NIDA holds a small but significant collection of personal archives relating to our distinguished directors, teachers and graduates. The holdings typically contain photographs, programs, clippings and scripts.
In addition to the personal archives, we also have administrative and production archives, Old Tote Theatre Company archives and the Costume Research Collection.
Personal archives series
We have the following personal archives in our collection. For details about holdings please see Accessing the personal archives. For further biographical information select each name.
Bain, Keith (1926–2012): NIDA teacher and choreographer
Brand, Mona (1915–2007): editor, playwright and writer
Carroll, Peter: actor, NIDA graduate
Cecil, Lawrence (1920–1998): actor, director, radio drama producer
Fitzpatrick, Neil (1934–2005): actor
Fredrikson, Kristian (1940–2005): stage and costume designer
Gibson, Frederick J.: manager, producer, NIDA benefactor
Haddrick, Ron (1949–current): actor
Mack, (Edward) Brodie (1897–1965): cartoonist and theatre entrepreneur
Murphy, Brett (deceased 2010): director, NIDA graduate
Thring, Frank (1926–1994): actor, NIDA benefactor
Tosa, Yoshi: stage and costume designer
Quentin, Robert (1917–1979): director, producer, professorWeingott, Owen (1921–2002): actor, director, NIDA lecturer
Accessing the personal archives
Personal archives are open to researchers by appointment.
We reserve the right to close any records in our custody where information is sensitive or if donor permissions apply, and preservation concerns prevent access to originals.
Photographs and other manuscript items may be subject to copyright restrictions and charges.
For further information and to make an appointment to access the archives, please contact the Archives and Records Manager or phone (02) 9697 7668 to discuss your needs.
Donating a personal archive
We welcome donations of personal archives that relate to practitioners and activities associated with NIDA and Old Tote Theatre Company.
To discuss possible donations of archives, please contact the Archives and Records Manager or phone (02) 9697 7668 to discuss your needs.
NIDA Oral History Project 2004–09
The NIDA Oral History Project 2004–09, led by theatre historian Margaret Leask, recorded the memories and working methods of 84 practitioners and teachers associated with NIDA, Old Tote Theatre Company and post-war theatre in Sydney.
Most of the recordings are open to researchers; however, conditions may apply for copying or public use.
Access to the oral histories is through the Rodney Seaborn Library.
