APPLY NOW FOR THE GLORIAS, FREDDIE J. GIBSON AND LOUDON SAINTHILL FELLOWSHIPS
The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is proud to announce that applications are now open for the Glorias, Freddie J. Gibson and Loudon Sainthill Fellowships. Designed to champion emerging storytellers and creative practitioners, these highly sought-after awards provide vital funding for international professional development, empowering recipients to expand their craft, build global networks and take the next bold step in their creative careers.
Liz Hughes NIDA CEO said, “Creative careers thrive on opportunity, collaboration and new perspectives. These Fellowships provide the recipients a chance to broaden their horizons, connect with international leaders in their field and bring valuable knowledge back to Australia. We are incredibly grateful to the benefactors whose generosity continues to create these life-changing opportunities.”
The Glorias Fellowships: 3 Fellowships at $22,000 each
The annual Glorias Fellowships offers all professional Actors and Directors across theatre, film and television the chance to explore and develop their skills through international travel and study. Upon return to Australia, Fellowship recipients must share their new-found skills and knowledge with the broader arts community, providing an ongoing benefit.
The Glorias represents both the Gloria Payten Foundation and the Gloria Dawn Foundations. Gloria Payten (1925–2004) was a pioneering theatrical agent and producer who established the International Casting Service in 1960. Actress Gloria Dawn (1929–1978), was known for her versatility in musical theatre, vaudeville, and drama. At the request of the Trustees, the Fellowships are administered by NIDA.
Freddie J Gibson Fellowship: $30,000
The Freddie J Gibson Fellowship is open to NIDA alumni who have completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts or a Master of Fine Arts degree and have at least three years of professional experience in the performing arts.
Applicants may propose a wide range of international activities – including formal study, creative attachments, mentorships, festival participation, or practice-based research, provided the opportunity offers access to work, training, or ideas not readily available in Australia.
The Freddie J Gibson (1934–2013) Fellowship honours the late Australian theatre producer and manager who worked on landmark productions such as Hair, Jesus Christ Superstar and The Rocky Horror Show. Freddie also managed the Theatre Royal for 16 years.
Loudon Sainthill Fellowship: $4,500
This Fellowship aims to foster the next generation of Australian Performance Designers by supporting opportunities for creative growth abroad.
Open to early-career Designers working in theatre, ballet or opera to undertake international travel that advances their professional practice and expands their design skills. Applicants must be Australian residents with at least two years of consistent professional experience as a Designer in theatre, ballet, or opera.
The Fellowship honours the legacy of Loudon Sainthill (1918-1969), one of Australia’s most distinctive theatrical designers, known for his bold, imaginative work on stages across London and Australia and was established through a bequest from Sainthills’ partner, Arts advocate Harry Tatlock.
Applications are through the NIDA website and open Monday 6 July.
Applications close Friday 30 August 2026.
*Header Image: NIDA’s 2026 Fools Who Dream Cabaret performance. Photo by Rob Miniter.