Do I have to audition, present a folio or short film to get into a VCA short course?
No, short courses are open to all. There are some courses, which have been designed to suit people  with more advanced skills or experience and this is always indicated on the information for courses.

How do I know if I've been accepted into a VCA short course course?
You will receive a letter confirming your place in the course of your choice (as soon as  sufficient enrolments have been received), or a phone call to discuss options if your choice is full or has insufficient numbers.

Can I find out which tutors will be teaching me prior to the course?
Yes, if it is not already stated on the course information, you can contact the School that is running the short courses one week prior to the course commencement if you would like to know which tutors are teaching a given course.

Do VCA teachers and academics teach on VCA short courses?
VCA teachers and academics sometimes teach short courses. However, VCA fulltime courses also use an extensive range of casual teachers from the arts industries. All VCA tutors are highly  skilled practitioners or teachers and are drawn from both VCA staff (fulltime and part-time) and from the visual, media and performing arts industries.

Where do I go at the start of the course?
Your confirmation letter will remind you of the address of the venue and the time and date(s) of the short course. You will also be sent a campus map to simplify finding where you need to be.

What does VCA organise and what do I need to arrange?
VCA makes the arrangements for your course tuition. Most courses are not catered, but there is a great café called 'Seed' in the middle of the VCA as well as a juice bar. You are also welcome to bring a packed lunch or drink.

You need to make your own arrangements for travel or accommodation in relation to short courses, however the VCA has some very reasonable corporate rates at nearby serviced apartments and the short courses coordinator can advise you on these. You can also check out the VCA Student Services Website for temporary accommodation in Melbourne: http://www.vca.unimelb.edu.au/students/housing_temp.html
The VCA is only responsible for the supervision of young people attending short courses during
course times.

Are there age restrictions in relation to short courses?
Yes, there are in some instances. Groups for each course are usually based on a minimum age and/or experience to allow courses to better meet the needs and expectations of the Arts Industries. Minimum ages are provided in course details in the short course brochures.

What should I wear or bring?
Most VCA short courses provide everything you need and all you need is a notepad and pencil or pen to take notes. If, however you are required to supply anything then you will get a comprehensive materials list and instructions on what to bring to your course with your confirmation letter.

Participants should wear comfortable clothing for practical classes. In particular, shoes or boots with heels and skirts or pants that restrict movement are
awkward for dance, movement, singing and acting classes. Art, Design and Film-making courses at VCA could take place in workshop areas and to access these areas participants may have to wear closed-in footwear (not thongs or sandals).

Do I get a certificate when I attend a VCA short course?
Participants who complete a short course at the VCA receive an attendance or completion certificate at the end of the program.

If I do a VCA short course, will it help me to get into a VCA fulltime course?
Attending a VCA short course will help you to know whether a career in the arts is something that you really want to pursue and it will help you decide whether VCA fulltime training is for you. In terms of applying for VCA fulltime courses, you will still need to go through the same application process as others who have not attended a short course. However, you will have the advantage of understanding the VCA a little better, and feeling more comfortable with what's expected at your audition and/or interview.

How do I apply for a VCA short course?
All the VCA short course brochures are available as downloadable PDFs from this website or you can contact the VCA Open Program or School Short
Course Coordinator for a brochure and application form. Send in your application at least two weeks before the course commences so that we have time to book you in. Send your payment with your form.

Can I book into a course over the phone?
Yes, you can book over the phone if you are paying by credit card. Otherwise you need to post us your application and payment, or pay in person at VCA Finance Department, which has EFTPOS facilities.

What happens if I want to cancel my application?
If you need to cancel prior to the commencement of a course, an administration fee of 20% (including GST) will be charged on all cancellations. We regret that there can be no refunds after the commencement of the course or during a course. It may be possible to transfer to an alternative course, subject to a place being available, if approved by the Course Coordinator. Substitution of participants may be made at any time before the commencement of the
course.

What can I do if I have any problems, questions or want some advice?
Please phone, fax, email or write to us at any time, if you have any problems, questions or advice to give us regarding short courses that you are thinking of doing or currently undertaking at the VCA.

The VCA is committed to ensuring that our customer service and the standard of our training are of the highest quality, so we welcome your comments. Everyone who completes a VCA short course fills in an evaluation form so that we can update and maintain this benchmark.