‘Tis the season to be watching NIDA alumni! Here’s where you can see their work this December.
Sam Worthington (Acting, 1998) will reprise his role as Jake Sully in Avatar: Fire and Ash, in cinemas from 18 December. The third installment in the sci-fi juggernaut, audiences are introduced to Pandora’s most volatile region and the Na’vi that inhabit the volcanic biome.
Bump fans have an early gift to unwrap this December because the beloved Stan series has already released Bump: A Christmas Film. Reprising their roles in the film are Anita Hegh (Acting, 1994) and Alexander Sanson (Stage and Screen Performance, 2023) with Lilian Alejandra Valverde (Acting, 2024) joining the lively cast as they cruise to Columbia. Spotlighting behind the scenes, Script Coordinator Xavier Hazard (Writing for Performance, 2024) has lent his brilliance in the writer’s room. Join Australia’s favourite chaotic family for one last bumpy ride.
Rounding out the month’s viewing schedule is Stan’s Sunny Nights, lighting up screens this Boxing Day. The darkly comic crime series brings together an impressive lineup of NIDA alumni across both cast and crew, including actors, Harry Greenwood (Acting, 2012), Genevieve Hegney (Acting, 1999), Chika Ikogwe (Acting, 2018), Rick Donald (Acting, 2009), Roman Delo (Acting, 2019), Darren Gilshenan (Acting, 1988), Jeremy Sims (Acting, 1990), Sarah Aubrey (Acting, 1997), John Harding (Acting, 2011). Making up part of the fabulous team behind the scenes are; Costume Designer Rita Carmody (Design, 2007), Prop Maker Brittany Worboys (Properties and Objects, 2018), Costume Buyer Victoria Arvanitakis (Costume 2019), Costume Assistant Tamsyn Balogh-Caristo (Costume, 2022) and Costume Supervisor Jonathan Hindmarsh (Design, 2015). The series follows American siblings Martin and Vicki Marvin as they relocate to Sydney to launch a spray-tan business only to find themselves pulled into the city’s criminal underworld as they scramble to stay alive, out of jail and financially afloat.
Knock, knock. If you haven’t said, “hello,” to The Book of Mormon yet, it’s playing now at Capital Theatre Sydney until 25 January. The award-winning musical is supported by a stellar backstage team including, Prop Swing, Elly Rickwood (Live Production and Technical Services, 2018), Mechanist, Angus Nott (Scenic Construction and Technologies, 2022), Lighting, Sam Hatton (Live Production and Technical Services, 2020), Dresser, Kit Moore (Costume, 2024), Wardrobe Maintenance, Nina Price (Costume, 2023), Stage Manager, Toby Rosengarten (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2016), Assistant Stage Manager, Ella Van Dam (Live Production and Technical Services, 2018 & Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2021), Lighting Design Associate, Gavan Swift (Technical Production, 1994). In the ensemble, delivering unforgettable scores, is Blake Douglas (Musical Theatre, 2021).
Written and told by Rhoda Roberts AO (Honorary Master of Fine Arts, 2022) with Associate Director Julian Louis (Directing, 2005), My Cousin Frank is a NORPA production running from 3 – 6 December at the Sydney Opera House. Powerful and deeply personal, Rhoda shares the story of her first cousin, “Honest” Frank Roberts, a Widjabul Wia-bal and Githabul man who became Australia’s first Aboriginal Olympian at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Despite representing his country in Boxing and even dining with Emperor Hirohito, he was denied an Australian passport due to not being recognised as a citizen. Learn about this poignant moment of Australian history, the fighting spirit and integrity of Frank Roberts and his enduring legacy, all told by one of Australia’s most renowned and beloved indigenous storytellers.
They merry musical murder mystery you won’t want to miss, Murder for Two: Christmas Edition is back by popular demand at Hayes Theatres from 3 – 23 December. Decking the halls on this production is Set & Costume Designer Keerthi Subramanyam (Design for Performance, 2019), with Sound Designer Daniel Herten (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2021), Stage Manager Sherydan Simson (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2024) and Dialect Coach Linda Nicholls-Gidley (Voice Studies, 1998) contributing to the show’s spirited revival. A delightfully deadly two-hander, Officer Marcus Moscowicz races to solve the murder of Arthur Whitney at his own Christmas Eve birthday party. Who’s at the top of this naughty list? You’ll have to book your tickets to find out.
Hugh Sheridan (Acting, 2007) will return to his hometown in Adelaide for another St John Ambulance Carols by Candlelight. Celebrate the holidays with classic Christmas songs as well as his new album, ‘The Merriest’, at Elder Park/Tarntanya Wama on Saturday 13 December.
Header image: Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana in Avatar: Fire and Ash, coming to theatres December 19. All images © 2025 20th Century Studios.