Learning at NIDA

NIDA’s learning environment is anchored in practice – with a commitment to take the theory up and out of the textbook and onto the stage, screen, and beyond. With regular opportunities in theatrical and screen productions and showcases, you’ll have a wealth of opportunities to safely learn, practise and most importantly, experiment gloriously.

MAKING VALUABLE INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS

In the experience of doing, NIDA brings you into contact with world-class professionals to produce stage and screen productions. In the process of developing and premiering new Australian works with industry guests and screen and performing arts partners, NIDA provides an invaluable opportunity to develop working relationships with industry professionals while studying.

Examples of recent artists working with NIDA students include:

→ Finn Caldwell (UK specialist in theatrical puppetry, War Horse) → Tim Chappel (Oscar-winning costume designer, Priscilla Queen of the Desert) → Judy Davis (multi-award-winning actor/director, Mystery Road, The Dressmaker) → Wesley Enoch (artistic director, theatre director, writer) → Eugenia Farrell (Senior Stage Manager at Opera Australia) → Kim Hardwick (stage director/theatre producer, The Campaign) → Jennifer Irwin (Costume Designer, Bangarra Dance Theatre) → Priscilla Jackman (Director, Bluebeard’s Castle: Opera Australia) → Adam Mada (leading magician, entertainer – illusion coach and consultant) → Dr Liza-Mare Syron (Indigenous Scientia Senior Lecturer UNSW and Senior Artistic Associate at

Moogahlin Performing Arts) → Dr Nithya Nagarajan (interdisciplinary performance maker, creative producer and cultural researcher) → Jim Sharman (director, The Rocky Horror Picture Show) → Alana Valentine (playwright, Barbara and the Camp Dogs) → Annette Shun Wah (Artistic Director, OzAsia Festival and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance) → Beryl Waldron (Senior Ladies Cutter, Opera Australia) → Kip Williams (Artistic Director, Sydney Theatre Company)

‘My top tip to students would be to find the joy and play. My best work came out of having the freedom to explore and not being afraid to take a leap of faith. That was a game changer when I realised that you can work hard and laugh harder.’

Alan Zhu, BFA Acting 2021