CUA50213 Diploma of Musical Theatre
This course is an intensive year of practical study that elevates you to become a ‘triple threat’: singer, dancer and actor. Providing the rigour and skill required to get a foothold in musical theatre, the course is industry driven, delivered by practising professionals and leading tutors from the entertainment arts industry.
You will be trained to respond creatively to scripts and songs, collaborate effectively with others and make informed decisions about character interpretation. Training is practical, with an even distribution of classes in each of the disciplines of singing, dancing and acting.
You will train in ensemble and solo singing in a range of musical theatre repertoire, acting technique for both spoken and sung dialogue, and in ensemble and individual dance in a variety of styles.
The course culminates in a live showcase of your work in one of the NIDA Theatres attended by entertainment industry practitioners, producers and agents.
Applications to study at NIDA in 2021 will open on Monday 6 July.
About the course
Course dates and times
2020 Course dates
In 2020 the course will be delivered at our Sydney campus. Duration of the course is 3 February 2020 – 4 December 2020, with an extended break between April and July due to the Covid 19 pandemic. Classes are scheduled 4 days per week, 9am–5pm.
Term 1
Monday 3 February–Thursday 9 April
Term 2
Monday 13 July – Friday 18 September
Term 3
Monday 28 September – Friday 4 December
The scheduling and delivery of this course each year is subject to minimum enrolment numbers.
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 CUA50213 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.
Admission criteria
Essential requirements for admission
Admission criteria
Applicants seeking admission must:
- Have reached the age of 18 before the commencement of the course
- Have completed their Higher School Certificate or equivalent; ATAR is not required
- Demonstrate competence in vocal, dance and/or acting skills at Certificate IV level
- Demonstrate a high level of practical ability, potential and motivation at the interview or audition
- Complete the interview/audition requirements for the course
Essential requirements
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.
Fees
Fees
The CUA50213 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 CUA50213 Diploma of Musical Theatre students
2020 Full course fee: $18,450
Further financial information
VET Student Loans
NIDA is an approved VET Student Loans provider.
Enrolled vocational students can defer part of their fees using VET Student Loans (Australian citizens and permanent residents only). A 20% loan fee applies to VET Student Loans. The amount of the VET Student Loans provided for a part of a course or unit, plus the VET Student Loan fee of 20% is referred to as the VETSL Debt. More information regarding VET Students Loans can be found here;
https://www.education.gov.au/information-vet-student-loans-students
VETSL Debt repayments are generally made after the student commences full time employment, repayment amounts are taken out of their pay by the Australian tax system. Students can make voluntary repayments at any time to reduce their balance; payments are made directly to the Australian Tax Office.
More information about paying back your VETSL Debt can be found here;
https://www.education.gov.au/vet-students/how-repayments-are-made-vet-loans
https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Study-and-training-support-loans/Voluntary-repayments/
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 (ASQA) under the National Vocational Education and Regulator Act 2011 to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. NIDA is a NVR Registered Training Organisation (RTO): ID number 90349.
How to apply
How to apply
There are six steps to successfully applying for a NIDA course:
STEP 1
New Applicants: Create your application account here. You will be sent an automatic email with your log in details to continue your application.
Returning 2019 applicants: If your email address already exists in the application system you will not be able to create a new account . Please follow the link below to reset your password, use your email address as your User Login ID. Reset your password here.
STEP 2
Log in, select the green ‘New Application’ button and complete the online form.
STEP 3
Upload the following documentation to the online form:
- A passport style photograph (less than six months old, in colour, well lit, plain background).
- Proof of identification (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, birth certificate; ID must show your date of birth).
- Evidence of your most recent qualification (e.g. school report, Higher School Certificate, university transcript or testamur).
STEP 4
Make payment of the AUD$75 administration fee by credit/debit card. This is a
non-refundable fee
STEP 5
Book your audition date in your nearest capital city.
STEP 6
Attend your audition in person. Auditions will take place in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.
Prepare for your audition by reading the information below.
Audition dates
Brisbane
- Thursday 7 November 2019 (audition timeslot is now full, sessions are still open in Sydney and Melbourne)
Sydney
- Monday 25 November 2019
- Tuesday 26 November 2019
- Wednesday 27 November 2019
- Thursday 28 November 2019
- Friday 29 November 2019
Melbourne
- Monday 2 December 2019
- Tuesday 3 December 2019
- Wednesday 4 December 2019
- Thursday 5 December 2019
Callback Dates
- Brisbane – Thursday 7 November 2019
- Melbourne – Thursday 5 December or Friday 6 December 2019
- Sydney – Monday 9 December or Tuesday 10 December 2019
Audition
Audition requirements
Applicants must attend an audition/interview session.
When you book an interview:
- Provide us with an outline of your previous experience and training.
You will need to prepare:
- Two contrasting songs from musical theatre.
- One short monologue from a contemporary or classical play.
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
At the audition, you will:
- Present your prepared monologue.
- Present one of your prepared songs.
- Discuss your previous training and performance experience.
- Potentially be invited to perform your second song or a second monologue if you have one prepared.
If you are invited to a recall audition, you will:
- Participate in a dance call to demonstrate your response to choreography.
- Potentially perform your prepared songs or monologue again.
- Discuss your previous training and performance experience.
- Recalls may occur on another day or involve additional preparation, you will be provided with information regarding recalls at the audition if successful.
Outcome
If we are able to offer you a place on the course, we will contact you in mid-December via phone and email.
Tips for the day
- Wear suitable clothing – any casual clothing that does not limit movement is acceptable.
- Dancewear is appropriate at the callback auditions.
Careers
As a graduate of the CUA50213 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
See NIDA's list of Alumni.
Further info
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
Further information regarding NIDA's vocational training products can be found at Training.gov.au
Read more about NIDA's Executive Director Pathways and Partnerships Mark Gaal
NIDA is registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services. RTO (Registered Training Organisation) code: 90349
