The National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) at its Kensington Campus offers a comprehensive range of programs focused on dramatic arts, theatre, and performance. As Australia's premier drama school, NIDA emphasizes practical, industry-ready training in acting, directing, design, and production.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting): This intensive three-year program immerses students in classical and contemporary acting techniques, voice, movement, and text analysis. Students perform in productions ranging from Shakespeare to modern Australian plays, building versatility for stage, screen, and voice work. Graduates emerge as skilled performers ready for professional careers.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Directing): Over three years, aspiring directors learn script analysis, collaboration with actors, and production management. The curriculum includes workshops on staging, visual storytelling, and working with diverse ensembles, culminating in student-directed productions.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Properties and Objects): This specialized course trains students in creating props for theatre and film, covering design, construction, and historical replication. Hands-on projects ensure proficiency in materials like wood, metal, and composites.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Production and Design): Students explore scenic design, lighting, and costume, integrating technology and sustainability. The program features collaborative projects with other disciplines.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Sound): Focused on audio design for performance, this degree covers sound engineering, composition, and spatial audio, with opportunities to design for live shows and recordings.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Stage Management): Training in production coordination, scheduling, and artist welfare, preparing students to lead theatre operations professionally.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Theatre and Design): A broad technical foundation in rigging, automation, and venue management, emphasizing safety and innovation.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (Writing for Performance): Develops skills in playwriting, screenwriting, and adaptation, with feedback from industry mentors and public readings.
- Master of Fine Arts (Directing): An advanced one-year program for experienced practitioners, focusing on innovative directing methods and leadership in the arts sector.
- Master of Fine Arts (Writing): Builds on undergraduate skills with advanced narrative techniques and industry placements.
Additionally, NIDA offers short courses, youth programs, and continuing education in areas like voice training, improvisation, and digital performance. The campus facilities, including state-of-the-art theatres and studios, support immersive learning. With a curriculum blending theory and practice, NIDA fosters creativity, collaboration, and cultural awareness, preparing graduates for dynamic careers in the global arts industry. Programs emphasize diversity, inclusivity, and engagement with Indigenous and multicultural perspectives, ensuring students contribute meaningfully to Australia's cultural landscape.
