FTI vs PAC - Screen workshops, which is better?

I'd also like to know the answer to this question...i'm a little surprised no-one has answered it yet. From what I know, the FTI is more inclusive in that it welcomes people with all levels of acting experience. The PAC screen workshops, last time I checked, are more geared towards the more experienced actor. The FTI has a good reputation - they also offer a wider variety of courses in more areas of film-making. If you go on their website you can read testimonials and see where some of their graduates have ended up. From what I remember, some have achieved quite a bit of 'success'. The PAC workshops I think is run by Annie Murtagh-Monks (a WA casting agent), so this would probably be a useful contact to make in the industry. I think PAC probably looks better on a CV as well due to their bigger focus on acting, some notable alumni, and it being more for the experienced actor. Of course, I might be wrong. Also keep an eye out for NIDA and WAAPA because they also offer screen acting courses for the general public (among other acting courses) for a few weeks of the year. Sorry that's as much I know...hopefully now this post will be bumped up and someone with more knowledge will be able to answer your question more succinctly.

I haven't done the PAC workshops but have heard good things. I can certainly vouch for Fern Nicholson though. She's the best acting coach in Perth, that I've come across. If you're willing to work hard, she'll push you, which is awesome, but also very challenging. I'm not sure what sort of curriculum her bootcamp would cover, but I'd recommend her training to anyone serious about developing their craft.

Fern is AMAZING!! She takes time to help you and everyone is on the same playing level to her no matter what experience you have. She doesn't play favourite. She will get the performance out of you no matter how long it takes.

Hi, Without placing favour on either course as I think both present a lot of merit and both enable an actor to further their networking opportunities in Perth. The important thing to note is the difference between the two teachers. Annie is one of two casting [directors] in Perth, W.A the other being Marie Rogers and the team at JC Casting. The PAC workshops employ a range of industry professionals and unite young actors with young directors to work on actual film sets and build an actors understanding of working in the industry. They cover more ground than just the quality of performance on screen. Fern is the Principal Lecturer for Screen Acting at FTI and also the former masterclass lecturer in method at WAAPA. Fern is geared towards the technique of performance and has a strong focus on the actual art of acting. She employs methods of Strasberg, Adler and Guskin into her teachings and molds the actor rather than the person to acting. As I mentioned above both have merit and great esteem both in W.A local industry and in the larger scope of things as national accredited training programs. To be fair I am working with Fern Nicholson at present she is appearing in "Behind The Wire: Ellandar Perspectives" the fundraiser for my own production company, Ellandar Productions (shameless self-promotion). However I would recommend PAC to any new actor seeking support and education from industry professionals. Last thing. Don't base this on price, base it on what you as an individual want to achieve from a course or get out of a course. On one hand fundamental industry knowledge with practical assignments on the other fundamental technique for an actor serious about their craft in a personal development and structured learning environment. Alternatively do the FTI Bootcamp, then sign up for the next round of PAC courses as they are a consistent course and the FTI course is based on Fern's availability with other commitments. Regards,

Iskandar R. Sharazuddin

Artistic Director - Ellandar Productions [http://www.ellandarproductions.com.au]

I can positively recommend Annie M-M and the PAC workshop, especially for screen acting and to get a good solid grounding in the art of acting. The workshop allows you to experiment in safety and Annie is honest and politic in her assessments, encouraging young actors and (film) directors and giving great advice at all times. Having been in the industry for many years, there was still a lot I learnt from her course. I recommend you enrol for a PAC course and see for yourself AND I recommend you join a good theatre group to learn all the other necessities for working in the theatre, like realising that all contributors to a production deserve consideration and it is not just your performance that makes a good show.