Course Overview
This course is an intensive year of practical study that trains you to become a ‘triple threat’: singer, dancer and actor. Providing the rigour and skill required to get a foothold in musical theatre, the course is industry-driven. You will learn from practicing professionals and leading tutors from the arts and entertainment industry.
You will be trained to respond creatively to scripts and songs, collaborate effectively with other performers and how to make informed decisions about character interpretation. Training is practical, with an even distribution of classes in each of the disciplines of singing, dancing and acting.
You will train in ensemble and solo singing in a range of musical theatre repertoire, acting techniques for both spoken and sung dialogue, and in ensemble and individual dance in a variety of styles.
At the end of the course, you’ll present a live showcase of your work in one of the NIDA theatres. Attended by entertainment industry practitioners, producers, directors and agents, this is an ideal opportunity for you to show your skills and connect with industry.
This course is delivered full-time over one year.
Classes are scheduled four days per week, generally from 9 am to 5 pm.
For semester dates, teaching periods, breaks and downloadable calendars, visit Student Calendars and Key Dates.
NB. The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
This course develops performance skills across acting, singing, movement and musical theatre technique. Students train in solo and ensemble performance, vocal development, stagecraft and professional practice for contemporary musical theatre contexts.
View Unit Details
An overview of course structure and progression can be viewed in the Course Regulations relevant to your course.
For detailed unit descriptions please go to training.gov.au.
Graduates of the CUA50220 Diploma of Musical Theatre will be able to apply foundational performance and collaborative practice skills across singing, acting and dance contexts.
For the full list of course learning outcomes, please refer to the Course Regulations relevant to your course.
As a graduate of the CUA50220 Diploma of Musical Theatre you have the performance skills and theory knowledge to be employed in a range of industries, including television, film, theatre and radio.
Potential careers include:
Musical theatre performer, singer, dancer, actor, cabaret performer.
Meet the Team
Admissions Criteria
Applicants must meet NIDA’s general entry requirements.
Entry to the CUA50220 Diploma of Musical Theatre is competitive and selection is based on merit. Applicants are assessed through their application, introduction video and audition video, followed by a callback audition for shortlisted applicants.
Applicants must be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen. This course is not available to international students.
Once you’ve confirmed you meet NIDA’s general entry requirements, review the course-specific application requirements below to understand what you’ll need to submit and how the selection process works.
We select applicants who:
- Demonstrate skills in singing, dancing and acting
- Exhibit a capacity to collaborate
- Communicate effectively
- Respond to direction and feedback.
Applying to this course will involve:
Round One: Online Application, Video Introduction, and Video Audition
Round Two: Callback Audition (shortlisted applicants only)
View our Course Specific Application Requirements for a detailed breakdown of what to include in your online application and what to expect if you progress to Round Two of the application process.
About the Application Process
Applicants MUST apply online via the NIDA application portal.
View details about how to complete your online application as well as key dates and timelines.
Fees and Financial Support
Visit our Fees and Payments page for information about our tuition fees and payment information for NIDA courses, including payment options and additional costs.
NIDA is committed to making its education and learning more accessible to the most creative and talented individuals across Australia with a range of scholarships aimed to remove financial barriers, providing students with the opportunity to study at NIDA while being relieved of some of the cost of living, relocating and study expenses.
NIDA scholarships are made available by the generous support of donors, sponsors, corporate partners, trusts and bequests, through the NIDA Foundation Trust, and enable a significant increase in financial assistance to ongoing and students commencing study in 2027.
Scholarship applications for 2027 will open in early October. Learn more about our Scholarships.
Students who receive an offer may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning or Credit Transfer. Applications are considered separately from the admissions and selection process.
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Further Information
Further information regarding NIDA’s vocational training products can be found at Training.gov.au
NIDA is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) under the National Vocational Education and Regulator Act 2011 to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. NIDA is a NVR Registered Training Organisation (RTO): ID number 90349.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for more info about NIDA courses, admissions and facilities? Check our FAQ page for answers to commonly-asked questions from future students.
NIDA is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. RTO (Registered Training Organisation) code: 90349
What does it take to put on a show?
Take a peek behind the curtain to see how our students collaborate each year on our Winter and Spring Student Production seasons.