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)

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. This subject introduces students to the knowledge and skills that underpin proficiency in the Technical Theatre and Stage Management disciplines .

SEMESTER TWO

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

In TSM7101B students deepen their 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. In TSM7101B primary technologies and procedures of stage management, lighting, audio, technical drawing, staging and multimedia are illustrated and contextualised through both theoretical and applied sessions.

SEMESTER ONE

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

SEMESTER TWO

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

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. All students will enroll in TSM7102A Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration in semester 1 and TSM7102B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration in semester 2. 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. 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. BFA (TTSM) - TSM7102 A&B Interdisciplinary Collaboration Page 2 Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration involves an experiential learning process through which students develop, realise and apply their acquired skills and knowledge on large-scale, cross-discipline collaborative projects.

SEMESTER ONE

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

The purpose of Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice is twofold. Firstly, it instills students with the non-discipline specific skills and knowledge they will require to successfully pursue careers within a professional artistic environment. Secondly, it commences the introduction and integration of students into professional industries, networks and communities. Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice 1A 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.

SEMESTER TWO

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

TSM103B interweaves training in basic financial management procedures and techniques with the fundamentals of working with spreadsheet software. It 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. The focus of TSM7103B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice 1B is on the non-discipline specific skills and knowledge students will require for forging successful careers. TSM7103B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice 1B also deepens student understanding of the frameworks, processes and documentation that underpin operational Workplace Health and Safety

SEMESTER ONE 

COM7101A Performance and Ideas (10 credit points)

Subject Purpose
In Semester One of the first year ‘Performance and Ideas’ gives students a theoretical, critical and experiential understanding of key contexts, forms and conventions based on a chronological framework that supports an understanding of the Western theatrical canon. The subject supports student’s abilities to actively relate various historic practices of the Western theatrical canon to their own performance-based disciplines as 21st century artists.

Content
Throughout this subject students will:
Examine a range of historical movements and practitioners in the Western theatrical canon, identifying specific forms, conventions and practices
Develop an understanding of industry practices across a range of performance disciplines relating to various conventions and forms within the canon
Interpret and engage with artistic ideas in both practical and conceptual realisation from the perspective of their specific performance discipline
Explore and reflect on how aspects of a theatrical form and context inform practices in related disciplines.

SEMESTER TWO - COM7101B PERFORMANCE AND IDEAS (10 credit points)

COM7101B Performance and Ideas investigates different performance texts to create an understanding of the development of modernity from the 19th to the 20th century. The course looks at different art forms and looks at movements and ideas that structure contemporary performance practice. We also will make the “now” present through postmodern and contemporary readings and recent productions, specifically focusing on students’ own practice.

COM7101B Performance and Ideas asks three main questions:
* What is modernity?
* What is the drive towards truth or realistic illusion?
* In what ways does this tradition influence our meaning making and our
practice today?

SEMESTER ONE

COM7102A Introduction to Collaboration (5 credit points)

Subject Purpose
The subject introduces the 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. These investigations provide a foundation for creative collaborative projects undertaken in second year and beyond.

Content
Throughout this learning period students will
* Investigate various theories and practices for creative collaboration in the cultural sector
* Apply collaborative practices to the development of new and interdisciplinary work
* Work empathetically, to a shared vision
* Apply discipline expertise to a collaborative project
* Evaluate and reflect on process and performance

SEMESTER TWO

COM7102B Introduction to Collaboration (5 credit points)

COM7102B Introduction to Collaboration builds upon the principles of collaboration, skills and conceptual tasks featured in COM7102A Introduction to Collaboration. In this subject those preparatory tasks are now realised through practice in a Group Collaborative Project.

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 then 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. This subject involves further training in, and refinement of, the knowledge and skills required for proficiency in the disciplines of Technical Theatre and Stage Management.

SEMESTER TWO

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

TSM7201B represents the culmination of formalised instruction in the knowledge and skills required for proficiency in the disciplines of Technical Theatre and Stage Management. 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. Through the course of this subject, students are immersed in the complex vocabularies, processes and technologies utilised by Technical Theatre and Stage Management practitioners and utilise their growing expertise in these fields to develop strategies and processes for managing and leading creative and technical teams. 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.

SEMESTER ONE

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

SEMESTER TWO

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

TSM202A and TSM202 B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration are run concurrently, with half of a student intake completing each subject in each semester. All students will enroll in TSM7202A Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration in semester 1 and TSM7202B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration in semester 2. TSM202A-B Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration involves an experiential learning process through which students develop, realise and apply their acquired skills and knowledge on large-scale, cross-discipline collaborative projects.

SEMESTER ONE

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

The purpose of Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice 2A is to prepare students for the business professional aspect of their careers. In order to achieve that goal, the subject delivers knowledge and skills related to two specific topics – Professional Profile Management and Independent Business skills. Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice 2A helps prepare students for their future careers as self-generating artists and professionals..

SEMESTER TWO

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

The intention of Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice 2B is to extend student 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 TSM7203B there is a specific 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.

SEMESTER ONE

COM7201A Performance and Ideas (10 credit points)

Subject Purpose
Semester One of the second year of ‘Performance and Ideas’ builds on students’ theoretical, critical and experiential understandings of key contexts, forms and conventions of the Western theatrical canon and the various social, intercultural and political influences that shaped it in the mid to late 20th and early 21st century.
Building on COM7101A & COM7101B, it supports students’ ability to actively relate these various historic practices to their own performance-based disciplines as 21st century artists.

Content
Throughout this subject students will:
Synthesise their understanding of the relationship, correspondence and variance of different forms of theatrical and screen storytelling
Develop an understanding of industry practices across a range of performance disciplines relating to various conventions and forms of the 20th and 21st centuries
Interpret and engage with artistic ideas in both practical and conceptual realisation from the perspective of their specific performance discipline
Examine a range of ideological, theoretical and practical frameworks through which contemporary performance can be understood.

