10914NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance
Applications for 2023 are now closed. Applications for 2024 intake will open in June 2023.
More information on 2024 courses register your interest below
If you require assistance, please contact applications@nida.edu.au.
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NIDA encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in theatre, film, television or other areas.
NIDA welcomes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants.
About the course
This year-long intensive and practical course puts you centre stage and in front of the camera, giving you the tools to develop and perform your own stories for stage and screen. During the course you will learn how to collaborate with others to develop and create original
works for various media.
Training is practical, with classes in acting techniques for both live and screen work, performance styles and production practices. You will learn about the multiplicity of roles, technologies and methodologies that exist within the theatre, film, TV and the digital industries.
You will be taught by NIDA staff and leading tutors from the entertainment arts industry. At the end of the course, you will present a live and filmed showcase of your work in one of the NIDA Theatres attended by entertainment industry practitioners, producers, and agents.
The 10914NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance is only open to domestic students. Domestic students are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.
This qualification is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework
The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) is the national policy for regulated qualifications in Australian education and training.
Read more information about the AQF.
Course dates and times
2023 Course dates
In 2023 the course will be delivered at our Sydney campus.
Term 1 Monday 30th January – Thursday 6th April
Term 2 Wednesday 26th April – Friday 30th June
Term 3 Monday 17th July – Friday 6th October
Classes are scheduled 4 days per week, 9am–5pm.
The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
Course overview
Subjects
The course 10914NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance comprises 14 Units of Competency, which are delivered over 3 Terms /Units of Study:
- CUAIND412 Provide freelance services
- CUAACT411 Use acting techniques in performance
- CUAMPF612 Manage stagecraft aspects of performances
- CUAPPR512 Develop sustainability of own professional practice
- CUAPRF513 Prepare for and perform in competitive environments
- CUAWHS511 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance
- NAT10914001 Apply Storytelling Conventions
- NAT10914002 Use Performance Practices to Develop a Production
- NAT10914003 Devise Works for Stage
- NAT10914004 Devise Works for Screen
- NAT10914005 Develop Acting Techniques for Screen
- NAT10914006 Apply Design Elements for Stage
- NAT10914007 Apply Design Elements for Screen
- NAT10914008 Use Technology in Performance
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
This vocational course provides students with knowledge and skills to perform the following functions associated with the entertainment arts:
- Performer, able to interpret scripts; build, present and sustain characters; and collaborate with others to create live performance, screen and media productions.
- Deviser, able to originate and develop characters, situations and stories for live performance, screen and media productions.
Admission criteria
Essential requirements for admission
Admission criteria
Applicants seeking admission must:
- Must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen. This course does not accept international students.
- Have reached the age of 18 before the commencement of the course (in some circumstances NIDA may select candidates who turn 18 during their course).
- Have completed their Higher School Certificate or equivalent; ATAR is not required
- Demonstrate a high level of practical ability, potential and motivation at the interview or audition
- Complete the interview/audition requirements for the course
Terms and conditions of application
- There are no application fees for the 2023 applicants.
- Applications for NIDA's diploma level courses (that commence in 2023) close 31st October 5:00pm (AEST). NIDA may not be able to accept applications after this date or late applicants may be required to pay a late submission fee of $75.00.
- There are a limited number of places available in each of our diploma courses. Selection is based on merit; not all applicants who meet the published entry requirements will receive a study offer.
- All applicants are required to review the course information, including the schedule of tuition fees, published on the course page on our website.
- It is not possible to provide applicants with individual written or oral feedback on their audition.
- Applicants who receive a study offer for 2023 must accept the offer within the time frame indicated. It is not possible to defer a study offer at NIDA.
- NIDA encourages applications from people from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in their chosen area of interest.
Essential requirements
We select applicants who:
- Demonstrate skills in acting
- Exhibit a capacity to collaborate
- Communicate effectively
- Respond to direction and feedback
How to apply
Information on how to apply for the 2023 intake will be available from mid-2022.
NIDA encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in the entertainment industry.
A summary of the application process for this course can be found in the
How to apply
All applications must be submitted online via the NIDA website. You will be required to submit a video audition via a YouTube link as part of your application.
How to apply
There are five steps to applying:
STEP 1
New Applicants: Create your application account here. You will be sent an automatic email with your log in details to continue your application.
Returning Applicants: If you have previously applied (in 2019-2021) and your email address already exists in the application system you will not be able to create a new account. Please follow the link below to reset your password, use your email address as your User Login ID. Reset your password here.
