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What’s it like to study Screen Production and Theatre & Drama at Murdoch?

Student looks through video camera on a sports field

Carmel Fox is studying a Bachelor of Arts at Murdoch, with a co-major in Screen Production and Theatre & Drama.

We asked Carmel what it’s like to study Screen Production and Theatre & Drama at Murdoch and learned about some of the incredible practical experiences she’s had along the way.

Tell us about yourself – how did you end up at uni?  

I didn’t go straight to uni, after high school I started working in finance. I then spent eight years backpacking around the world before returning to Australia. Once I came back, I was really torn between the army or university, but in the end decided to follow my passion for theatre and then developed a deep love of film in my Introduction to Screen unit at Murdoch.

Why study Screen Production and Theatre and Drama at Murdoch Uni?

Throughout my travels I noticed that no matter how foreign the culture or isolating the environment there was always something comforting within the cinema experience. No matter how foreign the menu at the confectionary stand, a room filled with strangers became bonded with shared emotion, masterfully manipulated by the screen. It was this observation that inspired me to pursue a degree in storytelling.  

For me, Theatre and Drama teaches me how to think and Screen Production teaches me how to speak. I spend my Theatre units dissecting and questioning the world around me and then I attempt to dissect ways filmmakers ask the same questions through semiotics and film techniques.

I love the way my degree is continually altering the way I interact with the world around me, challenging me to rethink preconceived notions and viewpoints.

What are the teachers at uni like?

The academics (teachers) get to know you personally - they keep an eye out and highlight opportunities that fit your skillset. They really help to bridge that gap between the academic and real world experience; which can really give you an edge when you enter the workforce.

What surprised you about your Murdoch experience?

How much the academics care about our experiences and making sure that we get everything out of degrees possible.

 Does your degree involve real-life learning?

Yes, I completed work placement as director/producer for a Perth football club. I learned so much about reacting to opportunities and making a situation work to your advantage.

This unit has also spilled into paid work, with the WAFL marketing team contracting myself and my crew to film seven different marketing videos under my own (newly formed) production company. This unit was a recommendation from my academic chair Dr Glen Stasuik who, with Tim Eng, then provided vital feedback and equipment tutorials that helped us improve as crew. 

I worked on the Screenwest funded short film “I Am Not a Nurse'' directed by Murdoch Alumni Jessica Bailey, produced by Academic Chair Dr Glen Stasuik and filmed by Murdoch lecturer Dr Damian Fasolo.  

Getting to see all the lessons you’ve learned put into action and watching your lecturers in the field working alongside a former student really highlights how achievable a job in the industry is!
 
I also worked as Production Manager for Dr Stasuik and was given a masterclass on filmmaking, while also getting to network with a range of alumni.

 

Ready to take centre stage? Check out our Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Creative Media courses to help you land your dream job.

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What’s it like to study Screen Production and Theatre & Drama at Murdoch?

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