to the education and training of artists in preparation for the highest level of professional activity. Open Day also gives you the opportunity to visit some of the most significant arts training facilities in Australia.

You are warmly encouraged to attend one of the general information sessions on the VCA, which will be held at 11.00am and 1.45pm in Federation Hall, our cinema and recital hall (Building E – see map). Performances, concerts and lectures will also be held throughout the day.

Open Day is a full VCA working day, with current students participating in classes and studio work throughout the day. In addition, course advice relating to all academic disciplines will be available all day in the foyer of Federation Hall and in each discipline.

I hope you have an informative and stimulating day today, and enjoy discovering the VCA.

Professor Andrea Hull AO
Director and Dean

Federation Hall is the hub for VCA Open Day.

Staff will be available all day in the foyer of Federation Hall to answer your queries about VCA courses, services and facilities. This will include representatives from Student and Academic Services, the VCA Graduate School and the VCA Secondary School.

A program of information sessions and performances will run in the auditorium. The addresses by the Director and senior staff are an important opportunity for prospective students to gain an overview of the VCA.

The panel sessions on the audition/interview process will provide an insight into entry into VCA courses from
the perspective of current students. Please note that applications for 2009 entry to VCA undergraduate courses will be via the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC); honours and graduate programs will continue
to be via direct application to the VCA.

The Federation Hall program features some of the highlights of Open Day. Commencing at 10.00am and continuing until 3.30pm – this program will showcase a selection of some of the VCA’s best performers.

10.00AM–10.30AM
FILM SCREENINGS
Festival hits – films by recent
VCA Film & TV graduates.

10.30AM–11.00AM
VOICE PERFORMANCE
Performance of solos, duets and ensemble works by VCA vocal students. Directed by Anna Connolly, Head of Voice, and Stephen Grant, Lecturer in Voice.

11.00AM–11.45AM
INFORMATION SESSION WITH THE DIRECTOR AND HEAD,
CENTRE FOR IDEAS
This session will present an introductory overview of the VCA and its courses.

11.45AM–12.45PM
THE AUDITION/INTERVIEW PROCESS
A presentation by current students followed by a Question and Answer session on the selection process and how to get into a course at the VCA and VCA Secondary School.

12.45PM–1.45PM
MUSIC PERFORMANCE
A special performance by students from the VCA Secondary School, featuring chamber music and soloists.

1.45PM–2.30PM
INFORMATION SESSION WITH
THE DIRECTOR AND HEAD,
CENTRE FOR IDEAS
An introductory overview of the VCA and its courses (repeat of morning session).

2.30PM–3.30PM
THE AUDITION/INTERVIEW
PROCESS
A presentation by current students followed by a Question and Answer session on the selection process and how to get into a course at the VCA and VCA Secondary School (repeat of morning session).

T 03 9685 9374
E vca-dance@unimelb.edu.au

Open Day is your opportunity to see the next generation of dance artists working with some of Australia’s finest teachers and choreographers. VCA Dance studios will be open to the public from 10.00am to 4.00pm. You can observe current students in action both in classical and contemporary classes.

VCA Dance provides highly specialised training, as well as a vibrant, stimulating atmosphere in which students are prepared for the demands and challenges of careers in dance.

Throughout the day, undergraduate, graduate and secondary school students will present a number of performances including Anna Smith’s Incandescence, Sandra Parker’s Physical Affairs, Neil Adams’ Stormstill, Brett Daffy’s Kwacko, and Robert Ray’s Forgotten Heroes.

Staff and students will be available on the day to answer any questions you may have regarding entry requirements, auditions and course content. Jenny Kinder, Head of VCA Dance, will also conduct a Question and Answer session.

For further information on performances, please pick up a program from VCA Dance reception on the day. We look forward to seeing you.

T 03 9685 9225
E vca-drama@unimelb.edu.au

VCA Drama will conduct a series of open classes and rehearsals on Open Day, some of which you may observe and some of which you
may participate in. Please check the timetable for details.

CLASSES WITH VCA STUDENTS
Especially suitable for those interested in auditioning for VCA Drama. Public welcome to participate and/or watch discreetly. Enter quietly at any time.

10.00AM–11.30AM
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE
MOVEMENT STUDIO
(First Year Class) with Marie Dumont, Head of Physical Performance.

11.30AM–1.00PM
VOICE
PERFORMANCE STUDIO 4
(First Year Class) with Geraldine Cook, Head of Voice.

WELCOME ADDRESS
1.15PM–2.00PM
RICHARD MURPHET,
HEAD OF DISCIPLINE
SPACE 28
A public address about VCA Drama’s philosophy and curriculum.

