Overview
The Freddie J Gibson Fellowship is a grant of up to $30,000 to support a NIDA graduate to undertake international travel for professional development in 2026. The Fellowship enables alumni to access artistic opportunities not readily available in Australia – including formal study, international theatre festivals, or attachments to companies or training institutions abroad.
New in 2026: the Fellowship is now open to all NIDA alumni who have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate course. Applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in their field.
The Fellowship honours the legacy of Freddie Gibson, a celebrated Australian theatre producer and manager, whose enduring bequest supports the next generation of Australian theatre-makers.
About Freddie J Gibson
Freddie Gibson was a renowned Australian theatre manager and producer. He was Executive Producer for many Garnett H. Carrol shows including The King & I, Carousel and Robert & Elizabeth. He collaborated with entrepreneur Harry M. Miller on The Rocky Horror Show, Hair and Jesus Christ Superstar. A successful 16-year long tenure as the manager of the Theatre Royal saw him produce numerous acclaimed shows such as Cameron Macintosh’s Australian productions of Rogers & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Song & Dance, as well as Cats, Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera.
Since 2014, Freddie Gibson’s $2.5 million Bequest has provided NIDA with a substantial annual income for the production of plays involving professional artists and students and for student and graduate international travel grants.
Purpose of the Fellowship
The purpose of the Fellowship is to enable an emerging practitioner to experience theatrical activity not available in Australia. This may involve a formal course of study, attendance at international theatre festivals, an attachment to a theatre company or theatre school, or similar cultural activities.
Key Details
Open to: All NIDA Alumni with at least 3 years of professional experience
Frequency: Annual
Funding: 1 x $30,000
Applicants must:
1. Be a resident of Australia
2. Be a graduate of a NIDA Bachelor or Master of Fine Arts course
3. Have a minimum of three years of professional experience in the performing arts
4. Propose international activity that supports their continued artistic development
Applicants must complete online application form.
Applicants must also upload the following supporting material:
- A current CV (demonstrating at least 3 years of professional experience in the arts)
- A clear description of the proposed activity
- A proposed timeline and key travel/activity dates
- A budget showing how the Fellowship funds will be used
For any enquiries, please email [email protected].
- Applications open Tuesday 1 July 2025
- Applications must be received by NIDA no later than Sunday 31 August 2025
- Applications will be considered by a Selection Committee and applicants may be invited to attend an interview with the Selection Committee
- The successful applicant will be announced by Friday 31 October 2025
- The successful applicant must agree to provide NIDA with a Grant Acquittal report describing their experience of the Fellowship within 2 months of the end of their nominated project
How to apply
Application Form
Submit your application before Sunday 31 August 2025, 11:59pm (AEST).