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"Design is the visual realisation of theatrical ideas."
Studying design at NIDA prepares artists for careers in film, television and theatre. Collaborating with directors, actors, lighting designers and sound designers, NIDA designers create atmospherically unique environments for each and every production. NIDA's state of the art teaching studios, theatres, soundstages and workshops provide student designers with access to new technology as it develops, first class faculty guidance and the appropriate spaces to build and explore their imaginary worlds. From Academy Awards to community theatre, NIDA graduates are increasingly adding to the visual character of the Australian and international stage, television and film industries.
To see current examples of NIDA student work, you can download the PDF files below. You will require Acrobat reader to view.
Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Design)
DURATION
The Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Design) is a three-year, full-time course.
AIM
The Design course trains imaginative and technically skilful designers capable of working in theatre, opera, music, dance, film and video, television, multi-media and events.
The designer is responsible for the design and crafted finish of all visual elements in a production.
APPROACH
The course emphasises imaginative and intelligent design, the discipline of creative collaboration and the acquisition of craft skills and their application to plays, film, television and events.
Recognising that a professional designer requires practical knowledge of a wide variety of crafts, as well as technical skills, the course provides training in set and costume design and the design of properties, wigs, jewellery and accessories.
The course provides students with a thorough grounding in dramatic literature and the histories of theatre, architecture, art, costume and design, and the theory and practice of technical staging. Related areas of administration, directing and acting are also explored. Students are expected to acquire a commitment to professional discipline and professional attitudes.
As design is not an esoteric art that can be practised or learnt in isolation, design students work closely with actors, directors, stage managers, technicians and management as members of the production cooperative.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants seeking admission must:
- have reached the age of 18 before the commencement of the course (in exceptional circumstances this may be waived)
- hold a Higher School Certificate or its equivalent from any State or Territory in Australia or overseas (in exceptional circumstances this may be waived)
- show at an interview a high level of intelligence, practical ability, artistic sense, authority, tact, potential and motivation
- be fluent in spoken and proficient in written English language (equivalent to an overall band score of 7.0 IELTS).
All subjects are compulsory. NIDA students are required to complete a confidential health questionnaire to demonstrate their medical fitness to undertake the course and to assist NIDA in its duty of care to students.
The primary criterion for admission to the Design course is evidence of the applicant's artistic aptitude and ability, and his/her potential for making a career as a professional designer in the arts entertainment industry.
For more information about applying for the Design course, click here.
FIRST YEAR
In first year students learn the essentials of scenery, costume, and properties design. There are classes in history of theatre, architecture, drafting, life drawing, scenic art, craft skills and computer-aided design.
Students are introduced to the technical skills necessary for working safely and efficiently. In association with the Production course, design students study techniques of set construction, properties and costume.
Students are allocated crew roles in the production workshops and in the performance of NIDA productions.
Students complete the St John Ambulance First Aid Certificate Course.
First year subjects are Design 1, Design Crafts 1, Theatre Practice 1, History of Theatre 1, General Studies, Play Production 1, and Professional Development 1.
SECOND YEAR
In second year the emphasis moves from general techniques to specialised design studies. Literature studies and text analysis continue. Students develop specialised skills through design projects conducted by staff, guest directors and designers. Students also undertake a course in production design for film and television.
Students participate in the design of an annual end-of-year exhibition of work, and may also design a student production.
Second year subjects are Design 2, Life Drawing 2, Rendering 2, Film and Television Design 2, Exhibition 2, History of Theatre 2, Play Production 2, and Professional Development 2.
THIRD YEAR
The third year of the Design course consists of practical design projects. Students are responsible for the design of plays, musical plays, films, events and projects in the NIDA Play Production Program. Teaching is conducted in individual tutorials and through staff supervision and consultation of design projects.
In preparation for entry into the profession, students are encouraged to develop advanced skills in costume crafts, technical drawing, computer-aided design, model making and costume and scenic design.
During the year, each student may spend time on secondment working in the design and production departments of one or more professional theatre, film, television or production companies.
Third year subjects are Production Design 3, Observation and Professional Practice 3, Exhibition 3, Play Production 3, and Professional Development 3.
Title of Qualification: Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Design)
Commencement Date: Monday 1 February 2010
Head of course: Michael Scott-Mitchell
Age: 18+
Tuition fees: Annual tuition fees must be paid on or before the course commencement date. For more information please refer to the Fees section of the website
Location of Course: NIDA
Contact Details:
215 Anzac Parade
KENSINGTON NSW 2033
Tel: +61 2 9697 7600
Email: contact form
Applications: If you are thinking about applying for entry into the Design course, please refer to the Applications section of the website
Design Course Information PDF
Career Snapshot of a Range of NIDA Graduates PDF
Short courses in Design are also available through NIDA Open Program
CRICOS Provider Code: 00756M
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