Complete and assemble the following documentation. Further information about these documents can be found in the Application Guide and Checklist

• A photograph/ headshot
• Proof of Identification
• Evidence of change of name, if relevant
• Evidence of most recent qualification
• Academic IELTS or equivalent evidence (International students only)
• A certified official translation of any document not in English

NIDA only accepts online applications.

The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.

There are five steps to successfully applying for a NIDA course.

Step 1 Create your NIDA account (one time only. Former applicants can use an existing account created previously).

Step 2 Complete the online application form clearly and in full.

Step 3 Attach a headshot/photograph and all requested documentation evidence (see above).

Step 4 Select an interview location & time. Please note that locations/dates/times are subject to availability, NIDA reserves the right to amend these if necessary.

Step 5 Make payment of AUD$150 application by credit/debit card.

• When you complete the process you will receive a receipt and further email correspondence related to your choice of interview date including the address, time, arrival instructions and options for amending these details if required.
• All eligible applicants who submit their applications by the deadline will be invited to interview.
• Applications open 3 July to 29 October (extended) but late applications will be accepted as long as there are interview spaces available.

Interviews in 2017 are expected to take place in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth.  Under some circumstances, interviews may be conducted via Skype or its equivalent.

Adelaide

• Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Brisbane

• Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Darwin

• Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Hobart

• Wednesday, 8 November 2017

Melbourne

• Monday, 6 November 2017

Perth

• Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Sydney

• Monday, 20 November 2017
• Tuesday, 21 November 2017
• Wednesday, 23 November 2017
• Thursday, 24 November 2017
• Friday, 25 November 2017
• Monday, 27 November 2017
• Tuesday, 28 November 2017
• Wednesday, 29 November 2017
• Thursday, 30 November 2017
• Friday, 1 December 2017

Please ensure you select a date and time suitable to you during application process, if you cannot attend the available dates please select the option ‘Other- Dates provided not suitable’ and email applications@nida.edu.au to discuss further options

International students (all courses other than acting) should select the option ‘International- Offshore Applicant’. A representative from NIDA will then be in touch via email to organise an interview over Skype which will suit both you and our staff.

After you have completed your application you are able to change interview dates once, if necessary. Instructions will be provided with your receipt or please contact applications@nida.edu.au for further details.

1. Submit your application form (available from 3 July 2017)

• Please provide only brief details of your experience on the application form, as this will be discussed in more detail at your interview.

2. Complete a Technical Theatre and Stage Management Course Questionnaire before your interview

• The Course Questionnaire will be sent to you with the details of your interview time and date.
• It will allow you to go into detail about your interests in theatre and film and in your chosen course.
• Return your Course Questionnaire in plenty of time for the panel to read it before your interview.

3. Prepare your Technical Theatre Project

• For further information, please check our 2018 Undergraduate Application Guide and Checklist.

4. Demonstrate at interview why you want to work in the arts and entertainment industry.

If interviewing in Sydney, you should be prepared to spend half the day at your interview (i.e. either the morning or the afternoon). Interstate interviews will be scheduled on the hour.

1. First, there will be a brief talk about NIDA, the Technical Theatre Course and what will happen during the individual interview. There will be an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about NIDA or about the interview itself.
2. Each applicant will then be interviewed for around 45 minutes. During the interview, we will discuss your project; your ideas about theatre, film and so on; and why you want to study Technical Theatre at NIDA.

The interview process is informal and open. Should you have any queries about the interview process or about what is said to you during the course of the interview, please convey your thoughts to a member of the interview panel before you leave.

Preparation! The more time and effort you put into the project and interview preparation in advance, the more confident you’ll be and the more you will benefit from the interview and discussion.

Come with a clear idea of why you want to study Technical Theatre and Stage Management at NIDA.

Plan your journey to the interview. Give yourself plenty of travel time to allow for delays.

We know that interviews can be stressful, but every effort will be made to ensure your experience will be as interesting and enjoyable as possible. The interview is designed to give you the very best opportunity to show your potential and readiness to study at NIDA.

