Education Focus - National Institute of Dramatic Art

About NIDA

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) has an enviable reputation as Australia's leading institution for dramatic arts education and training. For more than 50 years, we have been a hub for Australia's performing arts sector, bringing leading artists and industry professionals together to develop the next generation of creative leaders.

Our graduates have been recognised for their contribution to the success and vibrancy of the arts, entertainment and cultural industries in Australia and globally.

Offering a range of graduate, undergraduate and vocational courses, NIDA challenges students to consider and explore their practice through research-based inquiry and practical conservative training. 

Our teaching staff brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise, providing students with access to the skills and knowledge required to build a career in their chosen field. 

All NIDA courses provide a balance between academic learning and opportunities to put knowledge into practice as students explore the creative challenges of the industry. Our students also have the opportunity to work with high profile guests, as well as gain valuable experience through industry placements. 

Our courses are regularly reviewed to ensure that students benefit from the latest developments in education and training, and graduate career-ready.

Applications for NIDA's graduate, undergraduate and vocational courses are open from now until 30 Sep (for study in 2017). 

Courses on offer include: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Staging), Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Master of Fine Arts (Cultural Leadership), Master of Fine Arts (Directing), Diploma of Musical Theatre, Diploma of Screen & Media (Specialist Make-up Services) and more. 

For more information, visit: nida.edu.au/courses.

Course Highlight

NIDA's Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Theatre and Stage Management) is a three-year undergraduate degree that provides education and training to the technical theatre practitioners and stage managers of the future. 

At its core, the course explores the points where technology and performance intersect, providing an education across the many behind-the-scenes disciplines that are involved in the staging of a production or an event.

During the course, students receive training in a wide range of topics, including stage management, audio, lighting, video design, stage mechanics, technical drawing, production management, event management and workplace health and safety. 

They learn methods for recording and integrating information in a variety of forms, gain skills in project, people and technical management, and learn how to apply these skills and knowledge to large-scale, cross-disciplinary collaborative artistic endeavours.

During the final year, students spend a minimum of ten weeks undertaking industry placements, during which they gain direct experience of professional practices, processes and environments.