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Bringing to life an evening of theatre is the greatest challenge, and the best training young directors, actors and dramatic writers can have.
- Francis Ford Coppola
Directing requires a broad knowledge of all the arts of the theatre, as well as the technical aspects of sound and light. A director must have something to say about the world in which we live and be a good manager of people. The NIDA Directing course is run by Egil Kipste.
NIDA encourages prospective directors with some professional or practical experience in the craft of directing to consider taking advantage of the many and varied facilities and expertise that NIDA has to offer.
NIDA does not seek directors who already fit comfortably into an existing marketplace, but rather is looking for brave souls who are determined to push the boundaries of current theatre practise. We seek directors who will re-define the relationship between the storyteller and the audience with each project.
In return, NIDA offers formal class work and the opportunity to work with actors, designers, lighting, sound, and AV designers both from within NIDA and from the profession. Students also receive intense training in the areas of arts administration, marketing, publicity and fund-raising.
The director's career path is not an easy one, yet these people have the potential to re-shape the future of the performing arts in a radical and affirmative way. NIDA continues to support its post-graduates long after they have graduated.
There are two courses offered at NIDA in Directing, the Graduate Diploma of Dramatic Art and the Master of Dramatic Art. Both are one year full-time courses. For details see below.
Graduate Diploma of Dramatic Art | Directing
DURATION
The Graduate Diploma of Dramatic Art specialising in Directing is a one year full-time course.
AIM
The Directing course is designed to provide developing directors with a comprehensive knowledge of acting, design and stage management, to nurture their leadership skills, enhance their ability to collaborate with artists, technicians and arts administrators, and to provide a foundation on which to build careers in the arts entertainment industry.
APPROACH
NIDA recognises that each student will be an individual artist. The course is designed to develop individual skills and knowledge, as well as a sense of leadership and accurate communication.
The course includes:
- formal class work, seminars and tutorials in directing, acting, music, research, repertoire, design, technical theatre, stage management, arts administration and the history of theatre
- working as Assistant Director on NIDA productions
- the preparation, rehearsal and presentation of short play productions.
- Particular emphasis is placed on the director's methods of communication with actors, designers, and playwrights and on the development of repertoire.
Subjects are Directing, Dramaturgy, Technical Theatre, Scenography, Acting Theory and Practice, Directing for the Screen, Music in Performance, Advanced History of Theatre and Play Production. Download the subject descriptions here.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants seeking admission must:
1. Have an undergraduate degree OR at least five years documented professional experience in an area relevant to Directing .
AND
2. Demonstrate at interview and through the completion of a short project the practical ability, potential and motivation necessary to undertake work at this level in Directing.
AND
3. Be fluent in spoken and proficient in written English language (equivalent to an overall band score of 8.0 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.
For more information about applying to the Directing course, click here.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for the full-time courses are accepted from 1 July and close on 30 September each year. Applications must be submitted on a current NIDA Application Form, available from 1 July.
Completed Application Forms must be accompanied by the non-refundable application fee and a passport size photograph.
Click here for further information.
AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWS
Applicants for the Graduate Diploma of Dramatic Art are required to attend an interview. Interviews take place in November and early December in all capital cities of Australia except Canberra. You must attend your interview in person. Some applicants may be asked to attend a second interview. For overseas applicants an initial interview by webcam could be considered.
Preparation for the interview requires completion of a project. Project information is available on the website or can be forwarded by mail following receipt of an application. At the interview applicants may be required to work with applicants for NIDA's Acting Course or with NIDA students in the rehearsal and presentation of short scenes.
You are also required to bring to your interview proof of your undergraduate degree – this can be in the form of an original testamur or transcript from the awarding institution or a certified copy of one of these documents. If you do not have an undergraduate degree, you must bring documented proof of your five years professional experience in the relevant area .
FEES
All students are required to pay tuition fees. These fees can either be paid in full at the commencement of each year or eligible students can receive a FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government up to the FEE-HELP limit to cover all or part of their tuition fees. The FEE-HELP limit is indexed each year.
Students repay their loan through the tax system once their income is above the minimum level for compulsory repayment. For more information on FEE-HELP see http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/
For more information please refer to the Fees section of the website.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Eligible NIDA students can apply for assistance through Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY.
Title of Qualification: Graduate Diploma of Dramatic Art
Head of Course: Egil Kipste
Commencement Date: Monday 31 January 2011
Age: Recommended 22+
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 Graduate Diploma of Dramatic Art, Directing stream, or the Master of Dramatic Art, Directing stream, please refer to the Applications section of the website.
CRICOS Provider Code: 00756M
Master of Dramatic Art | Directing
DURATION
The Master of Dramatic Art (MDA) specialising in Directing is a one year full-time course.
AIM
The Directing stream of the Master of Dramatic Art is intended for highly talented directors with at least two years experience working as a director within the performing arts. The course is designed to assist directors to master the play production process, enhance their skills and develop a technically sound, highly personal and creative approach to directing a play.
APPROACH
The course consists of the following:
- The production of a full-length play with design, stage management and technical support
- A major research project on a relevant aspect of theatre production
- A secondment to work on a professional production with a theatre, film or television company
- Study of Advanced Dramaturgy and Advanced Directing
Download the subject descriptions here
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
1. Successful completion of the NIDA Graduate Diploma of Dramatic Art, specialising in Directing with at least an overall assessment of Good across the course and an assessment of Excellent in the subject Play Production
OR
Successful completion of an equivalent postgraduate qualification from another institution at the same level in Directing.
AND
2. Demonstrate at interview and through completion of a project proposal, strong personal creative views of the theatre and potential to develop advanced directing skills.
AND
3. Be fluent in spoken and proficient in written English language (equivalent to an overall band score of 8.0 IELTS)
It is expected that no more than two students will be admitted to the Master of Dramatic Art, Directing in any one year.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for the Master of Dramatic Art must be submitted on a current NIDA Application Form, available from 1 July. If you are interested in applying for the Master of Dramatic Art specialising in Directing, please contact NIDA using our web contact form for initial discussions on your experience and interests.
Completed Application Forms must be accompanied by a non-refundable application fee and a passport size photograph.
Click here for further information.
AUDITIONS AND INTERVIEWS
Applicants for the Master of Dramatic Art are required to attend an interview. Interviews take place in November and early December in all capital cities of Australia except Canberra. You must attend your interview in person. Some applicants may be asked to attend a second interview. For overseas applicants an initial interview by webcam could be considered.
Preparation for the interview requires completion of a project. Project information is available on the website or can be forwarded by mail following receipt of an application. At their interview applicants may be required to work with applicants from NIDA's Acting Course or with NIDA students in the rehearsal and presentation of short scenes.
You are also required to bring to your interview proof of your postgraduate degree – this can be in the form of an original testamur or transcript from the awarding institution or a certified copy of one of these documents.
FEES
All students are required to pay tuition fees. These fees can either be paid in full at the commencement of each year or eligible students can receive a FEE-HELP loan from the Australian Government up to the FEE-HELP limit to cover all or part of their tuition fees. The FEE-HELP limit is indexed each year.
Students repay their loan through the tax system once their income is above the minimum level for compulsory repayment. For more information on FEE-HELP see http://www.goingtouni.gov.au/
For more information please refer to the Fees section of the website.
Title of Qualification: Master of Dramatic Art
Head of Course: Egil Kipste
Commencement Date: Monday 31 January 2011
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 Graduate Diploma of Dramatic Art or Master of Dramatic Art, Directing stream, please complete the NIDA contact form for initial discussions on your experience and interests. You can also refer to the Applications section of the website for details of the application process.
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