Diploma of Musical Theatre
NIDA’s Vocational Diploma of Musical Theatre is an intensive year of practical study, that elevates you to become a ‘triple threat’: singer, dancer and actor.
NIDA is able to provide you with the rigour and skill required to get a foothold in musical theatre. The course is industry driven with content delivered by practising professionals and guest 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. As a graduate of this course, your skills in acting will be as developed as your skills in singing and dancing.
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 Showcase of your work in one of the NIDA Theatres attended by entertainment industry practitioners, producers and agents.
Applications for 2019 courses are now closed.
About the course
Want to know more about this course? Sabrina Durante and Justin Rynne, students in the class of 2016, explain.
Course dates and times
2019 Course dates
In 2019 the course will be delivered at our Sydney campus. Duration of the course is 4 February 2019 – 27 September 2019, 4 days per week, 9am–5pm.
Term 1
Monday 4 February–Friday 12 April
Term 2
Monday 29 April – Friday 5 July
Term 3
Monday 15 July – Friday 27 September
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 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.
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 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 2019 for Vocational Diploma of Musical Theatre Students
Fees for 2019: $18,270
Schedule of VET tuition fees 2019 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 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 (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
Create your application account (link to be provided from 2 July).
You will then be sent an automatic email with your log in details to continue your application.
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.
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
Melbourne
- Tuesday, 20 November 2018
- Wednesday, 21 November 2018
- Thursday, 22 November 2018
Sydney
- Monday, 26 November 2018
- Tuesday, 27 November 2018
- Wednesday, 28 November 2018
- Thursday, 29 November 2018
- Friday, 30 November 2018
Brisbane
- Wednesday, 5 December 2018
- Thursday, 6 December 2018
Callback Dates
- Melbourne – Friday 23 November
- Sydney – Monday 10 December
- Brisbane – Friday 7 December
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 one of your prepared songs.
- Discuss your previous training and performance experience.
- Potentially be invited to perform your second song and/or your monologue.
You may be asked to attend a recall audition. This may occur on another day and may involve additional preparation. The recall usually involves demonstrating your dance ability and response to choreography.
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.
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
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 Director of Vocational Studies 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
