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This month we caught up with three of the team members of NIDA Corporate Performance who are acting graduates of NIDA. Our interview with Yves Stening, Lyn Lee and Josephyne Oliveri discusses their experience of studying at NIDA, their careers in the entertainment industry and their current roles within NIDA Corporate Performance.
What are your fondest memories of your time as a student at NIDA?
LL. The excitement of doing what I loved all day, every day. Learning new things. I faced each day with joy. The camaraderie of the students.
YS. The fellow students I met. Movement classes with Keith Bain – I had two left feet but they were the most fun.
JO. Attending NIDA was a privilege – as well as a confronting, often gut wrenching experience. As acting students, we were fortunate to be exposed to many talented visiting artists. One of my fondest memories was working with Meryl Tankard (Australian Ballet) on a third year production Ellegy, a group devised dance piece. I had decided that I wanted to be in another play, thankfully Kevin Jackson, our Head of Acting, insisted that I work with Meryl – it was the right choice. That experience remains pertinent for me, in translating the language of movement for a corporate audience.
What did you do in the years after completing your studies?
LL. Worked as an actress appearing on radio, stage and television. On stage I appeared with the Old Tote Theatre Company, Queensland Theatre Company, Melbourne Theatre Company, St Martins Theatre, National Theatre Company and toured NSW, Queensland and Victoria in a wide range of productions. I appeared in radio plays on both the ABC and commercial stations and have had my own radio program. Television appearances have included Homicide, Division 4, A Country Practice, GP, All Saints, Home and Away, Fireflies and various ABC plays.
I have been teaching acting for stage and camera to a wide range of participants in the NIDA Open Program for fourteen years. In the NIDA Corporate Program I have worked with individuals and groups and, having been a partner in my own business for many years, understand some of the pressures on our clients.
I worked as a director and some of the productions I have directed are Guys and Dolls, Inheritance and produced and directed Hello Out There.
Among other things I have enjoyed being an administrator of a training school, worked as a copy taker for News Limited, lived on an island, taught in remote communities, trained Museum presenters, been entertainment officer on board ship and been a tour escort.
YS. Worked as an actor in theatre, film and TV. Became a director, moved to the US for a couple of years.
JO. After graduating I did work in Theatre, TV, film & voiceovers. I worked as facilitator for NIDA Open Program & Corporate Performance. I’ve taught at TAFE NSW for 6 years, teaching HSC Drama and the Entertainment Framework. I am currently in my fourth year as Senior Course Coordinator for NIDA Corporate Performance.
What exactly does a course coordinator do?
LL. Our clients may be an individual or a company and it is our responsibility to listen to their needs and design a course or coaching sessions to suit the specific requirements of that client. We submit a schedule and quote to the client. When the time and date are decided upon we book the space and match the tutor/facilitator to the client and the content. We brief the tutor and organise every aspect of the course including notes, liaise with our administration staff who organises catering, flights, accommodation and equipment.
YS. They co-ordinate the provision of courses.
JO. We listen, we build and nurture relationships. We assist people in acquiring a passion for inspiring communication.
What is the most pleasing component of your role?
LL. I really enjoy seeing the pleasure participants get out of being introduced to new ways of presenting and communicating. I like the personal contact with the clients and the tutors.
YS. As a Business Development Manager – bringing new clients to NIDA.
As a Tutor - seeing the growth in course participants and the happiness it brings.
JO. Without a doubt the most satisfying part of my role as Senior Course Coordinator for NIDA Corporate Performance, is introducing course participants to a new vocal and physical vocabulary in order to be inspired and motivate others.
What are the most common problems you see with clients when it comes to presenting and communicating?
LL. People often don't realise that presenting and communicating doesn't "just happen". It is not the responsibility of the audience (be it one or one hundred) to come to the presenter/communicator, it's the responsibility of the presenter/communicator to reach for the audience.
YS. Not structuring thoughts and therefore presentations. Nerves. Understanding they can be themselves and don’t need to perform. Understanding the need to rehearse.
JO. People don’t realise that we are always performing, only the role changes. When in a high stakes situation, many people don’t know how to step up to the occasion and meet certain communication challenges.
Can you give us an example of what techniques you use to fix this type of problem?
LL. Our sessions all include vocal and physical work. The voice and the body are the basis of communication and we look at the unconscious messages people are sending. We supply "tools" for the client to take away to apply to daily communication and presentations. We look at the specific needs and desires of each particular client and, as well as working on the vocal and physical aspects, we may look at confidence building, team work, planning a presentation, engaging and making an impact on the listener.
YS. I hit them with a large stick. It works wonders.
JO. Developing awareness, identifying the most appropriate manner to deliver. Self discipline and practice.
How does NIDA Corporate Performance programs differ from other Corporate Training organisations?
LL. Our facilitators are performers, directors, voice specialists, physical specialists who have been trained in the art of communication on stage, on screen and on radio. They understand the nuances of conveying meaning and intent through language, body and thought. We know about reaching for and holding an audience. We introduce our clients to actor's tools.
YS. The focus on structure, the emphasis on rehearsal, vocal and physical awareness, and the techniques employed to control nerves.
JO. NIDA – that says it all.
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