Dreaming of a career behind the curtain, running the live performances you love? At NIDA, students in the Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services and Bachelor of Fine Arts, Technical Theatre and Stage Management, gain hands-on experience, build industry connections and develop the skills to take on diverse roles in theatre and beyond. We asked some of our alumni to share their advice for those considering these courses and this is what they had to say:
“I got some really good connections through my secondments from the course, and the content you learn is invaluable, specifically for me with the stage management aspect. So, if this is 100% the industry you want to go in, definitely do your research or reach out to some alumni and ask about their experiences.”
- Krystelle Quartermain (Live Production and Technical Services, 2018 & Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2021)
“Go into every experience with an open mind and to be willing to learn. We are so lucky with the experiences that we get while at NIDA, but there is still so much to learn and do once you leave. Try to take something away from every experience whether it is good or bad. Just take something and bring that lesson or idea to the next show. Also keep in touch with your friends and peers from your time at NIDA and when you get the chance to collaborate together again, do it!”
- Zoe Davis (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2022)
“I would tell them to just go for it. Help your friends make their short films. Be involved with a classmates’ fringe show. Do your one-person finger-puppet music video that’s super niche and no one cares about but you. I have reluctantly agreed to do so many things when I didn’t know how, or wasn’t ready for, or was terrified to do, but I got to learn from all of them. Even after finishing NIDA, I still get to try out different roles and work on all sorts of different styles of shows and events, and there are still so many things I’ll get to try, which is one of the things in this career that I get most excited about.”
- Bella Thompson (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2022)
“My advice would be to take a chance on shows you may not normally take on. Sometimes the shows you think will never have a future may just surprise you.”
- Gavan Swift (Technical Production, 1994)
“I did DLPTS without much/any prior knowledge when it came to lighting, sound or technical theatre, really, and I was genuinely surprised that I even got accepted. But I showed my passion and desire to grow in my knowledge and skills by asking lots of questions and taking any / all opportunities to learn new things as I could get my hands on. So, simply put, just show them that you are willing to work hard, learn hard and are passionate about making great theatre. And don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something, too; just be open to learning new things.”
- Luke McGilvray (Live Production and Technical Services, 2024)
Technical Theatre and Stage Management are accepting applications until Monday 13 October. Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services applications will close Monday, 10 November. Apply now.