From streaming hits and stage sensations to major award nominations, there’s no shortage of ways to experience NIDA-trained talent this month. Find out where to watch the new, windswept coastal mystery, a beloved Broadway blockbuster, the return of a Tasmanian nail-biter and more in June:
A new Netflix Original series, The Survivors , is streaming from 6 June. Based on Jane Harper’s bestselling novel, the series stars Yerin Ha (Acting, 2018) with Catherine McClements (Acting, 1985) and Ian Bliss (Acting, 1993) in a haunting mystery that unearths long-buried secrets and unresolved trauma. Set against the windswept backdrop of Evelyn Bay, the drama follows Kieran Elliott’s return to the fictional Aussie town 15 years after a tragic storm claimed three lives, and a young woman’s murder changes everything.
The eccentric world of Bay of Fires returns to ABC and iview from 15 June with all the chaos and comedy that made the first season an instant classic. Joining Toby Moore (Acting, 2005) in the unruly town of Mystery Bay, Kris McQuade (Acting, 1971), Darren Gilshenan (Acting, 1988) and Mabel Li (Acting, 2019), are adding even more wild twists and turns. With tensions escalating and enemies multiplying, Stella (Marta Dusseldorp) is braced to combat cults, drug lords, a civil war and more this season.
The 2025 Tony Awards will be available to stream on Paramount+ on Monday 9 June at 10am AEST. NIDA is proud to have five alumni nominated this year:
Best Actress in a Play
Sarah Snook (Acting, 2008), The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Direction of a Play
Kip Williams (Directing, 2009), The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Scenic Design of a Play
Marg Horwell and David Bergman (Production, 2008), The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Sound Design of a Play
Clemence Williams (Directing, 2016), The Picture of Dorian Gray
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Dane Laffrey (Design, 2004) and George Reeve, Maybe Happy Ending
The Sydney Film Festival returns for its 72nd year with an exciting lineup of local and international films, guests and events. Running from 4 – 15 June, we’re excited to see Director Justin Kurzel’s (Design, 1995) documentary, Ellis Park, in the lineup as well as Director Constantine Costi’s (Directing, 2013) documentary, The Golden Spurtle and the mini-documentary Bring His Spirit Home, produced by Sophia Carolyn Wallace (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2021). Kenneth Moraleda (Acting, 1995) co-stars in the short film Interview with a Hero and Linda Cropper (Acting, 1978) is part of the cast of Birthright.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice Bee-! The hit international musical has opened down under at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne until 31 August. Based on Tim Burton’s cult classic film, Beetlejuice the Musical follows unusual teen Lydia Deetz whose life is flipped upside down when she meets a deceased couple and the eponymous demon with a penchant for stripes. Joining the cast is Adam Lyon (Voice, 2021) as Maxie Dean, with Associate Producer, Jake Jarrett (Technical Production, 2006) and Associate Lighting Designer, Gavan Swift (Technical Production, 1994). A special shoutout to Anthony Pearson (Technical Production, 2004) who was the original Associate Lighting Designer for the New York production.
Also in Melbourne from 6 – 12 June, The Wrong Gods is a bold new work telling a tale of community, family and freedom in the modern era. Presented by Melbourne Theatre Company at Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio, Vaishnavi Suryaprakash (Acting, 2017) co-stars as Lakshmi with Set and Costume Designer, Keerthi Subramanyam (Design for Performance, 2019), Vocal Coach, Laura Farrell (Voice, 2020) and Associate Sound Designer, Madeleine Picard (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2023).
In Sydney at the Old Fitz Theatre, Griffin Theatre Company presents the wild and unapologetic new work, Sistren, a two-hander play written by and starring Iolanthe (Acting, 2022) alongside Janet Anderson (Acting, 2022). Their headmaster calls them a ‘lethal combination’, but Isla and Violet consider themselves soulmates, unfairly torn apart until the end of the year. Will these star-crossed besties survive their separation? Sistren is running from 26 June – 12 July.
From June 7 – 13 July Belvoir St Theatre Company presents The Spare Room co-starring Elizabeth Alexander (Acting, 1973) and Judy Davis (Acting, 1977) as old friends Helen and Nicola. When Nicola comes to town for cancer treatment, it only makes sense she should stay in Helen’s spare room, until sleepless nights begin to stack up and an easy friendship becomes a battleground. Working to behind-the-scenes to stage the drama are, Associate Lighting Designer Phoebe Pilcher (Design for Performance, 2020), Assistant Director Mehhma Malhi (Directing, 2024), Consulting Producer, Akos Armont (Acting, 2007), Assistant Stage Manager and Grace Sackman (Technical Theatre and Stage Management, 2023).
*Header Image: Yerin Ha and Charlie Vickers in Netflix’s The Survivors.