WAAPA course cancelled due to lack of interest

An aspiring Bunbury actor is “at a loss” after the Edith Cowan University South West campus confirmed a West Australian Academy of Performing Arts Diploma of Acting course has been cut due to low interest.

This year was to be the first time the diploma was offered at the Bunbury campus.

Patrick Wilks, 18, said he would now have to consider a move to Perth to pursue his dream career.

“Moving to Perth is so much harder now with the cost of living and how crowded it is up there,” he said.

“It was actually quite convenient for it to be down here so I didn’t have to make that move.

“I am at a loss to be honest.

“Now I have to decide if I should move to Perth and risk it or stay down here and work some more to ensure I have enough money.

“I will try as hard as I can, but if they are going to make it too difficult I am going to have to find something else to do.”

Campus dean Lyn Farrell said the university was “disappointed” it would not be offering the Diploma of Acting this year.

“Given the nature of the acting course, it requires a minimum number of students to ensure participants receive a quality educational experience,” she said.

“Ultimately, ECU can only offer courses where there is demand from the community and applicants meet minimum educational requirements.

The diploma is run with 26 students at the Mount Lawley campus and consideration was given to run the course with a smaller group at the South West campus.

However, Ms Farrell said she was pleased that demand was strong for a Bachelor of Health Science course, which was also to be offered for the first time in Bunbury this year.

“Three majors are available on-campus – Nutrition, Health Promotion and Occupational Safety and Health,” she said.

“A fourth major, Addiction Studies, will be offered in a mixed-mode delivery model, including on campus and online delivery, with support from local experienced staff.”

“Anyone who is interested in this course still has time to apply for semester 1, 2018.”

“There is also the opportunity this Friday evening to meet the lecturers at a sundowner event from 5.30pm at the South West Campus.”