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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 design skills and their application to theatre, film, television, events and other productions. 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.
Many of the subjects are studio based to enable students to complete projects of increasing depth and complexity as they progress through the course.
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
First year focuses on the teaching program where there is an emphasis on students developing basic design techniques and knowledge. The subjects are structured to ensure that the skills and knowledge taught in one subject are reinforced and carried through in another subject. Students learn basic design techniques including life drawing, manual drafting, model making and CAD drafting. The studio subject in first year is a project based subject where students complete a number of projects of increasing depth and complexity. Students are also allocated crew roles in the production workshops and in the NIDA Production and Events Program.
First year subjects are Communications 1, Contextual Studies 1, Studio 1, Play Production, Arts and Ideas and Performance History 1.
SECOND YEAR
Second year is the exploration year where students build on the skills, techniques and knowledge acquired during the first year. During this year students begin to work on designs that are to be realised. Students develop specialised skills through design projects guided by staff, guest directors and designers. Students also participate in the design of an annual end-of-year exhibition of work, and may also design sets, properties and wardrobe for the Directors graduation pieces.
Second year subjects are Communications 2, Contextual Studies 2, Studio 2 and Performance History 2.
THIRD YEAR
The third year of the Design course is a studio year which consolidates the knowledge and techniques acquired during the first and second years of the course. Students undertake and realise production designs in consultation with the directors for at least two full productions. They also mount a major exhibition to display their design work including, models, costumes, renderings, photographs and a representative portfolio of their work.
Teaching is conducted in individual tutorials and through staff supervision and consultation on design projects.
In preparation for entry into the profession, students are encouraged to develop a variety of advanced technical, craft and communication skills to aid in the realisation of their scenic, properties and costume designs. These include - technical drawing, rendering and costume drawing, computer-aided design, model making, scenic art, costume and property crafts. They exercise communication and collaborative skills in as they develop their production designs within a creative team as well as with actors, production stage managers, stage managers, technicians, workshop and show crews.
Students study only one subject in third year: Studio 3.
Title of Qualification: Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Design)
Commencement Date: Monday 31 January 2011
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
Subject Descriptions for Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Design) PDF
Course Information for Bachelor of Dramatic Art (Design) 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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