Musical Theatre
NIDA’s Vocational Diploma of Musical Theatre is an intensive year of practical study that will elevate you to become a ‘triple threat’– singer/dancer/actor.
Through this course, you will develop the rigour and skill you need to get a foothold in musical theatre. The course is industry-driven, with content delivered by practising professionals and guest tutors from the performing arts industry.
You will learn to respond creatively to scripts and songs, collaborate effectively with others and make informed decisions about character interpretation. The aim is that when you graduate, your skills in acting will be as highly developed as your skills in singing and dancing.
Training is practical, with an even distribution of classes in singing, dancing and acting. You will train in ensemble and solo singing in a range of musical theatre repertoire, in acting technique for both spoken and sung dialogue, and in ensemble and individual dance in a variety of styles. Assessments take place towards the end of each term. The course culminates in a showcase attended by musical theatre practitioners, producers and agents.
Want to know more about this course? Sabrina Durante and Justin Rynne, students in the class of 2016, explain.
Auditions and how to apply
How to apply
Admission requirements
Applicants seeking admission must:
- Have reached the age of 17 before the commencement of the course
- Have completed their Higher School Certificate or equivalent; ATAR is not required
- Demonstrate a high level of practical ability, potential and motivation at the interview or audition
- Complete the interview/audition requirements for the course
Application process
Applications are open from 1 July until 30 September.
All applicants must attend an audition. Please note that there is a non-refundable application fee of $75.00
Audition and Interview
- Application is by audition and interview.
- Please note that this booking system is hosted by the NIDA Open site.
- Auditions take place in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane towards the end of the year.
- Audition time slots can be booked online from 1 July to 30 September.
- Late applications after 30 September may be considered if there are spaces available.
- Audition via video or other electronic means may be considered in certain circumstances.
- Prepare for your audition by reading the information below.
The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
Audition dates
Melbourne
- Tuesday, 24 October 2017
- Wednesday, 25 October 2017
- Thursday, 26 October 2017
- Friday, 27 October 2017 Call Backs
Brisbane
- Tuesday, 31 October 2017
- Wednesday, 1 November 2017 Call Backs
Sydney
- Friday, 24 November 2017
- Monday, 27 November 2017
- Tuesday, 28 November 2017
- Wednesday, 29 November 2017
- Thursday, 30 November 2017
- Friday, 1 December 2017 Call Backs
- Saturday, 2 December 2017 Call Backs
Audition
Audition requirements
All applicants must attend an audition and answer a selection of interview questions in person at the audition.
Please prepare:
- Two contrasting songs from musical theatre. These should be appropriate to your age, gender and vocal range. We want you to feel comfortable and confident in the presentation of these songs.
- One short monologue from a contemporary or classical play of approximately two minutes in length.
NIDA will provide an accompanist; please bring sheet music in the keys in which you will perform your songs.
NIDA encourages applications from students from diverse backgrounds, with different levels of experience in the entertainment industry.
Due to the volume of auditions carried out, we are unable to provide you with individual feedback. The decision of the audition panel is final.
It is not possible to defer an offer of a place at NIDA.
Audition process
On the day
Be prepared to present your songs and monologue, and to discuss your previous training and performance experience. At the end of this session you may be asked to attend a call-back at a later time.
At the call-back
You will learn and present a short dance routine and may be required to re-present your songs and monologue.
Outcome
If we are able to offer you a place on the course, we will contact you in mid-December.
Tips for the day
- Wear suitable clothing – any casual clothing that does not limit movement is acceptable.
- Dancewear is appropriate at the callback auditions.
Selection of students
Selection Criteria
We select applicants who:
- Demonstrate skills in singing, dancing and acting
- Exhibit a capacity to collaborate
- Communicate effectively and are proficient in written and spoken English
- Respond to direction and feedback.
Contact
If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:
Email: vocational@nida.edu.au
Phone: +61 (02) 9697 7516
Mail:
Vocational applications
NIDA
215 Anzac Parade
Kensington NSW 2033
Course structure
Course dates and times
2018 Course dates
Duration of the course is 5 February 2018 – 5 October 2018, 4 days per week, usually 9am–5pm.
Term 1
Monday 5 February–Friday 13 April 2018
Term 2
Monday 30 April – Friday 6 July
Term 3
Monday 23 July – Friday 5 October
The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
2017 Course dates
Duration of the course is 23 January to 5 October 2017, 4 days per week, 9am-5pm.
Course overview
Subjects
The vocational CUA50213 Diploma of Musical Theatre course comprises the following units of competency:
- CUAIND402 Provide freelance services
- CUAMPF407 Develop vocal techniques
- CUAPRF501 Refine performance techniques
- CUAPRF503 Prepare for performances in a competitive environment
- CUAPRF504 Refine musical theatre techniques
- CUAWHS501 Maintain a high level of fitness for performance
- CUADAN505 Refine contemporary dance technique
- CUAMLT501 Refine aural-perception skills
- CUAMPF602 Manage stagecraft aspects of performances
- CUAPRF601 Extend musical theatre performance techniques to a professional level
- CUAPPR502 Develop own sustainable professional practice
- CUAACT401 Use a range of acting techniques in performance
- CUAACT402 Develop acting techniques for musical theatre
- CUAPRF408 Perform solo in a musical theatre context
- CUAPRF409 Perform in a musical theatre ensemble
- CUAVOS401 Develop singing techniques for musical theatre
Learning outcomes
Learning outcomes
The Vocational Diploma of Musical Theatre has a number of valuable learning outcomes.
Over the year you will:
- Extend your skills in solo and ensemble singing, dancing and acting
- Prepare to work as a performer in musical theatre and cabaret productions
- Develop creative skills for a range of collaborative situations
- Develop autonomy in responding to and creating complex theatrical roles.
Careers
As a graduate of the Vocational Diploma of Musical Theatre you have the performance skills and theory knowledge to be employed in a range of industries, including television, film, theatre and radio.
Potential careers
- Musical Theatre performer
- Singer
- Dancer
- Actor
- Cabaret performer
Fees
Fees
The Vocational Diploma of Musical Theatre is only open to domestic students.
Domestic students are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens.
Tuition Fees for 2018 for Vocational Diploma of Musical Theatre Students
Fees for 2018: $18,000
Schedule of VET tuition fees 2018 for Diploma of Musical Theatre
Further financial information
VET Student Loans
NIDA is an approved VET Student Loans provider. Eligible students may be able to obtain an Australian Government student loan for all or part of their tuition fees.
For further information, please visit VET Student Loans.
Financial assistance
Eligible students, who are Australian residents, can apply to Centrelink for financial assistance through Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY. Visit Centrelink or call 132 490 for more information.
NIDA is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority under the National Vocational Education and Regulator Act 2011 as an NVR Registered Training Organisation (RTO): ID number 90349.
NIDA is an approved delegate of the Australian Skills Quality Authority. Registered Training Organisation (RTO) ID number 90349.
Read more about NIDA's Director of Vocational Studies Mark Gaal
NIDA is an approved delegate of the Australian Skills Quality Authority. Registered Training Organisation (RTO) ID number 90349.