STEP 2
Log in, select the green ‘New Application’ button and complete the online form.
You will be asked to submit your personal details, examples of previous experience, and reasons for interest in this course.
STEP 3
Upload the following documentation to the online form:
- Evidence of your most recent qualification if you have one (e.g. a school report, Higher School Certificate, university transcript, statement of attainment)
- Proof of identification and citizenship (e.g. Australian passport, Australian driver’s licence, birth certificate. The scanned document needs to show your date of birth).
- A recent photograph (head and shoulders, in colour, well lit, plain background).
- One introduction/ Audition video as a link to an unlisted YouTube video.
STEP 4
Agree to the Terms and Conditions of application and click submit. You will receive a confirmation email when your submission is completed in full.
STEP 5
You will be contacted in early October regarding the outcome of your application and whether we are able to meet with you at a call-back session. You will be provided with an opportunity to notify us of the best available date and time for your interview/ call back, either face to face or via zoom. To assist with your planning, we will publish suggested dates and times on the course pages on our website.
If we have invited you, please attend your call-back session. Not everyone who submits a video will be invited to a call back.
Terms and conditions of application
- There are no application fees for the 2023 applicants.
- Applications for NIDA's diploma level courses (that commence in 2023) close 30th September 5:00pm (AEST). NIDA may not be able to accept applications after this date or late applicants may be required to pay a late submission fee of $75.00.
- There are a limited number of places available in each of our diploma courses. Selection is based on merit; not all applicants who meet the published entry requirements will receive a study offer.
- All applicants are required to review the course information, including the schedule of tuition fees, published on the course page on our website.
- It is not possible to provide applicants with individual written or oral feedback on their audition.
- Applicants who receive a study offer for 2023 must accept the offer within the time frame indicated. It is not possible to defer a study offer at NIDA.
- NIDA encourages applications from people from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in their chosen area of interest.
Audition requirements
As part of your application, you are required to provide a link to a pre-recorded video audition. The following information should act as guide for how to select your monologues and how to set up and film your auditions.
Your video submission needs to consist of the following:
- A short, 1 minute introduction to camera (introduce yourself and explain your experience)
- 2 contrasting monologues of your choice both1 minute in length.
- Present 1 monologue in mid-shot (where we see you from the waist up), and present the other monologue in long-shot (where we can see you from head-to-toe)
- The audition video should be approximately three minutes in length, longer videos may not be watched in full.
- You are welcome to present your modern/contemporary piece in the language of your cultural background if you so choose. However, you must be prepared to present it in English as well.
Click HERE for instructions on how to upload an unlisted YouTube video.
You will only be able to upload one audition video. Please ensure that all components are in the one video, and under the one link.
Selecting your monologues:
- Your material can be from stage, screen or self-devised.
- Choose characters who are in circumstances you can identify with and that you will enjoy exploring.
- Pick monologues that will showcase you and your acting choices.
- Choose contrasting material, for example, serious versus comic or internal versus external.
- Think about who you are talking to and what you want from them – understand the piece and who you are talking to.
- Relax and enjoy yourself – we find that most applicants manage to relax and enjoy the experience and we hope that you will too!
Tips for your video submission
Your video submission needs to consist of the following:
- A short, 1 minute introduction to camera (introduce yourself and explain your experience)
- 2 contrasting monologues of your choice both1 minute in length.
- Present 1 monologue in mid-shot (where we see you from the waist up), and present the other monologue in long-shot (where we can see you from head-to-toe.
Your video audition/interview should be submitted as an unlisted YouTube video link, in the appropriate field of your application.
You will only be able to upload one audition video. Please ensure that all components are in the one video, and under the one link.
Click HERE for instructions on how to upload an unlisted YouTube video.
Please make sure you review the guidance below and prepare what is required for your interview/ audition submission before you start to record anything.
1. Set up
You can use a stand or surface or have someone hold the camera/ phone for you. Do not look directly into the camera for your monologues, but just to one side; to the left or right or alternatively ask a friend to stand to one side of the camera so that you have an eyeline and someone to deliver the monologues to.
2. Background – you must be seen clearly.
Try to record against a plain, light background, with no harsh shadows behind you. Avoid busy, distracting images, and ‘hard’ colours like green and red. Ideally, the background should be plain. Grey can work well for a wide range of skin tones on screen.
3. Lighting – you must be seen clearly.
Try to light yourself so that there are minimal shadows across your face. This can be done with free standing lights or using natural light sources. Whatever you chose make sure that we can see you.
