NIDA acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we learn and tell stories, the Bidjigal, Gadigal, Dharawal and Dharug peoples, and we pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past and present.

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About Us

Who we are

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is Australia’s leading performing arts school. Founded in 1958 as Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art, NIDA is Australia’s preeminent performing arts education. Our innovative practice-based learning programs have produced household names across stage, screen and beyond.

NIDA’s goal is to empower storytellers of all ages and backgrounds. By offering industry-relevant training across multiple performing arts disciplines, we give our students expert education to develop their craft and move into successful careers.

Explore our courses

Discover our range of vocational studies, undergraduate & graduate degrees

NIDA's present & future

  • Our history

    Discover NIDA's rich history, from being established in 1958 as Australia's first professional theatre training school, to recent milestones.
  • Our vision

    NIDA is shaping the future of performing arts across stage, screen, future media and beyond, by moulding the world’s most-wanted storytellers today.

What we offer

Our online and offline accredited courses include undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as vocational diplomas. For those seeking to learn for a brief period, we provide open short courses. Younger students can begin their exploration of the performing arts through our school program.

NIDA also offers unique corporate training and commercial partnerships for businesses and leaders, generating independent revenue streams.

NIDA graduates gain access to international networks and industry links that ensure successful future careers in theatre, dance and opera companies, festivals events, film, television and games production.

  • Our Locations

    NIDA offers courses in Sydney and Melbourne, with our main campus located in Kensington, Sydney. We are home to a range of state-of-the-art rehearsal and performance venues.
  • Want to know more?

    Have a question about our courses, upcoming performances or anything else? Reach out to us by phone or email, and join our mailing list to stay up-to-date on upcoming performances and courses.

Our Supporters

As a not-for-profit organisation, NIDA acknowledges the generous support of our donors, corporate partners and sponsors who assist us in providing the best teaching resources, training opportunities and educational experiences.

NIDA receives funding from the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and is a member of the Australian Roundtable for Arts Training Excellence (Arts8): an initiative between the national performing arts training organisations and the Australian Government committed to providing unique and high-level training for emerging artists.