VIEW OPEN REHEARSALS
Two Second Year Shakespeare plays and two Third Year plays will be rehearsing. You are invited to view rehearsals between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. Public welcome to watch discreetly. Enter quietly at any time.

2.00PM–4.00PM
MACBETH
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
PERFORMANCE STUDIO 2/3
Directed by Lecturer in Acting,
Tanya Gerstle.

2.00PM–4.00PM
JULIUS CAESAR
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
PERFORMANCE STUDIO 2/3
Directed by Lecturer in Acting,
Kirsten von Bibra.

2.00PM–4.00PM
CROSSFIRE
BY MICHEL AZAMA
SPACE 28
Directed by Guest Director,
Mark Bromilow.

2.00PM–4.00PM
LIFE IS A DREAM
BY CALDERÓN DE LA BARCA
PERFORMANCE STUDIO 1
Directed by Guest Director,
Daniel Schlusser.

T 03 9685 9000
E vca-ftv@unimelb.edu.au

VCA Film & TV is only open to the public once a year – so make the
most of this exciting opportunity.

View a selection of student productions, including award-winning films by VCA students. Screenings of student work will run continuously throughout the day in the Grant Street Cinema (Cinema 2).

Staff will be available at information desks and it will be possible to speak to staff from all courses offered by VCA Film & TV.

10.15AM–3.15PM
TOURS
Tours of Film & TV’s comprehensive production and teaching facilities will leave the foyer three times each hour.

10.00AM–3.30PM
FILM SCREENINGS
Grant Street Cinema (Cinema 2), continuous.

E vca-production@unimelb.edu.au

Tours of the wardrobe, lighting, sound, set and costume design facilities will leave the front of Building G at 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm. These tours will be guided by Production students.

VCA Production’s main office is located in Dodds Street, entrance at the front of Building L. Staff and students will be on hand in the foyer to answer questions regarding the courses offered.

Lighting and sound demonstrations will be running all day.

The Puppetry Studio (Building K – Performing Arts) will be open and
the Coordinator of the Postgraduate Puppetry program and some students will be available to answer questions regarding the course.

T 03 9684 9468
E vca-art@unimelb.edu.au

The VCA Art information desk will be located on Open Day in the VCA Margaret Lawrence Gallery (map ref I5).

There will be Postgraduate Information Sessions in the VCA Art Auditorium at 11.30 am and 2.30 pm.

In partnership with the National Council of Women Victoria the VCA Margaret Lawrence Gallery will present A Time Like This, an exhibition which commemorates the centenary of women’s franchise in Victoria and highlights the artistic achievements of Victorian women. The exhibition will feature specially commissioned works by eight women artists.

The Art Computer Laboratory will be open all day for your perusal.

Tour VCA Art and sneak a peak into student studio spaces. Many current VCA students will be working in their studios on Open Day – introduce yourself and meet someone who knows first hand what it is like to study at the VCA. Staff will be available to speak with prospective students.

T 03 9685 9425
E vca-music@unimelb.edu.au

A day of information sessions, workshops, activities and performances at VCA Music. Mark Pollard, Head, VCA Music will present a course information session at 1.30pm and information desks will provide further course material.

INFORMATION DESKS
BRASS: ROOM 130
COMPOSITION: ROOM 203
FOUNDATION PROGRAM
(MUSIC PERFORMANCE): ROOM 416
GUITAR: ROOM 322
HONOURS: ROOM 203
IMPROVISATION: ROOM 216
KEYBOARD: ROOM 414
MUSIC THEATRE: ROOM 301
PERCUSSION: ROOM 102
POSTGRADUATE: ROOM 203
STRINGS: ROOM 311
VOICE: ROOM 323
WOODWIND: ROOM 318
VCA SECONDARY SCHOOL: ROOM 424

COURSE INFORMATION SESSION
1.30PM–2.00PM
ROOM 216
Find out more about VCA Music
and the courses it offers.

