Bringing Theatre to Life - Students Learn from South Australia's Leading Artists
Partner Spotlight | Adelaide University
The Adelaide University and State Theatre Company South Australia (STCSA) partnership provides Adelaide University creative, performing arts, and music theatre students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the theatre-making process. Through a two-week masterclass, students gain first-hand insights into how contemporary theatre artists approach text, performance and production, with their work culminating in a short production inspired by STCSA’s Euphoria by Emily Steel.
Students worked across four key areas of theatre production: directing, stage management and production, design, and acting, with each stream led by an experienced STCSA expert. Collaborating as a professional creative team, students developed and staged the work, gaining valuable industry experience and practical skills to support their future careers.
For Adelaide University Bachelor of Music Theatre Student Retha Teune, the masterclass provided a unique opportunity to learn directly from leading theatre-makers.
“The Masterclass has been invaluable in facilitating supportive development opportunities for emerging artists. It allowed me to learn directly from industry professionals and explore a new area of theatre production,” said Retha.
“I came away from the Masterclass with a deeper understanding of just how many different people, all with different roles and responsibilities, are needed for a production to get off the ground, and I feel very well equipped to use my newfound knowledge and skills in my own creative work.”
Providing hands-on teaching and learning experiences such as this, underpins Adelaide University’s approach to teaching.
“This masterclass gives our students the unique opportunity to engage directly with artists who are innovators of theatre in South Australia,” said Professor Craig Batty, Pro Vice Chancellor, College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities.
“Providing practical learning activities informed by industry insights is a key part of how Adelaide University defines its teaching and learning experience.”
The partnership between Adelaide University and STCSA extends beyond the performing arts, embedding world-class performance techniques into the training program for Adelaide Health Simulation actors. Adelaide Health Simulation is a specialist learning and teaching unit that delivers simulation-based education for health professions students. Through a series of masterclasses, the partnership supports actors who perform as simulated patients, enhancing their skills to help train the next generation of nurses, allied health professionals, doctors and other healthcare practitioners.
Initiatives like these create meaningful opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals and apply their learning in real-world settings. By taking learning beyond the classroom and into collaborative environments alongside creative leaders, Adelaide University is equipping students with practical experience, professional connections, and the confidence to thrive in their chosen careers.
