Top Acts is curated by an artistic director who carefully selects works from across the 11 Top Class concerts. Selection is based on a number of criteria, including curatorial concerns, balance and diversity, and an outstanding Top Class performance standard.
For VCE Drama, Theatre Studies, Dance and VCE VET Dance, students are invited to audition for Top Class based on their performance examination. Invitations to audition will be sent out by post in mid-December after VCE results are released.
VCE Music Repertoire Performance, Music Contemporary Performance, Music Inquiry, Music Composition, VCE VET Music (Performance), and VCE VET Music (Sound Production) students are selected from recordings of their end of year performance examination. For music subjects, invitations to perform in Top Class Sound and Top Class Music are sent out by post in mid-December to selected students.
Top Class performers who have been selected for Top Acts are informed by email, after all Top Class concerts have concluded.
Melbourne Recital Centre, Elisabeth Murdoch Hall
31 Sturt St (cnr Southbank Blvd), Southbank VIC 3006
Public transport options
The Melbourne Recital Centre is located on the corner of Southbank Boulevard and Sturt Street in Southbank in the heart of Melbourne's Arts precinct.
Flinders St Railway Station
Flinders St Railway Station is approximately a 10-minute walk from the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Swanston St/St Kilda Rd trams
The nearest tram stop is Stop 17 (Arts Precinct – Sturt St) on the number 1 tram, located on the corner of Sturt St and Southbank Blvd, directly in front of the Centre's side entrance.
Alternatively, you can take any tram travelling south down St Kilda Road, jump off at Stop 16 (Arts Precinct) in front of the National Gallery of Victoria, and walk 5 minutes to the Centre.
Bus
Melbourne Bus Link operates three routes along Southbank Boulevard: Route 216, 219 and 220.
The Melbourne City Tourist Shuttle runs in a loop through Melbourne’s CBD every 15 minutes, and stops at the corner of Southbank Blvd and Kavanagh Street (Stop 10). An all-day ticket for the Shuttle costs $5 and children under 10 years can travel free.
Parking options
There is limited on-street parking available on Grant Street, Sturt Street and Dodds Street. Parking is paid and available for 2-4 hours. Multiple accessible parking spaces are located in front of The Ian Potter Southbank Centre, approximately 60 metres from the Recital Centre's Sturt St entrance.
The closest secure carparks are:
Arts Centre Melbourne Car Park (enter via Kavanagh Street)
The Australian Ballet Centre Car Park (2 Kavanagh Street)
Melbourne Recital Centre are committed to Universal Access. For further information about access at the Recital Centre go to the Access page.
Accessible Tickets
Accessible tickets are available online, in person, and over the phone. The Box Office can be contacted on 9699 3333 and at boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au.
Large Print Venue Map
Download a copy of Melbourne Recital Centre’s Large Print Venue Maps . This map outlines lifts, escalators and accessible toilets.
Wheelchair Access
Melbourne Recital Centre is wheelchair accessible. There are no steps required to enter the Centre on the ground level, and there is a lift from the ground floor to the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall on levels 1 and 2. Wheelchair accessible seating is available in the Stalls (Level 1) and the Wings (Level 2). There are accessible restrooms on all levels. Wheelchair accessible seats can be booked online, over the phone, or in person. Melbourne Recital Centre accepts Companion Cards.
Auslan
Top Acts performances are Auslan interpreted. Patrons can contact the Melbourne Recital Centre Box Office on (03) 9699 3333 or email boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au to book Auslan accessible seats.
Service animals
Melbourne Recital Centre welcomes all visitors with assistance animals (such as guide dogs) certified by a registered authority. Please inform the Ticketing Services team, when making your booking over the phone or in person or email boxoffice@melbournerecital.com.au in advance of your visit the Centre.
Hearing devices
Melbourne Recital Centre theatres are fitted with assistance hearing devices. When booking tickets through the Melbourne Recital Centre box office you can request seats for good visibility at the concert hall if you need to lip read. All performances and talks are amplified.
Top Acts Concert Recordings
Top Acts concert recordings from 2021 and 2023 are now available as free resources for schools. For access to these videos, please email seasonofexcellence@education.vic.gov.au and specify which concert recordings you would like to access.
Top Acts: Focus On... documentaries
Top Acts: Focus On… documentaries explore the artistic development and processes of former VCE performing arts students selected for Top Acts. The short films were produced by Top Screen filmmakers as a paid professional development opportunity, and include footage of student performances, as well as interviews with the performers, their teachers, VCAA staff and the Top Acts artistic director.
Top Acts: Focus On… Music (2018)
TheTop Acts: Focus On... Music series below was directed and produced by Top Screen 2018 filmmaker Jenna Tang. The series explores music composition in VCE, following the journey and performances of three former VCE music students.
Top Acts: Focus On… Theatre Studies (2017)
The Top Acts: Focus On… Theatre Studies series was produced by Top Screen 2017 filmmakers Tom Hughes, Neha Shenvi and Shanon McKenzie as part of the VCE Season of Excellence 2017.
Broderick McDonald, Top Acts 2017
Swinburne Senior Secondary College
Horrocks from Children of the Black Skirt
By Angela Betzien
Candice Farrugia-Roberts, Top Acts 2017
Mount Lilydale Mercy College
Sylvia from Sylvia
By A. R. Gurney
Duration: 10 minutes 27 seconds
Flynn Smeaton, Top Acts 2017
St Michael's Grammar School
Titania from A Midsummer Night's Dream
By William Shakespeare
Duration: 10 minutes 28 seconds
Top Acts: Focus On… Drama (2016)
The Top Acts: Focus on … Drama series was produced by Top Screen 2016 filmmaker Bridget Webster as part of the VCE Season of Excellence 2016.
James Crozier, Top Acts 2016
St Michael’s Grammar School
The Panto-Dame
Duration: 14 minutes 40 seconds
Connor O'Neill, Top Acts 2016
Mazenod College
The Detective
Duration: 13 minutes 12 seconds
Sunny Youngsmith, Top Acts 2016
Melbourne Girls’ College
Tally Youngblood
Duration: 13 minutes 8 seconds
Top Acts: Focus On… Music (2014)
Top Acts: Focus On… Music looks at James Beagley’s original composition that was selected for Top Acts 2014 after his performance in Top Class Sound. The film includes tips and insights for VCE Music Style and Composition teachers and students from the VCAA Performing Arts Curriculum Manager and was made by Top Screen 2014 filmmaker Riley Muscat.
James Beagley, Top Acts 2014
VCE Music Style and Composition
Bendigo Senior Secondary College
Song for a Cat
Duration: 9 minutes 17 seconds
Top Acts: Focus On… Dance (2015)
Top Acts: Focus On… Dance is a series of three films that follow the dancers selected for Top Acts 2015. The films include tips and ideas for VCE Dance and VCE VET Dance teachers and students, interviews with the VCAA Performing Arts Curriculum Manager, and Dance and VCE VET Dance Chief Assessors.
This wonderful resource made by Top Screen 2015 filmmaker Anna Diacos is available as a free DVD for Victorian schools that offer these subjects. Email Student Events to request your copy (one per school): seasonofexcellence@education.vic.gov.au
Louise Brooker, Top Acts 2015
VCE Dance – Technique
Distance Education Centre Victoria
Technique Solo
Sarah Kassing, Top Acts 2015
VCE VET Dance
Eltham High School/ Bev Palmer Performing Arts
Jazz – Le Jazz Hot
Ryland Lack-Powell, Top Acts 2015
VCE Dance - Composition
Beaconhills College
Composition Solo – Brothers in Arms