PERFORMANCES & WORKSHOPS
10.00AM–12.15PM
& 2.00PM–3.30PM
ROOM 423

12.45PM–1.45PM
FEDERATION HALL
VCA SECONDARY SCHOOL
Rehearsals & Performances

10.30AM–11.00AM
FEDERATION HALL

2.00PM–3.00PM
ROOM 113
VOICE
Performance

10.30AM–11.30AM
STRINGS
ROOM 109
Performance

10.30AM–11.30AM,
12.00 NOON–1.00PM
& 2.30PM–3.30PM
IMPROVISATION
ROOM 216
Ensembles, Workshops & Information

11.00AM–12.00 NOON
PERCUSSION
ROOM 113
Performance

11.30AM–12.30PM
COMPOSITION
ROOM 303
Workshop

12.00 NOON–1.00PM
MUSIC THEATRE
ROOM 109
Performance & Information

12.30PM–1.15PM
HONOURS
ROOM 303
Performance

12.30PM–1.30PM
KEYBOARD
ROOM 423
Performance

12.30PM–1.30PM
BRASS
ROOM 113
Recital

2.00PM–3.00PM
GUITAR
ROOM 303
Performance

2.00PM–3.00PM
WOODWIND
ROOM 109
Performance

T 03 9685 9066E vca-ccd@unimelb.edu.au

Community Cultural Development (CCD) is a community-based cultural practice, which engages artists/animateurs and communities in a process of participation, transformation and self-determination. The VCA offers a Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and PhD program in CCD. Encompassing a diverse range of activities, CCD practice provides communities with opportunities to tell their stories; build their creative capacity and skills; address social agendas; express identity; and participate directly in the development of their culture.

Find out more about these programs in Federation Hall foyer.

T 03 9685 9343
E epresa@unimelb.edu.au

The Centre for Ideas (CFI) offers a common curriculum to all undergraduate students at the VCA. It is the place where students from across the disciplines of the VCA meet, exchange ideas, engage with the ‘big picture’ of the arts in society, and work collaboratively on projects. A wide range of international visual and performing artists, thinkers and academics visit the Centre and participate in its programs.

Find out more about the CFI’s activities in Federation Hall.

E vca-gradstudies@unimelb.edu.au

Staff from the VCA Graduate School will be available in the foyer of Federation Hall to provide general course information and application details.

T 03 9685 9327
E mev@unimelb.edu.au

The Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts and Cultural Development will be open all day for Indigenous people interested in studying at the VCA. Potential Indigenous Australian students are welcome to join us for lunch between 12.30pm and 1.00pm, or drop in for a chat.

Throughout the day, Michelle Evans (Head) and staff of the Wilin Centre
will be available to talk to visitors about the Centre and our Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Arts Management.

T 03 9685 9469
E vca-international@unimelb.edu.au
W vca.unimelb.edu.au/international

For course information and application details please talk with the staff at the International Desk in Federation Hall foyer on Open Day.

T 03 9685 9053
Location: VCA Hub (Building H),
1st floor – take the red stairs

The Lenton Parr Library supports the teaching and research needs of the students and staff of the Faculty of the VCA. The collection holds many formats including books, journals, CDs, DVDs, videos, and music scores, plus online audio libraries, databases and journals. PCs, AV equipment and assistive technology are available for student use.

Take some time out from your busy Open Day program to check out the latest visual and performing arts magazines and browse the amazing range of arts books. Members of the public are also welcome to join the Library. Library staff will be available all day to assist you with your enquiries.

LIBRARY TOURS AND DISPLAYS
Tours will be available on request
during the day.

11.00AM–3.00PM
PERFORMANCES BY STUDENTS
ON THE MEZZANINE
LENTON PARR LIBRARY
Experience VCA talent in action.

T 03 9685 9080E vca-abs@unimelb.edu.au

Open Day entertainment will be provided by students and graduates registered with the VCA’s Artists Booking Service (ABS). The ABS provides a gateway for the next generation of Australian artists by connecting talented emerging VCA students and graduates to the wider community for professional employment.

Look out for roving physical performers and jazz ensembles around all corners of the VCA campus.

If you would like to discuss booking performers through the ABS, please contact Eve Stephenson-Hargitay on the above number.

T 03 9685 9320
E victorianarts.ss@edumail.vic.gov.au

The VCA Secondary School is a leading State Government school
and educator of young talented dancers and musicians. Entry to the School is by competitive audition, which is held in August each year. Positions are open to Year 7 to 12 students throughout Victoria, Australia and the international community.

Information about the School, curriculum and programs on offer will be available in Federation Hall as well as in VCA Music and Dance. There will be a series of performances and classes operating throughout the day as well as students involved in the presentation in Federation Hall about the audition process.

Further information can be seen on the School’s website at vcass.vic.edu.au

12.45PM–1.45PM
VCA SECONDARY
SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
FEDERATION HALL
A special performance by students of the VCA Secondary School, featuring chamber music and soloists.

• VCA Campus Map 2008 (245.2 KB, Adobe PDF document)
• VCA Open Day 2008 Program (1.58 MB, Adobe PDF document)