National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) is Australia’s most prestigious and best-known drama school. It has played a significant role in the development of Australia’s performing arts industry and has produced numerous famous actors, directors, and other industry professionals.

From 1984 until 1986 when I joined AAP, I volunteered as photographer-in-residence at AFTRS and NIDA. These portraits of Marina Finlay, Elaine Lee and Kenneth Radley were made during film student productions, and Wayne Scott Kermond and Steve Vidler and others were during the collaboration AFTRS NIDA Actor Director Relationship Course held at NIDA in 1985. Words & Photos © by Mark Anning

Actress Elaine Lee during a NIDA-AFTRS production — Marina Finlay

Scroll down for a brief history of NIDA, including the courses taught and some of its famous graduates:

History of National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA)

NIDA was established in 1958, and it is located in Kensington, Sydney, Australia. The school was founded by a group of visionaries led by Sir Robert Helpmann, an acclaimed Australian ballet dancer and actor, and was officially opened by then Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies. John Clark was its first director.

The institute was created with the aim of providing comprehensive professional training in the dramatic arts, including acting, directing, and other related performance arts disciplines.

NIDA has always been closely associated with the professional theater and film industries in Australia, and its curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in these fields.

Over the years, NIDA has become one of the world’s most prestigious drama schools, renowned for its rigorous training programs and commitment to excellence in the performing arts. NIDA has grown and evolved, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in acting, directing, writing, production, costume design, and other areas of the dramatic arts.

Courses Taught at NIDA

NIDA offers a variety of courses in the dramatic arts, including:

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting): This is one of NIDA’s most prestigious programs and focuses on actor training.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Design and Production): This program covers various aspects of theater and film production, including set design, lighting, sound, and costume design.

Master of Fine Arts (Directing): NIDA offers a postgraduate directing program for those interested in pursuing careers as directors in theater and film.

Master of Fine Arts (Writing for Performance): This program is designed for playwrights and scriptwriters.

Master of Fine Arts (Voice): NIDA also offers a program dedicated to voice training for actors.

Various Short Courses: NIDA offers a wide range of short courses and workshops catering to various aspects of the performing arts for actors, directors, and other theater and film professionals.. These include:

Acting: This program focuses on training actors in various techniques, styles, and methods of acting.

Directing: This program trains individuals in the art and craft of directing for stage, screen, and other performance mediums.

Writing for Performance: This course is designed for playwrights and screenwriters, providing them with the skills and knowledge to create compelling scripts for stage, television, and film.

Design for Performance: This program focuses on training designers for theatre, film, and other live performances, covering areas like set design, costume design, lighting, and sound.

Technical Theatre and Stage Management: This course is for those interested in the technical aspects of theatre production, including stage management, lighting, sound, and set construction.

Voice and Movement: This program focuses on training performers in techniques to enhance their vocal and physical abilities for the stage and screen.

Production: This course encompasses various aspects of producing live performances and events.

Cultural Leadership: This program is designed for individuals interested in leadership roles within the arts and cultural industries.

NIDA National Institute of Dramatic Arts 1985 © Mark Anning photo All Rights Reserved

Steve Vidler, left, and Wayne Scott Kermond at NIDA
© Mark Anning photos, All Rights Reserved. Contact us.

Famous NIDA Graduates

NIDA has produced many highly successful and influential actors, directors, and other professionals in the performing arts. Some of the notable graduates include:

Cate Blanchett: An Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in films such as “Elizabeth,” “The Aviator,” “Blue Jasmine” and “The Lord of the Rings” series.

Hugo Weaving: Known for his roles in movies like “The Matrix” series, “V for Vendetta,” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

Mel Gibson: A prominent actor, director, and producer known for films like “Braveheart,” “Lethal Weapon,” and “Mad Max.”

Toni Collette: Renowned for her performances in films like “The Sixth Sense,” “Muriel’s Wedding,” “Little Miss Sunshine” and TV series like “United States of Tara.”

Sam Worthington: Known for his roles in movies like “Avatar,” “Terminator Salvation,” and “Clash of the Titans.”

Judy Davis: An acclaimed actress known for her work in both film and theater, known for films like “A Passage to India,” “Husbands and Wives,” and “Barton Fink.”

David Wenham: Known for his roles in “The Lord of the Rings” films and “300.”

Marina Finlay: Marina’s TV acting credits include Prisoner, Young Doctors, Sons and Daughters, and Taurus Rising. Marina Finlay was awarded a Diploma in Acting from NIDA in 1981.

Catherine Martin: An accomplished production designer and costume designer, known for her work on films like “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby.”

Baz Luhrmann: A highly influential filmmaker known for directing movies like “Moulin Rouge!” and “The Great Gatsby.”

Kenneth Radley: You may have seen Kenneth Radley in The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert; Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales & Salazar’s Revenge; The Power of the Dog; Rabbit-Proof Fence; Bananas in Pyjamas (he is B1), and more.

Steve Vidler: A versatile and accomplished Australian actor, screenwriter and director. Some of Steve Vidler‘s notable acting roles include films such as Robbery Under Arms (1985), Dogwatch (1999), and Two Hands (1999). He also had roles in TV series like “Home and Away” and the BAFTA award winning British series “Jeopardy”.

These are just a few examples, and there are many more successful actors, directors, designers, and industry professionals who have trained and graduated from NIDA. The institute continues to play a vital role in the development of Australia’s performing arts industry, nurturing and producing talented individuals who contribute to both local and international entertainment.

The National Institute of Dramatic Art is Australia’s leading institution for education and training in the performing arts. NIDA continues to play a vital role in shaping the Australian and international entertainment industry by providing world-class training to emerging talent in the performing arts.

AFTRS NIDA Actor Director Relationship Course

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1985 © Mark Anning photos, All Rights Reserved. Contact us for prints or before usage.