We select students who:

• demonstrate commitment, motivation and passion in relation to the arts, entertainment and related industries, to their chosen discipline, and to the course of study
• provide evidence of their capacity to work creatively and imaginatively
• demonstrate an aptitude to collaborate with peers as part of a creative process 
• demonstrate a range of knowledge, skills, technical abilities and/or problem-solving techniques relevant to their discipline
• demonstrate cultural and contextual awareness
• articulate and communicate ideas clearly

NIDA encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in theatre, film, television or other areas.

Due to the volume of interviews carried out, we are unable to provide you with individual feedback. The decision of the selection panel is final.

It is not possible to defer an offer of a place at NIDA.

We require all international applicants to:

• attend an interview in Australia, although an initial interview can be conducted through Skype or equivalent.
• be aware of the visa conditions and financial obligations you are required to meet as an overseas student.
• accept full responsibility for all arrangements concerning entry into, and residence in, Australia (including visas and health insurance).
• have an English language proficiency equivalent to an overall band score of 7.0 IELTS and bring evidence of your English language capability to your interview. Information on IELTS and testing centres in your country is available at www.ielts.org. This requirement may be waived for applicants that have completed their high school studies in English.

International students (all courses other than acting) should select the option ‘International- Offshore Applicant’ a representative from NIDA will then be in touch via email to organise an interview over Skype which will suit both you and our staff.

For more information on applying as an international student, see international students.

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Email: applications@nida.edu.au

Phone: +61 (02) 9697 7614
+61 (02) 9697 7611
+61 (02) 9697 7654

Mail:

Applications
NIDA
215 Anzac Parade
Kensington NSW 2033

In brief

• Stage management theory and practice
• Lighting and sound
• Computer-aided drafting (CAD)
• Staging scenery, costume and mechanics
• Score reading
• Rigging and staging 
• Multimedia

Delivery mode

• Classes and studio work
  
• Participation in production workshops and NIDA productions

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7101A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT STUDIO (30 credit points)

This subject introduces students to the knowledge and skills that underpin proficiency in the Technical Theatre and Stage Management disciplines. Through theoretical and applied sessions that communicate and demonstrate the primary processes, students are introduced to the practices, procedures, history and technologies that exist in the fields of stage management, lighting, audio, technical drawing, staging and multimedia.

Students are also exposed to methods for recording, classifying and integrating information in a variety of documentary forms, such as technical drawings, discipline-specific documentation, reference notes and creative journals.

Students prove their acquired knowledge and skills through a variety of projects that require them to recall, demonstrate and express the creative, technical and managerial practices, procedures and frameworks they have been introduced to in this subject.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7101B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT STUDIO (30 credit points)

This subject deepens student understanding of the knowledge and skills that underpin the disciplines of Technical Theatre and Stage Management. Students are familiarised with the fundamental processes and technologies utilised by Technical Theatre practitioners and are encouraged to integrate these elements into their practice.

The primary technologies and procedures of stage management, lighting, audio, technical drawing, staging and multimedia are illustrated and contextualised through both theoretical and applied sessions.

Students also refine their methods for recording, classifying and integrating information in a variety of documentary forms, such as technical drawings, discipline-specific documentation, reference notes and creative journals.

Students demonstrate their acquired knowledge and skills through a variety of projects that require them to communicate comprehension of creative, technical and managerial roles, methods and procedures, as well as translate that comprehension into practical outcomes.

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7102A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (10 credit points)

This subject involves an experiential learning process through which students develop, realise and apply their acquired skills and knowledge on large-scale, cross-discipline collaborative projects.

Students are assigned a technical theatre support role. Within the scope of that role, they work collaboratively with students from other intakes and disciplines to realise at least one significant performance project.

The tasks executed by the students during the performance project emulate those undertaken by technical crew members within a professional live performance environment and involve a comparable level of responsibility and expectation.

