On Friday, 11 April, the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Australia’s leading performing arts educator, celebrated the hard work and dedication of its 2024 graduates across various disciplines including Acting, Costume, Design, Make-up, Musical Theatre, Props, Set Construction, Cultural Leadership, Writing, Screen and Stage Performance and Technical Theatre and Stage Management at their 2025 Graduation event.
The annual Graduation event celebrates the achievements of its talented students about to embark on their careers and also honours prominent figures in the performing arts industry.
This year, NIDA was proud to award two Honorary Master of Fine Arts to acclaimed writer Suzie Miller and renowned actor and producer Rachel Griffiths AM.
Suzie Miller, known for her powerful and thought-provoking works, and a former Playwriting student at NIDA, has made significant contributions to contemporary theatre including the Olivier Award-winning play Prima Facie starring Jodie Comer and the smash-hit production RGB: Of Many, One starring Heather Mitchell AM.
On awarding Suzie Miller the Honorary degree, NIDA Chair Catherine West said: “Suzie Miller is a remarkable playwright, screenwriter, an advocate for justice and one of the most influential voices in modern storytelling. She has brilliantly fused her diverse expertise to craft stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide. Her works have stirred powerful discussions on the intersection of law, human rights, and social equity with compelling narratives that are critically acclaimed and loved by theatre audiences globally.”
Suzie Miller said, “It’s a terrific honour for NIDA to bestow this Master of Fine Arts degree upon me. Everywhere I go in the world, to the many countries and many theatres where I discuss work and the arts, they all know about NIDA, and it’s clear that the talent produced there is extremely well regarded. It’s brilliant to continue my relationship with the NIDA family.”
NIDA Deputy Chair and Managing Director of Blackfella Films, Darren Dale presented Rachel Griffiths AM with her Honorary Master of Fine Arts: “For decades, Rachel has been an incredible force of talent, determination, and authenticity and has not only enriched Australian storytelling but has enthralled audiences across the globe. She’s also a fearless creative known for pushing boundaries and embracing stories that challenge societal norms and deepen our understanding of humanity. NIDA honours not just Rachel Griffiths the actress but Rachel Griffiths the artist, the trailblazer, the mentor, and the visionary.”
Rachel Griffiths AM, an accomplished and awarded actor with a remarkable career in film, television, and theatre continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide, from her breakout role in Australian film Muriel’s Wedding, her Golden Globe winning role in hit series Six Feet Under and her AACTA award winning role in Total Control.
Rachel Griffiths said: “Thank you so much to NIDA for the Master of Fine Arts degree, this really does mean a lot to me and I am really genuinely honored to accept, and to be in the company of the ferociously talented writer Suzie Miller makes the night especially meaningful.”
The graduation event featured performances by NIDA’s students, showcasing their exceptional skills and creativity.
NIDA CEO Liz Hughes said, “NIDA is proud to celebrate the next generation of creative and performing artists as they embark on their professional journeys. These future leaders leave NIDA employment ready and are set to use their storytelling superpowers to entertain audiences all around the world. A hugely talented collaborative cohort, with passion, drive and entrepreneurial imagination, I’m excited to experience their contributions to our precious creative industries.”
Some of NIDA’s alumni include actors Cate Blanchett, Sarah Snook, Murray Bartlett and recent alum Sophie Wilde. Alumni working behind the scenes include designers: four-time Academy Award winner Catherine Martin (Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby), Academy Award winner Fiona Crombie (The Favourite), four-time Emmy Award winner Deborah Riley (Game of Thrones), directors: BAFTA, Golden Globe and Tony Award winner Baz Luhrmann (Romeo & Juliet, Moulin Rouge, Elvis), Justin Kurzel (Nitram, The Order, The Narrow Road to the Deep North), and currently on Broadway, visionary Director Kip Williams with Olivier award-winning The Picture of Dorian Gray, starring Sarah Snook, powered by NIDA alum in creative roles.
*Header Image: Left: Rachel Griffiths, right: Suzie Miller. Photo by Skyline Productions.