4. Sound – you must be heard clearly. Check the space/room you have chosen to record in for sound disturbances. i.e. close any windows, turn off any devices playing music in the background, air-conditioning, noise/talking/cooking sounds etc.
Call Back Sessions
- All applicants will be notified regarding their outcome of their application status.
- Successful applicants will be contacted to arrange a suitable call back session.
- Call backs may be conducted face to face or via zoom between October- November.
- More information will be available on the website when applications close.
At the callback, you will:
- Present your prepared monologue.
- Participate in collaborative tasks, including group improvisation.
- Discuss your previous training and performance experience.
- Wear suitable clothing – any casual clothing that does not limit movement is acceptable
Outcome
If we are able to offer you a place on the course, we will contact you in December 2022 via phone and email to advise you of your course offer. You will be given a time period in which to accept or reject the course offer for the 2023 intake.
Call back interview dates
Interview dates for the 2023 intake will be announced after applications open.
Fees
Fees
The 10914NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance is only open to domestic students.
Domestic students are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.
Tuition fees for 2023 for 10914NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance
2023 Full course fee: $17,220
DSSP Application Guide, Fee Schedule & Entry Requirements 2023
Further financial information
VET Student Loans
NIDA is an approved VET Student Loans provider.
For more information on VET Student Loans and eligibility criteria please refer to our VET Student Loans page.
Enrolled vocational students can defer part of their fees using VET Student Loans (Australian citizens and permanent residents only). A 20% loan fee applies to VET Student Loans. The amount of the VET Student Loans provided for a part of a course or unit, plus the VET Student Loan fee of 20% is referred to as the VETSL Debt. More information regarding VET Students Loans can be found here;
VETSL Debt repayments are generally made after the student commences full time employment, repayment amounts are taken out of their pay by the Australian tax system. Students can make voluntary repayments at any time to reduce their balance; payments are made directly to the Australian Tax Office.
More information about paying back your VETSL Debt can be found here;
https://www.studyassist.gov.au/
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Study-and-training-support-loans/Voluntary-repayments/
Financial assistance
Eligible students, who are Australian residents, can apply to Centrelink for financial assistance through Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY. Visit Centrelink or call 132 490 for more information.
NIDA is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the National Vocational Education and Regulator Act 2011 to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. NIDA is a NVR Registered Training Organisation (RTO): ID number 90349.
Videos
For our 2020 Virtual Open Day, alumni Mia Healey and Drew Parker joined Mark Gaal (Executive Director Pathways and Partnerships) for a talk about the 10914NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance.
2021 Online Info Sessions
Executive Director Pathways and Patnerships, Mark Gaal, leads a discussion about the year-long Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance which puts you centre stage and in front of the camera, and answers questions about the course.
29 July 2021
Student independent projects
Connexxxion is a recent collaboration between several NIDA students, featuring Stage and Screen Performance student Ashyr Mason-Kaine as Amy.
Careers
As a graduate of the 10914NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance you have the performance skills and theory knowledge to be employed in a range of industries, including television, film, theatre and radio.
Potential careers
- Performer for stage and screen
- Writer or creator for stage and screen
See NIDA's list of Alumni.
Further info
If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:
Email: vocational@nida.edu.au
Phone: +61 (02) 9697 7516
Mail:
Vocational applications
NIDA
215 Anzac Parade
Kensington NSW 2033
Further information regarding NIDA's vocational training products can be found at Training.gov.au
RPL/ Credit Transfer
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) / Credit Transfer
Recognition of Prior Learning is an assessment process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning (including formal, informal and non-formal learning) to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.
NIDA may grant credit for:
- Formal study undertaken in recognised education institutions in Australia, including universities, colleges, TAFE and other post-secondary education institutions and for study at recognised overseas institutions.
- Credentialed courses provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities, where appropriate certification is available; and
- Prior learning, where such learning can be sufficiently evidenced.
The principles underlying the assessment of credit transfer/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications are that the policy and procedures are:
- Aligned to the Higher Education Standards Framework and the Vocational Standards for RTOs.
- Designed to maintain the integrity and reputation of NIDA’s accredited courses for which credit or RPL is applied and support the collaborative nature of NIDA’s conservatoire training model.
- Consistent, equitable, transparent, and accountable.
- Based on processes of comparable standard and integrity to those used to assess the relevant subject.
- That students are not disadvantaged in achieving the expected learning outcomes for the course of study or qualification.
Read more about NIDA's Deputy Director – Learning and Innovation (Vocational Education and Training) Mark Gaal
NIDA is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. RTO (Registered Training Organisation) code: 90349