TSM7102A and TSM7102B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration are run concurrently, with half of a student intake completing each subject in each semester.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7102B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (10 credit points)

This subject involves an experiential learning process through which students develop, realise and apply their acquired skills and knowledge on large-scale, cross-discipline collaborative projects.

Students are assigned a technical theatre support role. Within the scope of that role, they work collaboratively with students from other intakes and disciplines to realise at least one significant performance project.

The tasks executed by the students during the performance project emulate those undertaken by assistant stage managers within a professional live performance environment and involve a comparable level of responsibility and expectation.

TSM7102A and TSM7102B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration run concurrently, with half of a student intake completing each subject in each semester.

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7103A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (5 credit points)

This subject offers a context for understanding the national creative industries landscape by providing an overview of the orientating concepts, history and current composition of Australia’s performing arts markets, institutions and organisations. This content includes detailed information about employment types and trends, customary employment conditions and the industrial relations structures that shape life as a professional within Australia’s creative industries.

In addition, the subject introduces students to the personal management skills and techniques that play a critical role in successful creative careers. Amongst these practices are time management, prioritisation, scheduling and adaptability.

Linking industrial relations and good work practices, this subject also begins the process of familiarising students with the frameworks, procedures and documentation underpinning effective Workplace Health and Safety.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7103B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (5 credit points)

The focus of this subject is on the non-discipline specific skills and knowledge students will require for forging successful careers. The subject interweaves training in basic financial management procedures and techniques with the fundamentals of working with spreadsheet software.

Furthermore, the subject emphasises the managerial and interpersonal skills that are essential within the technical theatre and stage management disciplines. As a means of imparting this knowledge and these skills, the subject concentrates specifically on effectual communication, processes of negotiation, conflict resolution techniques and modes of successful leadership. Through these topics, students will learn effective systems and practices that can be applied to the leadership and communication challenges that arise within creative industries.

SEMESTER ONE

COM7101A PERFORMANCE AND IDEAS (10 credit points)

This subject investigates six different play texts to create a trans-historical understanding of the tragic form and the ideas that have influenced tragedy across the centuries.

Students interrogate three main questions:

• What is tragedy?
• In what way has innovation in the tragic forms sprung out of a tradition of practices?
• In what way does this tradition influence our meaning making and practice today?

Students investigate these questions within the broader context of the ‘world views’ through which we can examine tragedy critically, the responses that these ‘world views’ have provoked to tragedy, the way we have responded to them artistically, and what tragedy can teach us about ourselves and about society.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7101B PERFORMANCE AND IDEAS (10 credit points)

This subject’s focus is on comic forms and intercultural analysis. It investigates five different play texts to create a framework of understanding of the comic form and the ideas that have influenced comedy across the centuries, in particular interculturalism.

Students consider three main questions:

• What is comedy?
• In what way has innovation in the comic forms sprung out of a tradition of practices?
• In what way does this tradition influence our meaning making and our practice today?

The subject sets these questions within a broad sociological and historical context and provokes students to reflect on the impact of comedy in the theatre and in wider society.

SEMESTER ONE

COM7102A INTRODUCTION TO COLLABORATION (5 credit points)

The focus of Introduction to Collaboration is the theory and practice of collaboration.

This subject introduces students to the principles of collaboration, which includes defining collaboration and creativity and examining how ethics, values and behaviours of collaboration are generated. Students investigate notions of ownership, agreement, creative conflict and how to generate ideas and create innovative practice.

This subject provides a theoretical, conceptual and practical scaffold for other BFA subjects including Student-led Projects and Interdisciplinary Collaboration.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7102B INTRODUCTION TO COLLABORATION (5 credit points)

This subject builds upon the principles of collaboration, skills and conceptual tasks featured in the previous semester. The concepts previously explored are now realised through practice in a group collaborative project. These small cross cohort collaborations are supervised and mentored. They have strategies and articulated milestones for the collaboration built into the conceptual plan so that students remain accountable to the learning outcomes of the subject.

