FAQS

1. Do I have to audition to get into a NIDA Open course?
2. How do I know if I've been accepted into a NIDA Open course?
3. Can I find out which tutors will be teaching me prior to the course?
4. Do NIDA fulltime tutors teach on NIDA Open courses?
5. Where do I go at the start of the course?
6. What does NIDA organise and what do I need to arrange?
7. Are there age restrictions in relation to courses?
8. What should I wear or bring?
9. Can I smoke at the venue?
10. If I do a NIDA Open course, will it help me to get into NIDA fulltime courses?
11. How do I apply for a NIDA Open course?
12. Can I book into a course over the phone?
13. What happens if I want to cancel my application?
14. What can I do if I have any problems, questions or want some advice?
15. If I have any further questions, who should I contact?

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

1. Do I have to audition to get into a NIDA Open course?
Generally, NIDA Open courses are open to all. There are some courses, which have been designed to suit people with more advanced skills or experience. This is indicated on the information for courses. There are some NIDA Open courses, which are selective and require an audition. Often these courses are taught part-time over one year, including Singer Dancer Actor, The Screen Actor, The Presenter and the Young Actors Studio.

2. How do I know if I've been accepted into a NIDA Open course?
You will receive a letter confirming your place in the course of your choice (as soon as sufficient enrolments have been received), or a phone call to discuss options if your choice is full or has insufficient numbers.

3. Can I find out which tutors will be teaching me prior to the course?
Yes, you can contact NIDA Open one week prior to the course commencement if you would like to know which tutors are teaching a given course. NIDA Open will be able to give you this information if your course has been confirmed and the tutors have been confirmed. Keep in mind that NIDA's arrangements are dependent on bookings for courses, and at times it is necessary for us to make changes.

4. Do NIDA fulltime tutors teach on NIDA Open courses?
NIDA fulltime tutors often teach on NIDA Open courses. However, NIDA fulltime courses also use an extensive range of casual teachers from the entertainment industry. All NIDA tutors are highly skilled theatre, film or television practitioners or teachers. NIDA Open tutors are drawn from both NIDA staff (fulltime and part-time) and from the performing arts industry.

5. Where do I go at the start of the course?
Your confirmation letter will remind you of the address of the venue. If your course is taking place at NIDA, then enter through the glass doors on Anzac Parade, check in at the reception desk, then wait in the foyer.

6. What does NIDA organise and what do I need to arrange?
NIDA makes the arrangements for your course tuition. Courses are not catered, but there is a café in the NIDA foyer. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch or drink. You need to make your own arrangements for travel or accommodation in relation to NIDA Open courses. NIDA cannot be responsible for the supervision of young people attending the courses outside the course times.

7. Are there age restrictions in relation to courses?
Yes, there are in some instances. Generally, NIDA short courses are available to anyone 16 years and over. However, some short courses are designed for 18 years and over, and others specify particular ages for youth workshops. NIDA Open aims to meet the needs of participants and often groupings based on age allow tutors to tailor the activities to better meet these needs and expectations. For Youth workshops NIDA asks parents and students to understand that it is not possible to request that students be placed in groups outside their age.

8. What should I wear or bring?
Participants should wear comfortable clothing for practical classes. In particular, shoes or boots with heels and skirts or pants that restrict movement are awkward for acting classes. Craft and Design courses at NIDA may take place in workshop areas and to access these areas participants must wear closed-in footwear (not thongs or sandals). You may find it useful to bring a notepad and pencil or pen. Other materials will be provided.

9. Can I smoke at the venue?
No, smoking is not permitted at NIDA or in any of the venues or grounds used by NIDA Open.

10. If I do a NIDA Open course, will it help me to get into NIDA fulltime courses?
Attending a NIDA Open course will help you to know whether a career in the entertainment industry is something that you really want to pursue; it will help you recognise what aspect of the entertainment industry suits you best; and it will help you decide whether NIDA fulltime training is for you. In terms of applying for NIDA fulltime courses, you will still need to go through the same application process as others who have not attended a NIDA Open course. However, you will have the advantage of understanding the interview and audition process a little better, and feeling more comfortable with what's expected. In participating in a NIDA Open course you may meet and work with some of the tutors who participate in the NIDA fulltime interviews and auditions.

11. How do I apply for a NIDA Open course?
Fill in an application form, available on the website as a downloadable PDF document or phone NIDA Open for a form. Send in your application at least two weeks before the course commences so that we have time to book you in. Send your payment with your form.

12. Can I book into a course over the phone?
Yes, you can book over the phone if you are paying by credit card. Otherwise you need to post us your application and payment or pay in person at NIDA with cash.

13. What happens if I want to cancel my application?
Please choose your courses carefully. NIDA cannot refund the course fee unless we cancel the course. If you wish to transfer or withdraw, you must advise us in writing at least two weeks before the start of the course and you will receive a credit note to the full value of the course to be used within 12 months. Consideration may be given in exceptional circumstances for withdrawals/transfers within the two week period, but not once a course has commenced. Substitution of participants may be made at any time before the commencement of a course, as long as the new participant meets any course pre-requisites.

14. What can I do if I have any problems, questions or want some advice?
Please phone, fax, email or write to us at any time, if you have any problems, questions or advice to give us regarding short courses that you are thinking of doing or currently undertaking through NIDA Open. NIDA is committed to ensuring that the standard of customer service and the quality of training is of the highest. So we welcome your comments.

15. If I have any further questions, who should I contact?
NIDA Open
Phone: (02) 9697 7626
Fax: (02) 9313 6590
Email: contact form
Postal address: NIDA Open, UNSW, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia

CONTACT NIDA OPEN