Image: Supplied by NIDA
Tim McGarry was by no means a newbie when he enrolled in The Directors Studio at NIDA to build his confidence and broaden his skills. As a Creative Director and Producer at Sydney-based theatre company Monkey Baa, he knew there were many skills a theatre director needed to master, from how to communicate with members of the creative team to managing timelines for the delivery of a work.
‘Tim is someone who had thirty years’ experience practicing as an artist and director of small scale projects, but he wanted to complete formal training as a director, so he came along and joined our Directors Studio,’ said Gillian Lemon, NIDA Open Senior Program Manager.
Find out more about NIDA Studios
Once in the workforce, many people feel their only option for continuous education is to be locked into the limits of a full-time short course.
But NIDA Studios provide an extended six or 12 month study option for those who want to fit study around work. Classes are held only on a Saturday, so students get the flexibility they need while also attaining formal training.
NIDA Studios offers pre-professional performing arts courses designed to suit students with full-time work commitments who are looking for a way to build skills in areas such as writing for performance, directing, and design, as well as acting.
The courses are also a valuable bridging option for high school graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts to get a taste of what it’s really like.
‘Often we get students who are interested in pursuing a career in the performing arts and who have some limited experience, perhaps in working with an amateur dramatic company, but they haven’t actually had any formal kind of skills training. They come and work with us for a year because their aim is to be in a place where they can either apply to go to drama school, or use the experience as a springboard to a career in the performing arts,’ said Lemon.
‘We also have students who already have a job they love, but want to be doing something creative for themselves in their free time.’
Does this sound like you? Find out what courses are available here
As part of the NIDA community, Studio students have complete access to the library and online resources, plus invitations to NIDA productions and events – allowing them access to the same networking opportunities available to full-time students.
‘All our courses are delivered by working professionals. In between classes, they work as professional artists, as filmmakers and directors, designers or actors who come in and teach students. That is one of our strengths – the courses are delivered by those working professionals. Also the design of the courses reflects the training that our full-time students get over a three-year degree course. It mirrors that,’ said Lemon.
‘NIDA Studios give people that first insight into what training in the performing arts actually involves. I think a lot of people have preconceptions about what that might be like and come with an idea of what training involves, but they are surprised and challenged by the experience they have here.’
Applicants are selected through an audition and interview process.
If you are interested in talking to someone about the best Studio course for you, please call 02 9697 7626. NIDA can advise you on options and pathways.