In brief

• Stage management and advanced analysis of theatrical management practices
• Production management
• Arts and financial administration
• Arts law and Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
• Company, event and tour management
• Exploring individual interests and areas of speciality

Delivery mode

• Classes and workshops
• Practical work on a NIDA production

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7201A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT STUDIO (20 credit points)

Students are introduced to complex processes and technologies utilised by Technical Theatre and Stage Management practitioners. They explore the ways in which their growing understanding and aptitude in these fields can be used to identify, interrogate and resolve creative, technical and managerial challenges. Through a combination of theoretical and applied sessions, students investigate, test, analyse and clarify stage management, lighting, audio, technical drawing, staging and multimedia processes, practices and procedures.

Students improve and extend their methods for notating, categorising and presenting information in an array of documentary forms, through the generation of detailed technical drawings, comprehensive discipline-specific documentation, reference notes and creative journals. The students’ ability to synthesise and adapt their acquired knowledge and skill is tested through a variety of projects that require them to demonstrate thorough comprehension and translate that understanding into efficient and effective practice.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7201B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT STUDIO (20 credit points)

Students are immersed in the complex vocabularies, processes and technologies and utilise their growing expertise in these fields to develop strategies and processes for managing and leading creative and technical teams. Students are encouraged to explore and refine their artistic and professional identities, processes and passions, as well as position themselves as independent artists, valuable collaborators and industry leaders.

Although theoretical sessions occur, there is a significant focus on the application, integration and demonstration of stage management, lighting, audio, technical drawing, staging and multimedia systems, practices and procedures.

Students hone their methods for notating, organising and communicating information across various documentary forms, including intricate technical drawings, specialised discipline-specific documentation, reference notes, creative journals and reflective diaries.

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7202A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (15 credit points)

This subject involves an experiential learning process through which students develop, realise and apply their acquired skills and knowledge on large-scale, cross-discipline collaborative projects. Students are assigned a stage management role within the scope of which they work collaboratively with students from other intakes and disciplines to realise at least one significant performance project.

Students are assigned a technical theatre supervisory role. Within the scope of that role, they work collaboratively with students from other intakes and disciplines to realise at least one significant performance project.

The tasks executed by the students during the performance project emulate those undertaken by technical theatre supervisors or system designers within a professional live performance environment and involve a comparable level of responsibility and expectation.

TSM7202A and TSM202B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration run concurrently, with half of a student intake completing each subject in each semester.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7202B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (15 credit points)

This subject involves an experiential learning process through which students develop, realise and apply their acquired skills and knowledge on large-scale, cross-discipline collaborative projects. Students are assigned a stage management role within the scope of which they work collaboratively with students from other intakes and disciplines to realise at least one significant performance project.

The tasks executed by the students during the performance project emulate those undertaken by stage managers or deputy stage managers within a professional live performance environment and involve a comparable level of responsibility and expectation.

TSM7202A and TSM202B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration run concurrently, with half of a student intake completing each subject in each semester.

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7203A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (10 credit points)

This subject is designed to prepare students for their future careers as self-generating artists and professionals. In order to achieve that goal, the subject delivers knowledge and skills related to two specific topics – Professional Profile Management and Independent Business skills.

The topic of Professional Profile Management provides instruction in how to effectively create, manage and market a professional identity, including training in the preparation of portfolios and résumés, job interview techniques and the online management of professional reputations and personas.

In regards to independent business skills, the subject covers the processes that must be followed when setting up an operational entity, as well as the basics of seeking funding, business taxation and the roles and responsibilities of employers and employees.

Running parallel to both topics is ongoing learning about the frameworks, processes and documentation that contribute to operational Workplace Health and Safety.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7203B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (30 credit points)

The intention of this subject is to extend students’ understanding of national and international creative industries and contexts, whilst also solidifying the non-discipline specific knowledge and skills utilised in business, financial and project management environments.

