AFTRS has welcomed 164 new students into the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, and Master of Arts Screen programs during a lively action-packed Orientation Week.  

The week, which ran from 23 to 27 February, centred on conversations about story, the responsibilities of creators and cultural leaders, and how inclusive, well‑held spaces enable creativity and audacity, enabling boldness and shaping culture. The Orientation Week program was designed to initiate connections for new students: to the School, to each other, to Country, to craft, and to professional practice. 

The week began with students moving into AFTRS’ radio facilities and master’s spaces on Monday, before the Bachelor cohort joined on Tuesday for a School‑wide gathering in the main theatre. AFTRS Elder in Residence, Aunty Rhonda Dixon-Grovenor received students with a warm Welcome to Country, honouring thousands of years of continuing education and storytelling. 

AFTRS CEO Dr Nell Greenwood and Director of Teaching and Learning Maia Horniak formally welcomed commencing students for 2026 and this was followed by the 2026 keynote address:  acclaimed alum – writer, producer and director Jocelyn Moorhouse in conversation with AFTRS Director, Production and Facilities Darren Chau.  

In her address, Nell acknowledged the “paradox” of being an AFTRS student, learning in a building alive with alumni achievements while also being invited to experiment, to fail and learn.  

“AFTRS was founded in 1973, a bipartisan act of Parliament. And the act recognised two important things: firstly, stories really matter to a country. Australians need stories made by Australians, and we need a thriving local screen and audio industry,” Nell said.   

“Secondly is the incredible role education plays in that. Education matters. And formal learning was and still is one of the best ways that we can build and grow industries and also our culture.” 

Maia explained to students they are now a part of a professional ecosystem – one built on collaboration, generosity and trust. 

“When you walk through the doors here at AFTRS, you are not stepping into a holding space. You are not stepping into a rehearsal room for some distant future. You are stepping into the industry itself ,” she said, “and that means the relationships you build here, right from day one, are not just preparation for the future; they are your industry. The connections and collaborations you forge now are the very network that will support, inspire and shape your professional journey in the years to come.” 

Drawing on her own journey from student to director and now as an AFTRS executive, Maia reflected on the School culture: 

“I am an alum from AFTRS, a graduate in directing. I certainly couldn’t have done it without all of my collaborations. This role has deepened my belief in what makes this place so special – not just the facilities or the reputation, but the culture. A culture of shared learning with ambition, without ego, with generosity, curiosity and care,” she said. 

Jocelyn Moorhouse, in conversation with Darren Chau, also recalled the formative power of peers and mentors during her time at AFTRS and how these relationships that supported experimentation and commitment to craft translated into lifelong practice. 

“I would help my classmates; they would help me. We also had a classmate, Jane Campion, you might have heard of her. She was in the same year … and we would read her scripts and she would read ours,” said Jocelyn. 

Jocelyn said those are the years to be bold enough to fail, to try different things, and to be open to learning, reflecting on her own experiments as a student. 

“Those glorious failures didn’t feel glorious at the time. But looking back, I realised how much I learned,” said Jocelyn. 

“Keep your passion alive. Learn how to work with each other. You will be each other’s best allies. Don’t expect that you know everything now. Be open to opportunities and possible changes in direction. And have a great time. This industry is hard, but it’s also about people. I love turning up to set and seeing all these different kinds of humans coming together for the same purpose: telling a story. It doesn’t get better than that.”  

Orientation Week gave students access to AFTRS’ state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and students were introduced to the studios, props workshop, costume collection and post‑production spaces. In the broadcast facilities, students explored panels and radio equipment, gaining hands‑on familiarity with industry‑standard tools. 

Wednesday was dedicated to practice with students picking up cameras, working with radio equipment and practising blocking scenes, an early opportunity to translate ideas into action and getting to know each other. The day closed with a high‑energy drag trivia session hosted by AFTRS alum and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Etcetera Etcetera, which tested students on audio, screen, AFTRS and the unmissable Student Handbook. 

Thursday featured alumni and current students sharing practical guidance on making the most of their time at AFTRS. In the afternoon, the 2026 cohort was welcomed by AFTRS Artist‑in‑Residence (AIR), acclaimed actor and filmmaker, Mia Wasikowska, in conversation with Head of Research Dr Alejandra Canales, who invited students to engage with the program that has been running at the School since 2020.  

During her year at AFTRS, Mia has worked with students through both one-on-one mentorship sessions and in group conversations, as well as creating a personal documentary in collaboration with an MA editing student. 

Mia said the whole experience had been “wonderful’. She spoke to the new students about addressing and overcoming challenges, embracing creativity, working collaboratively and growing in confidence. 

Ale thanked Mia for her “generosity of spirit” and said the AIR program was an “important, deep, defining, and enriching” part of the school culture that provides an opportunity beyond award course activity.  

“The Artist-in-Residence program creates space to be in creative relation with one another, to interrogate your own creative practice, reflect on who you are as creatives, as storytellers, and deepen your understanding of the complex and diverse forms of collaboration you will encounter here at AFTRS,” Ale said. 

Orientation Week was led by the Student Centre team, whose work ensures that students feel seen, supported and ready to make the most of their time at AFTRS. Their curation of the week and the support of staff across AFTRS created an environment of connection among peers, teachers and future collaborators, as the new students embark on a lifelong commitment to craft and creative practice.