SEMESTER TWO

COM7201B Performance and Ideas (10 credit points)

COM7101B Contemporary Issues in Performing Arts asks four main questions:
What is the contemporary? What is the “now” and how do we theorise the present?
What is the response of the theatre to pressing issues of the day?
What is performance practice’s role in contemporary society?
What are alternative modes of contemporary performing arts?

Equally this subject investigates broader questions:
What is the role of performance practice in social and political questions?
We will look at a range of contemporary debates of the theatre that are pressing to the art form now.
How do we address futures thinking and predictive scenario development for imagined constructs?

SEMESTER ONE

COM7203A Student-Led Projects (5 credit points)

Subject Purpose
Student-led Projects is a common subject across all disciplines involving second-year students in which each team shapes an artistic vision for presentation drawing on the individual strengths, knowledge and ability of each member to problem-solve in the development and realization of the collaborative endeavour.

Content
Throughout this learning period students will:
Apply collaborative practices to the development of new and interdisciplinary work
Work empathetically, to a shared vision
Apply discipline expertise to a collective project 
Evaluate and reflect on process and performance

SEMESTER TWO

COM7203B Student-Led Projects (5 credit points)

COM7203A Student-led Projects and COM7203B Student-led Projects derive from the theoretical and methodological frameworks explored in COM7102 Introduction to Collaboration. Student-led Projects is a common subject across all disciplines involving second-year students from every discipline. Students self-select their collaborative teams and are encouraged to achieve cross cohort representation. Together each team shapes an idea for presentation drawing on the individual strengths, knowledge and ability of each member to problem-solve in the development and realization of the collaborative endeavour. Collaborative groups request input from staff or external mentors as or when it is required. Co- ordination of this subject and trouble shooting is provided by the subject coordinator with assistance from a designated point of contact from each discipline within NIDA. In COM7203B Student-led Projects students build on the collaborative practice project established in COM7203A Student-led Projects by bringing the project to realization. Students present their work in this semester and finalise their peer review through group evaluation.

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. This subject advances and evolves student knowledge and skill in technical theatre and stage management.

SEMESTER TWO

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

In TSM7301B students continue to research and develop, and then realise and test, strategies, processes and procedures for managing and overcoming multilayered 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. TSM7301B is a direct continuation of Technical Theatre and Stage Management Studio 3A. 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 multilayered creative, technical and managerial challenges.

SEMESTER ONE

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

SEMESTER TWO

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

Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration 3A and 3B are run concurrently, with half of a student intake completing each subject in each semester. Within Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration 3A students are assigned a technical theatre design 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. Technical Theatre and Stage Management Interdisciplinary Collaboration involves an experiential learning process through which students develop, realise and apply their acquired skills and knowledge on large-scale, cross-discipline collaborative projects

SEMESTER ONE

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

SEMESTER TWO

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

Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice 3A involves 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. Technical Theatre and Stage Management Professional Practice 3A and 3B are synergistic subjects that seek to introduce and integrate students into professional industries, networks and communities.

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.

Application to NIDA is by direct entry. Applicants apply online via the NIDA website.

NIDA will accept applications for the 2020 intake from 1 July - 30 September, 2019.

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.

Scenic Construction and Technologies, 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.

For a full list of additional costs by course please refer to the NIDA Domestic Undergraduate Student Fees Schedule 2019 (PDF 1115KB).

There are six steps to successfully applying for a NIDA course:

STEP 1

Create your application account (link to be provided from 1 July).

You will then be sent an automatic email with your log in details to continue your application.

STEP 2

Log in, select the green ‘New Application’ button and complete the online form.

STEP 3

Upload the following documentation to the online form:

• Evidence of your most recent qualification (e.g. school report, Higher School Certificate, university transcript or testamur).
• Proof of identification (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate; ID must show your date of birth).
• A passport style photograph (less than six months old, in colour, well lit, plain background).
• Academic IELTS or equivalent (international applicants only)
• Any course related documents/portfolios.

STEP 4

Make payment of the AUD$75 administration fee by credit/debit card.

STEP 5

Book your audition or interview date in your nearest capital city.

STEP 6

Attend your audition or interview, having prepared the relevant material for your course.

Below are the expected interview dates for 2019. Please note: NIDA reserves the right to amend and otherwise alter interview dates and locations, subject to minimum applicant numbers per region.

Brisbane

6 November

Adelaide

7 November

Perth

8 November

Melbourne

Thursday 14 November 2019
Friday 15 November 2019

Sydney

w/c 18 November 2019
w/c 25 November 2019

For all other locations select ‘Other Interstate' when completing the application form and email applications@nida.edu.au to discuss your options.

SUBMIT WITH YOUR APPLICATION

The following may be uploaded with your application:

1. PORTFOLIO

• You may upload a digital portfolio with your application; otherwise you can bring one with you to your interview. You should prepare examples of past work that you feel will support your application and demonstrate your suitability for a career in the arts and entertainment industry. The purpose of the portfolio if to provide an insight into how you think as a practitioner.

PREPARE FOR YOUR INTERVIEW

The following should be prepared in advance to be discussed at your interview:

2. QUESTIONNAIRE

• Complete the course questionnaire before your interview date. Click here to access the questionnaire.

3. PRODUCTION PROJECT

• Select one production from the provided list for your project. Prepare your project according to the requirements and bring it along to your interview for discussion.

4. WRITTEN PROJECT

• Prepare your project according to the requirements and bring it along to your interview for discussion.

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.

The interview is in two parts:

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

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.