Throughout the subject there is a focus on the legislative and regulatory conditions that apply to creative industries, especially those that relate to copyright, privacy, commercial contracts, importation and exportation, international employment, industry specific taxation and workplace health and safety. This content is contextualised by an ongoing analysis of the key organisations, institutions and individuals that influence and operate within arts and entertainment fields and couched in terms of good governance practices for business planning, project management and grant acquittal.

In addition, students continue to explore and refine their business, financial and project management techniques through the development of complex interlaced project plans, schedules and budgets.

SEMESTER ONE

COM7201A PERFORMANCE AND IDEAS (10 credit points)

This subject draws together some of the earlier learning about tragedy and comedy and brings into focus twelve different play texts through which students form an understanding of the tragi-comedic form and the ideas that have influenced it across the centuries.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7201B PERFORMANCE AND IDEAS (10 credit points)

This subject builds upon the knowledge and analytical skills built in the earlier semesters of Performance and Ideas, and culminates in a study of nine different works to develop an understanding of non-Aristotelian experiments as they have impacted on the development of contemporary performance. The subject addresses the questions:

• What can performance be?
• What are the ethics of performance?

In what way has innovation in performance ruptured, adapted and affirmed a tradition of practice?

SEMESTER ONE

COM7203A STUDENT-LED PROJECTS (5 credit points)

Student-led Projects derive from the theoretical and methodological frameworks explored in Introduction to Collaboration. Students self-select their collaborative teams with cross cohort representation. Together each team shapes an idea for presentation drawing on the individual knowledge and ability of each member to problem-solve in the development and realisation of the collaborative endeavour. Collaborative groups request input from staff or external mentors when it is required. In this subject, students apply their acquired knowledge of behaviours, innovation in practice, leadership, followership, emotional intelligence and negotiation skills to devise a collaborative performative work.

Each group draws on the collective knowledge of different performance forms and processes to decide on the particular shape of their work and has strategies and articulated stages for the collaboration built into a written conceptual plan. A peer-review framework for assessment makes each student individually and collectively behaviourally accountable to the vision of the work.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7203B STUDENT-LED PROJECTS (5 credit points)

In this subject students build on the collaborative practice project established in the preceding semester by bringing their project to realisation and, if they wish, presenting it in a public or semi-public setting.

Students complete their documentation of the whole project in this semester, refine and finalise their framework for

peer review, and document the outcome of the peer review process after final presentations of the work.

In brief

In the final year the course focuses in depth on practical work at NIDA, in which each student is expected to display professional skills closely related to professional practice, and includes an extended period of observation and professional practice working with arts and entertainment industry-based companies or practitioners.

Delivery mode

• Practical work
• Industry placement

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7301A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT STUDIO (15 credit points)

Students are presented with complex hypothetical scenarios that include multilayered creative, technical and managerial challenges. The students draw upon their acquired knowledge and skill to formulate, research and develop strategies, processes and procedures for managing and overcoming the challenges present within the scenarios.

Student learning and engagement during this subject is predominately self-directed, although some supplementary resources and teaching sessions will be delivered in a blended-learning format. In addition, students will have direct access to an assigned supervisor or mentor for added support and guidance.

Students finesse their ability to document and communicate complex concepts and practices through the generation of detailed project briefs, planning documents, technical drawings, creative journals and reflective diaries.

Student progress is evaluated through the presentation of an interim report that demonstrates specific hypotheses, as well as the research and planning that has been done.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7301B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT STUDIO (15 credit points)

With reference to the scenarios provided within the previous subject, students continue to research and develop, and then realise and test, strategies, processes and procedures for managing and overcoming multi-layered creative, technical and managerial challenges. This process culminates in a written submission that includes documentation of research methods, plus evidence of any practical demonstrations of concept. Through this submission, students will supply confirmation of the testing of their hypotheses, as well as the results of that testing, valid or otherwise.

Students refine their ability to document, communicate and evaluate complex concepts and practices through the generation of detailed project briefs, planning records, technical drawings, discipline-specific documentation, reference notes, creative journals and reflective diaries. Assessment of student capacity to translate acquired skill and knowledge into reflective practice is achieved through evaluation of the documentation and practical realisation of strategies, processes and procedures. 

