The 11403NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance course provides students with knowledge and skills to perform the following functions associated with the entertainment arts:

• Performer, able to interpret scripts; build, present and sustain characters; and collaborate with others to create live performance, screen and media productions.
• Deviser, able to originate and develop characters, situations and stories for live performance, screen and media productions.

2027 dates

Term 1             Monday 1 February – Friday 9 April

Term 2            Monday 26 April – Friday 2 July

Term 3            Monday 19 July – Friday 8 October

Download the 2027 Calendar

2026 dates

Term 1             Monday 2 February – Friday 10 April

Term 2            Monday 27 April – Friday 3 July

Term 3            Monday 20 July – Friday 9 October

Download the 2026 Calendar

Classes are scheduled 4 days per week, 9am–5pm.

The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.

The 11403NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance course comprises of the following units of competency:

• CUAIND412 Provide freelance services
• CUAACT411 Use acting techniques in performance
• CUAMPF612 Manage stagecraft aspects of performances
• CUAPPR512 Develop sustainability of own professional practice
• CUAPRF513 Prepare for and perform in competitive environments
• CUAWHS511 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance
• NAT11403001 Apply story and narrative conventions
• NAT11403002 Use performance practices to develop a production
• NAT11403003 Devise works for stage
• NAT11403004 Devise works for screen
• NAT11403005 Develop acting techniques for screen
• NAT11403006 Apply design elements for stage
• NAT11403007 Apply design elements for screen
• NAT11403008 Use technology in performance

As a graduate of the 11403NAT Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance 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:

Performer and creator for stage and screen.

Applicants seeking admission must:

• Be an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident or New Zealand citizen. This course does not accept international students.
• Have reached the age of 18 before the commencement of the course (in some circumstances NIDA may select candidates who turn 18 during their course).
• Have completed their Higher School Certificate or equivalent; ATAR is not required.
• Demonstrate a high level of practical ability, potential and motivation at the interview or audition.
• Complete the interview/audition requirements for the course.

We select applicants who:

• Demonstrate skills in acting
• Exhibit a capacity to collaborate
• Communicate effectively
• Respond to direction and feedback

Original Work Requirement (All Applicants)

All submitted work must be your own original creation, including writing, design, performance, and any supporting material.

The use of Artificial Intelligence to generate or substantially develop any part of your submission is not permitted. This includes (but is not limited to) ideas, written text, imagery, design outcomes, dialogue, or performance content.

You may use research, reference material, and feedback to inform your work; however, the final submission must clearly reflect your own thinking, creative development, and decision-making.

Submissions that do not meet this requirement may not be considered for assessment.

Recognition of Prior Learning is a process that involves assessment of an individual’s relevant prior learning to determine the credit outcomes of an individual application for credit.

NIDA may grant credit for:

• Formal study undertaken in recognised education institutions in Australia, including universities, colleges, TAFE and other post-secondary education institutions, and for study at recognised overseas institutions.
• Credentialed courses provided by recognised professional bodies, employers and other authorities, where appropriate certification is available.
• Prior learning, where such learning can be sufficiently evidenced.

The principles underlying the assessment of credit transfer/Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applications are that the policy and procedures are:

1. Aligned to the Higher Education Standards Framework and the Vocational Standards for RTOs.
2. Designed to maintain the integrity and reputation of NIDA’s accredited courses for which credit or RPL is applied and support the collaborative nature of NIDA’s conservatoire training model.
3. Consistent, equitable, transparent and accountable.
4. Based on processes of comparable standard and integrity to those used to assess the relevant subject.
5. That students are not disadvantaged in achieving the expected learning outcomes for the course of study or qualification.

NIDA Recognition of Prior Learning Policy

Apply for a Credit Transfer and/or RPL

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.

View Course Specific Application Requirements

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.

View Details on How To Apply

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.

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.