CHRONOLOGY OF NIDA ACTIVITIES
Old Tote Theatre
In 1963, NIDA established the Old Tote Theatre Company. In 1969, the Old Tote became an independent organisation based at the Parade Theatre at the University of New South Wales. From 1973 to 1978, the Old Tote was the resident theatre company at the Sydney Opera House and at the Parade Theatre.
Jane Street Theatre
In 1966, NIDA established the Jane Street Season of Australian and classical plays in association with the NIDA Advanced Course, which also began in 1966. Jane Street became a regular feature of theatrical life in Sydney until the theatre was sold by the owner in 1981 and was no longer available for productions.
The NIDA Actors Company
Arising from the NIDA Advanced Course, the NIDA Company was established in 1979 with the object of providing professional initiative and commitment to research and development through the provision of artistic opportunities for actors, playwrights, directors, composers and designers who are already working in the industry.
The Open Program
The Open Program began with a successful Summer School in 1990. It was formally established in 1992 to provide community access to NIDA expertise through short courses and workshops in performing arts. It grew to include the National Touring Program, Education Program, Youth Program as well as Corporate Performance, providing training for the business sector. In 2003 Corporate Performance became a separate unit.
The Corporate Performance Program
This program provides executives with access to some of the best voice and movement teachers in Australia in order to give their public presentations a competitive edge. Actor training techniques are used to enhance the performance of business people. Companies may request courses to be specially designed to improve communication between staff and clients
THE NIDA EXECUTIVE
Ms Lynne Williams has been appointed Director and Chief Executive Officer of NIDA from May 2008. In a career spanning nearly 40 years, Lynne Williams has developed a significant breadth of experience working in government, private and not-for-profit sectors as a cultural entrepreneur and CEO/Artistic Director. Most recently she managed Culture, Ceremonies and Education with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games. Prior to this Ms Williams was Chief Executive for Cardiff 2008. She also worked for six years as Artistic Director/Chief Executive of the Eastern Touring Agency, managing arts touring productions across 40 theatres in the East of England. Ms Williams early working experience began in Australia where she was instrumental in setting up a new Music Theatre Company for the Conservatorium of Music in Wollongong and a new Creative Arts faculty for the University of Wollongong where she lectured in performing arts.
Elizabeth Butcher , General Manager, has been a member of the NIDA Executive since 1969. She is currently a member of the Theatre Board of the Australia Council. Her previous positions include Chairman of the Sydney Opera House Trust (1989-1995), Deputy Chairman of Playing Australia (1992-1994), member of the Board of Management of the University of Sydney's Seymour Theatre Centre (1984-89), Chairman of the Theatre Board of the Australia Council (1984-89).
FUNDING
From 1959 to 1969, NIDA was financed by the Commonwealth Government through the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust with the addition of student fees. The University of New South Wales provided financial assistance as well as rent-free buildings and facilities, and the ABC provided training in radio. From 1970 to 1978, the Australia Council provided Commonwealth funds for NIDA. Between 1979 and 1981, NIDA was funded directly by the Commonwealth Department of Education and, in 1982 NIDA's funding was transferred to the then Department of the Arts, Sport, the Environment and Territories, now the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
PREVIOUS DIRECTORS OF NIDA
1959-1962 Robert Quentin
1963-1968 Tom Brown
1969-2004 John Clark AM
2005-2007 Aubrey Mellor OAM
If you are interested in purchasing the book, NIDA, by John Clark, please click here.
|