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7302A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (30 credit points)

Within this subject students are assigned a technical theatre design role. Within the scope of that role, they work collaboratively with students from other years and disciplines to realise at least one significant performance project.

The tasks executed by the students during the performance project emulate those undertaken by lighting, audio or multimedia designers within a professional live performance environment and involve a comparable level of responsibility and expectation.

TSM7302A and TSM7302B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration run concurrently, with half of a student intake completing each subject in each semester.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7302B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION (30 credit points)

Within this subject students are assigned a technical theatre design role. Within the scope of that role, they work collaboratively with students from other years and disciplines to realise at least one significant performance project.

Students are assigned a senior management role. Within the scope of that role, they work collaboratively with students from other intakes and disciplines to realise at least one significant performance project.

The tasks executed by the students during the performance project emulate those that might be undertaken by production managers, senior stage managers, company managers, technical managers or event managers within a professional live performance environment and involve a comparable level of responsibility and expectation. 

TSM7302A and TSM7302B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration run concurrently, with half of a student intake completing each subject in each semester.

SEMESTER ONE

TSM7303A TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (15 credit points)

TSM7303A and TSM7303B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice are synergistic subjects that seek to introduce and integrate students into professional industries, networks and communities.

In this semester, students are involved a process of formalised collaboration between NIDA and the professional industries, through which students engage in a significant work integrated learning experiences. During the semester, students spend a minimum of five weeks working with at least one industry partner, receiving direct experience of the practices, processes and environments of professional industry.

Student performance and progress is assessed through a process that incorporates the observations and feedback of industry collaborators and professional mentors, as well as a self-reflective element, through which the students document, analyse and synthesise their experiences.

SEMESTER TWO

TSM7303B TECHNICAL THEATRE AND STAGE MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE (15 credit points)

TSM7303A and TSM7303B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice are synergistic subjects that seek to introduce and integrate students into professional industries, networks and communities.

In this semester, students continues a process of formalised collaboration between NIDA and the professional industries, through which students engage in a significant work integrated learning experiences. During the semester, students spend a minimum of five weeks working with at least one industry partner, receiving direct experience of the practices, processes and environments of professional industry. This experience deepens and expands student understanding of professional practices and standards.

Student performance and progress is assessed through a process that incorporates the observations and feedback of industry collaborators and professional mentors, as well as a self-reflective element, through which the student documents, analyses and synthesises their experiences.

NIDA does not require students to have studied any particular subjects at school. However, it is beneficial during their period of study at NIDA for students to have a high level of literacy and to have read widely. A strong working knowledge of subjects such as English and History is helpful to provide an understanding of historical context and literary references in theatre and literature. It is helpful to have an understanding of drama and, if possible, to have attended a range of theatre and films. Applicants for some courses often study Design and Technology, Textiles and Design, or similar subjects such as Art. Knowledge of a language other than English and understanding of other cultures is also beneficial. 

For courses such as Properties and Objects, Staging, Design for Performance, and Technical Theatre and Stage Management there is a need to have some numeracy and basic computing skills. For the Staging and Properties and Objects courses there is a need to be comfortable with basic applied algebra, geometry and physical concepts but memorisation is not required and use of these concepts is very practically focused. 

The minimum age for entry into NIDA’s full-time courses is 18 years. Students are expected to be at least 18 years of age at the commencement of their first year, or within a few months of commencement. In exceptional circumstances this condition may be waived. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of their audition or interview.

Applications from those 16 years and younger will not be accepted.

There is no maximum age restriction. As a guide to the age distribution at NIDA, the ages of students in undergraduate courses at the start of 2016 ranged from 17 years to early 30s, with the average age being 21.

The average age in the Master of Fine Arts courses is 32, with an age range from early 20s to mid-40s.

The first step is to fill in an application form, available online from 1 July to 29 October (extended). You must then prepare for your audition or interview, the details of which can be found on the course pages.

