“Melbourne’s Performing Arts Academy is a boutique academy, which means as general manager I will be a part of every aspect of the business, whether that be student admission, marketing, auditions or scheduling,” says Briar.
Associated Studios, which owns Melbourne's Performing Arts Academy, also has a London branch, where Briar is currently operations manager. They specialise in training and continued professional development of both aspiring and established performers in the disciplines of acting, musical theatre and opera.
Briar graduated from the University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in theatre and English and she credits her University lecturers and tutors with helping set her up for her new role.
“I had a very fulfilling three years at the University. The lecturers and tutors that I was lucky enough to have were so knowledgeable and nurtured my talents. My University education is highly regarded by employers all over the world and I am very proud to say I am an alumni.
“I also met some wonderful friends throughout my time at the University and no matter where in the world we are we stay in touch often.”
Briar, who “eats, breathes and lives in the performing arts”, attributes her success to passion, education and support.
“The Bachelor of Arts papers that I took taught me a range of skills, from directing to script writing to studying children’s literature, all things that I carry into my day-to-day work life,” she says.
With Briar’s United Kingdom visa coming to an end later this year, it was the perfect time for her to make a move to Melbourne to open and manage a new branch being set up by Associated Studios to service the Australasian market.
“I’m looking forward to nurturing and supporting Australasian talent as well as tapping into my creativity a little more to make the business as successful as possible.
“As with any new business, I anticipate that the biggest challenge will be making ourselves stand out from the crowd. Our main point of difference is that, as an Academy that is already well established in London, our Australian branch will have a strong connection and gateway to a part of the world where the industry is thriving. We will be using the same business model as we do in London but adapting to the Australasian market.”
You can find out more about Melbourne's Performing Arts Academy at associatedstudios.com.au. Applications are open now.