The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is proud to announce the appointment of internationally acclaimed producer and entertainment executive Michael Cassel AM to the NIDA Foundation Trust.
Michael Cassel AM said “I am delighted to join the NIDA Foundation Board. Michael Cassel Group has a long-standing association with NIDA, and we see great synergy in the work we do together to strengthen Australia’s creative landscape. It is vital that we continue to encourage and nurture young talent, so the next generation of performers can thrive both in Australia and on the world stage.”
Established in 1984, The NIDA Foundation Trust is an independent body that raises funds for NIDA by supporting projects and activities not provided for by regular government funding or earned income.
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes said “Michael Cassel’s extraordinary success in showcasing Australian talent on the global stage – while also bringing world-class productions to audiences here at home – continues to inspire us. Many NIDA alumni, both on stage and behind the scenes, have brought their storytelling superpowers to his productions. Michael’s extraordinary background, deep knowledge of the performance industries, commercial smarts, and extensive networks ideally positions Michael to make a huge contribution to NIDA. We are honoured to have him join the NIDA Foundation Trust board.”
Peter Ivany AO Chair of the NIDA Foundation Trust said “Michael’s extraordinary career and unwavering support for the arts make him an invaluable addition to the NIDA Foundation Trust. His global perspective and passion for developing talent align perfectly with NIDA’s mission to train the next generation of creatives.”
Michael Cassel brings a wealth of experience to NIDA, having built a global reputation for delivering world-class live entertainment, including the recent Broadway tour of The Picture of Dorian Gray directed by Kip Williams (Directing 2009) and starring Sarah Snook (Acting 2008) whose performance won the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actress.
As the Founder and CEO of the Michael Cassel Group, he has produced some of the most successful and critically acclaimed productions in Australian history, including Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Les Misérables, Kinky Boots, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, MJ the Musical and Beetlejuice the Musical. In 2026, Cassel will present a bold new West End production of Dracula, starring Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winner Cynthia Erivo and directed by visionary Tony Award nominee and NIDA alum Kip Williams.
Cassel’s appointment to the NIDA Foundation Trust Board reflects a shared commitment to nurturing creative talent and supporting the future of Australian storytelling. Cassel’s championing of emerging voices and providing pathways for Australian productions to reach international audiences makes him the perfect fit to join Australia’s leading institution for dramatic arts training.
NIDA is grateful to the generous community of supporters who provide invaluable support for student productions, scholarships, and other projects, beyond NIDA’s regular government funding or income. Donor funding has enabled greater assistance for NIDA’s industry-ready training to students under-represented in the creative industries, and in turn contributed to NIDA’s stance as a global leader in performing arts education, research, and development. NIDA is the only institute outside of the UK and USA to be recognised in The Hollywood Reporter’s Top 25 Drama Schools worldwide.
Cassel will be contributing to the essential work of the NIDA Foundation Trust, alongside Board Directors Peter Ivany (Chair) James Marshall, Andrew Banks, Catherine West, Anna Samios and Victoria Buchan.