A Bachelor of Performing Arts is an undergraduate degree that equips students with both the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to work across the full spectrum of the performing arts industry. The course combines hands-on performance training in areas such as acting, movement, voice, dance, and music with critical and contextual studies in performance theory, arts history, and cultural practice. Students engage in collaborative, self-devised, and industry-facing projects that prepare them for a dynamic and portfolio-based professional life. Depending on the specialisation, graduates may focus on stage acting, screen performance, musical theatre, dance, directing, or arts production and management.

This degree is designed for students with a deep passion for creative expression who want to develop their craft at an advanced, professional level. Programs typically run for three years full-time and are delivered through a combination of studio classes, ensemble rehearsals, workshops with industry practitioners, and public performances. The curriculum blends theoretical understanding of the performing arts with practical inquiry, ensuring graduates can both perform and think critically about their art form. Many programs also incorporate subjects in arts administration, production management, and digital media to give students a broader career toolkit.

Employers of performing arts graduates span a wide range of sectors. These include state theatre companies, national opera and ballet companies, film and television studios, independent production houses, arts festivals, community arts organisations, arts councils and funding bodies, educational institutions, and corporate events companies. The performing arts industry in Australia is supported by a network of major venues including the Sydney Opera House, Arts Centre Melbourne, QPAC in Brisbane, and the Adelaide Festival Centre, all of which provide employment pathways for skilled performing arts graduates.

Academic entry into a Bachelor of Performing Arts typically requires completion of Year 12 (or equivalent) with an ATAR that varies by institution and specialisation — competitive acting programs may have lower published ATARs but use auditions as the primary selection criterion. Many providers use an audition-based selection process in line with other professional performing arts degrees nationally, which may include a prepared monologue, movement or dance audition, a singing component for musical theatre, and a panel interview. Some programs also assess a written portfolio or artist statement demonstrating the applicant's creative intent and interest in the field.

For applicants without a recent Year 12 result, evidence of equivalent performing experience, training, or industry involvement may be considered in exceptional circumstances. Mature-age applicants and those with prior performance experience in community, regional, or professional contexts may be assessed on the strength of their audition and interview performance alone. Some institutions also offer a foundation or preparatory year for students who do not meet direct entry requirements but show strong artistic potential.

International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements, typically an IELTS overall band score of 6.0–6.5 (with no sub-band below 6.0) or equivalent. Students for whom English is not a first language must demonstrate their proficiency before being admitted into the program, as the ability to communicate effectively on stage and in collaborative settings is fundamental to the course's outcomes.