
Frequently Asked Questions
TRAINING AT THE STUDIO
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The majority of the training at The Studio is designed for professional, trained and aspiring actors aged eighteen years and over. We also offer a dedicated one-year program for teens. Entry into our major programs is by application and/or audition.
To participate in Scene Study, actors must have graduated from one of the following programs; Full Time, Part Time, 10 Week or Youth.
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The acting principles championed by The Studio have been developed by Howard Fine and his faculty. They have been refined from ideas developed by Uta Hagen and her contemporaries. The aim of our training is to create actors who are able to operate at the highest levels within the industry.
In order to gain a deeper insight into the ideas behind the training, it is suggested that all students read ‘Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft’ by Howard Fine and ‘A Challenge for the Actor’ by Uta Hagen.
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Our permanent studio is located in Brunswick, Melbourne.
CORE PROGRAMS
Full-Time Program: Weekdays, daytime hours.
Part-Time Program: Evenings and weekends over 6 months.
10-Week Essential Acting Program: Evening classes twice a week.
Youth Program: Sundays
Geelong Program: Times vary, classes held in Geelong.
Core programs are designed as ongoing training pathways with a set curriculum. Dates and times for each are listed on their individual program pages.
PROFESSIONAL SERIES & SPECIAL EVENTS
In addition to our core programs, we offer short courses, masterclasses, and workshops through our Professional Series, along with other special events. These vary in length, focus, and schedule, and are listed in the What’s On section of our website.
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The Howard Fine Acting Studio has two bases of operation – one in Los Angeles and one in Melbourne. Uniquely, the two studios are led by one, unified faculty. Please refer to the ‘Our Team’ for the current list of tutors.
The HFAS faculty have been collectively nominated for over twenty major awards, and are in high demand, with annual global teaching commitments. The faculty comprises multi-award-winning actors, teachers, industry professionals and leading authorities in their chosen fields of study.
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Yes, we have a close relationship with Howard Fine and the LA Studio. Howard teaches as part of our Full Time and Part Time programs, and his lectures feature in the 10 Week and Youth programs. All tuition provided by our colleagues based in LA is delivered online via Zoom.
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Our courses are unified by a single set of core acting principles, and our classes seek to reinforce, refine, and further the actors’ understanding of and ability to use these core principles.
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Absolutely! We welcome all actors to the Howard Fine Acting Studio. Before getting started, we recommend you familiarise yourself with the 'Recommended Reading' and 'Videos' section of the website. We also encourage you to watch Uta Hagen's Acting Classes on YouTube.
It is strongly recommended that all parties new to The Studio complete a Core Program (Full Time, Part Time, 10 Week) and attend one or more of our free Sample Classes or Lectures (Check out 'What's On').
To participate in Scene Study, actors must have graduated from one of the following programs; Full Time, Part Time, 10 Week or Youth.
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It is strongly recommended that all parties new to The Studio complete a Core Program (Full Time, Part Time, 10 Week) and attend one or more of our free Sample Classes or Lectures.
Our Core Classes introduce the core acting principles of The Studio and are applicable for actors of all levels of experience and provide the necessary preparation and context in which to continue training at The Studio.
Successful completion of any of these programs is a prerequisite for enrolling into our Scene Study classes.
Please note that a small number of classes at The Studio have specific prerequisites. It is advised that participants read the class descriptions carefully before booking into any class.
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It is highly recommended prospective students read Howard’s book ‘Fine on Acting: A Vision of the Craft’ and attend one or more of our free Sample Classes or Lectures prior to booking into a class. Prospective students are also welcome to audit a class for free.
Auditing involves actively observing a class at The Studio, giving you the opportunity to experience the work first hand and ask questions of students and faculty. Auditing opportunities are currently available for selected Scene Study classes. Please contact us to book an auditing session.
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Yes, but only aged over 14.
Check out the 'Youth Program' in the Home Menu.
For private tuition, please contact The Studio directly: admin@howardfinestudio.com.au
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Yes. Auditing is a great way to get a feel for what we do here at The Studio and it is recommended that all students thinking of taking classes with us audit a class or attend a free sample class.
Free classes and lectures are listed under the 'What's On' section of this website.
To organise a time suitable for auditing please contact The Studio directly: admin@howardfinestudio.com.au
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Often actors get in touch with us when they need coaching for an upcoming audition, show or rehearsal. We are happy to facilitate private/one-on-one coaching with Howard Fine Acting Studio instructors.
We also provide one-on-one accent coaching and general technique tuition. Email admin@howardfinestudio.com.au if you are interested/ require private coaching.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
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No, unfortunately we do not currently have any Government subsidies available.
If you are interested in payment plans, please contact us directly admin@howardfinestudio.com.au
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No, unfortunately we do not currently have any scholarships available.
If you are interested in payment plans, please contact us directly admin@howardfinestudio.com.au
INTERSTATE AND OVERSEAS
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At this stage there are no classes available interstate.
We often have online events that you can register to attend in the 'What's On' section of our website.
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Studying at Howard Fine Acting Studio Australia does not qualify students for a Working or Student Visa.
For more information about Visa requirements, visit: www.studyaustralia.gov.au
THE HOWARD FINE ACTING STUDIO SPACE
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Yes we offer room hire for rehearsals, auditions and performances. We have four spaces available: Theatre, Studio 1, Studio 2, Downstairs Theatre.
There is strictly NO FOOD OR DRINK allowed in the Theatre and Studio spaces, only water.If you are a student wishing to book a rehearsal space, please use the ‘Room Hire’ link in the footer of our website.
If you are NOT a student and would like to hire one of our spaces, please get in touch at admin@howardfinestudio.com.au
Check out Studio availability here - Studio Hire -
We offer four spaces for hire: Downstairs Theatre, Theatre, Studio 1, and Studio 2.
Downstairs Theatre – Intimate black box space ideal for rehearsals and workshops.
Theatre – 48sqm performance floor plus 35sqm of seating (total 83sqm). Includes access to the backstage props and set area.
Studio 1 – 28sqm carpeted space with access to the backstage props and set area.
Studio 2 – 25sqm carpeted space with access to the backstage props and set area.
All spaces are suitable for rehearsals, workshops, auditions, and other creative use.
Link for further information - Studio Hire -
The main entrance to The Studio, located on Cozens Street has two sets of stairs (26 steps in total, two sets of 13 with a small landing in the middle), which is not wheelchair accessible.
Contact the Studio directly to discuss access needs: admin@howardfinestudio.com.au
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There are three toilets available at The Studio. There is also a kitchen with a fridge, microwave, kettle and various other amenities.
There is spare kitchenware for public use, we ask that you kindly clean up after yourself.
What Next?
Check Out Our Resources
Check out the Videos page on this website to see Howard Fine in action.
Check out the FAQ Page.
We regularly host additional classes and offer free Sample Classes that are announced on the ‘What’s On’ page.
Download the Actor’s Primer Ebook.
Subscribe to the newsletter (link in footer) and be the first to know about upcoming classes and auditing opportunities.
If you’ve been through our resources and want to discuss your options, email: admin@howardfinestudio.com.au