Students are at NIDA from 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday. During production terms students may also be required for rehearsals after hours and on weekends.

Additional time also needs to be allocated to library work, research, preparation for classes and private study. For this reason it is difficult for NIDA students to maintain regular part-time jobs. Studying at NIDA is a big commitment so students need to manage their time and resources carefully.

NIDA offers a conservatoire based method of education and training based around intensive practice-based learning.

There is formal class work, practical instruction, lectures and, for some courses, periods of placements in the arts industry. Each course has dedicated time to discipline-specific immersion, as well as common subjects undertaken by students of all disciplines.

NIDA Play Productions and screen work provides practical learning experiences, giving students the opportunity to apply learnt technical skills. Play productions are an important part of NIDA’s higher education courses with usually five productions being produced each semester.

More detailed information about course structure can be found on the individual course pages. 

NIDA’s award winning campus includes a range of facilities available to students:

• the Parade Theatre, seating over 700 people, is equipped with advanced technology in sound, lighting and scenery
• performance spaces of varying sizes. The Parade Studio, Parade Playhouse, Parade Space and Atrium are also utilised for productions
• the state-of-the-art Reg Grundy Studio is used for film and television recording
• the Rodney Seaborn Library, specialising in the performing arts
• computer-aided design (CAD) and multimedia studios
• rehearsal rooms, teaching spaces and music practice rooms
• and workshops for the manufacture of scenery, properties and costumes.

Because of NIDA’s close relationship with UNSW, in addition to the NIDA library, NIDA students have access to the UNSW Library, The Learning Centre, health services and the UNSW Fitness and Aquatic Centre, all located close to NIDA.

NIDA students have access to student counselling services provided through UNSW.

Indigenous students can also use the services of the Nura Gili Indigenous Programs Centre at UNSW.

Due to the highly competitive nature of NIDA’s admissions process, you must enrol for the year for which you have been offered a place. You cannot defer acceptance of a place. If you want to enrol in a subsequent year, you will need to apply again the following year and go through the audition/interview process again. There is no guarantee that you will be offered a place next time.

A first year student who discontinues a course of study during the year and wishes to return the following year, must re-apply for admission to NIDA in the normal manner. There is no guarantee of re-admission.

Application for leave of absence by continuing students must be made in writing with reasons to the Head of Course for consideration and recommendation to the Director. Approval for leave of absence can only be granted by the Director/CEO. It should be noted that approval for leave of absence will only be granted under exceptional circumstances.

See NIDA Student Policies for more information. 

There is an optional annual fee of $40 to join the Student Council of NIDA (SCON).While students are provided with the script of any plays they are involved in as part of the NIDA Production Program, students are encouraged to purchase other scripts and textbooks for subjects such as Performance and Ideas. 

Acting students must wear “blacks” to class everyday i.e. leotards, jogging pants, sweat pants, simple black tops or T-shirts, so students need to make sure they have at least a couple of sets of blacks to get themselves through the week. Acting students must also supply their own make-up and soft black shoes. 

Staging, Design for Performance, Costume, Properties and Objects, Technical Theatre and Stage Management students are required to purchase specific tools and equipment, which should be considered as lifelong investments. Students using workshop spaces are also required to have closed-toe protective footwear. Technical Theatre and Stage Management students should also have a few sets of “blacks” for working on productions. 

Design for Performance students are also expected to purchase their own art equipment, drawing paper, cardboard and other material for models and should allow around $1000 for this each year.

To access NIDA wireless (iWIRE) network, students are required to have access to a Laptop (Windows 7 and later), Macbook (Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard or later) or a Tablet (less than three years old with wireless facility). All the devices should comply with 802.11a/b/g/n WPA-Enterprise security. 

For file transfers and data backup, a 500GB hard drive or higher and an 8GB USB stick are also recommended, as is a DVD burner, for optimum visual graphics on your computer(Laptop/MacBook/Desktop etc..) a 1GB dedicated graphics card is recommended but not compulsory.