NIDA launches new Sydney studio courses

The National Institute of Dramatic ArtThe National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) has recently announced the expansion of its acclaimed studio program.

 

The launch of the 2013 NIDA Studio program provides new opportunities for Sydney’s emerging artists, with 23 different studio courses now being offered for adults and young people in disciplines including acting, screen acting, TV presenting, writing, directing, singing and music theatre, movement, filmmaking, design, theatre production and more.

 

In a departure from many traditional courses, NIDA Studios are largely held on weekends making it easier for younger people to undertake training.

 

Mark Gaal, Head of NIDA Open, commented, “We recognised that in today’s financial climate young artists and performers need to obtain full-time employment or full-time study in the short term in order to manage their time and finances, all of which are in short supply. By providing half-year and year-long courses with the greatest possible flexibility, we’re hoping that Australia’s most talented young artists can pursue their professional careers in a more practical way.”

 

He added: “At the same time we’re providing an opportunity for the next generation of professional artists to access training techniques developed by NIDA for its full-time, elite-level courses. NIDA Studios are conducted at a standard that challenges and serves those who are serious about entering the creative industry or driving their skills to the highest levels.”

 

Admission into all NIDA Studio programs is by audition or interview. This process has become highly competitive but helps ensure that each cohort of students is ready to tackle major artistic challenges.

 

“Our commitment to auditioning or interviewing applicants ensures that those who are selected can develop skills quickly and take on the more challenging techniques…Students who are brought together through NIDA Studios go on to form powerful creative partnerships and often apply for NIDA’s full-time degree courses. In this way, NIDA Studios are influential in people’s professional development and entry into the arts and entertainments industries,” Gaal said.

 

These revamped courses and new offerings have been designed by industry experts, including the leaders of NIDA’s full-time degree course, and will be conducted at two age levels ­– 15 to 18 years old and 18 years and over – providing participants with a substantial and integrated industry pathway.

 

Year-long and half-year NIDA Studios will be conducted on weekends between February and December at NIDA’s world-class performing arts facilities in Kensington and at the Seymour Centre in Chippendale.

 

In 2013, NIDA Studios will also be established in Melbourne and Brisbane.

 

One of the new offerings in Sydney is the Movement Studio for adults 18 years and over, which combines theatre and performance with movement and choreography. The course starts at the beginning of February 2013 and runs on Saturdays for six months. The final interview / audition date is Saturday 19 January at 10am at the NIDA in Sydney.

 

All Sydney auditions and interviews began Saturday 8 December 2012 and end 20 January 2013. More will be offered in June 2013. Visit www.nida.edu.au for information specific to particular studio offerings.